February 29, 2012
How does a person socialize a puppy to be a therapy dog?
Full Question:
I understand the reasons why a normal family or protection dog shouldn't be socialized by having strangers touch or feed them. My question is: how does a person socialize a puppy to be a therapy dog? This will involve being touched, hugged, handled, petted, fed, etc.- by children especially- (since the dog will be a READ therapy dog- http://www.therapyanimals.org/R.E.A.D.-Program.html#Q5150). Do I still just keep puppy in the vicinity of others and her attention focused on me, or do I need to adapt the socialization so pup gets used to that kind of extensive handling? Or, do I do the Leerburg style of socialization until the dog is very unflappable in all situations THEN add extra handling by strangers?If I don't adapt it, how will the dog adjust to the extra handling when she starts therapy work?
I'm looking for answers PRIOR to getting a pup so that I'm prepared when I get her. Thanks for any advice you could offer.
Nicky
Cindy's Answer:
This question is really one that can only be answered by saying, "it depends."
So much of how you handle the puppy is going to depend on the personality and temperament of the puppy. Some puppies need handling by lots of different people and some don't regardless of their future careers. Since you don't even have the puppy yet, I don't think I can give an accurate answer. Dog training is not like making cookies, where each one is the same. It has to be modified for the dog you have in front of you.
You may want to contact KNOWLEDGABLE members of the therapy organizations you are interested in and ask about their experiences.
Cindy Rhodes
So much of how you handle the puppy is going to depend on the personality and temperament of the puppy. Some puppies need handling by lots of different people and some don't regardless of their future careers. Since you don't even have the puppy yet, I don't think I can give an accurate answer. Dog training is not like making cookies, where each one is the same. It has to be modified for the dog you have in front of you.
You may want to contact KNOWLEDGABLE members of the therapy organizations you are interested in and ask about their experiences.
Cindy Rhodes
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