Kodee was an angel!!! Bass Pro allows dogs on leashes all the time, and I took Kodee and had him wear his Therapy Dog/In Training vest. He was so good!!! He rode in an elevator for the first time - went on it 2 or 3 different times and didn't faze him at all. We practiced stairs - he was terrified at first - they have long staircase there that are hard, and he's only used to the carpeted stairs in our house and of course, to our deck. Anyway, I treated him each time we reached the bottom or top of the staircase, and although he still doesn't love them, he was getting more used to them by the time we left. We practiced greeting everyone in a sit, and several people treated him while he was sitting. Before long he was sitting whenever we started to meet someone. I also had him go into downs whenever I sat on a bench or couch in the store.

The staff there was amazing. They all said that lots of people bring working dogs there, and they all asked if he was on duty before greeting him. I had to ask a couple of people to please not give him commands (everyone wants to get him to do something, it seems). One customer held his hand out and told Kodee "shake." LOL....anyway, we had a great time and he was exposed to so many new things, and I got tons of compliments from people both on how well-trained he is and how beautiful he is.

The funny thing is that while we were training (I practiced doing commands with him here and there throughout the store, under pretty heavy distraction, like under the tunnel next to the waterfall, etc), it dawned on me that he is really going to be a "working dog." It's too much fun to seem like work to either of us, but I am so proud that we are doing so well so far. This is my first time training a dog, and so far I can't believe that it actually seems to be working!!!

We also stopped at Supertarget on the way home, and just ran in for a couple of things. He did great, but he was starting to get restless by the time we left. I knew by then he was getting worn out, and I don't want to overstimulate him. I know I need to stop before it stops being fun for him.

The one concern I have right now is that he is wearing a prong for these outings, to self-correct so he learns not to pull towards people to greet them. Is this a bad idea to be doing this now? I know that he can't wear the prong for the CGC test of the exam for TDI certification...

If anyone has any input re: the prong during this phase of the training, I would appreciate it. I do plan to start the correction phase in the next 3 or 4 mos with the prong, but eventually want to take him everywhere on a flat collar.

Kori, Congrats on his good behavior!

You are asking some of the same questions I have. I was thinking I would also like to do therapy dog work. I haven't looked too hard into it. I have no idea what the rules re in regards to training.

Can anyone that wishes thier dog to someday do this just buy a vest, and start taking thier dogs places?

I was also wondering about the prong, as my hard head still will try to pull when he gets too excited. We did take him into Home Depot the other day with a martingale type collar, and he was pretty good, but did still pull when wanting to greet some people. And seemed to have a little trouble remembering to heel. Lots of distractions though. The obedience drills we did were good.

So I echo your question:

"The one concern I have right now is that he is wearing a prong for these outings, to self-correct so he learns not to pull towards people to greet them. Is this a bad idea to be doing this now?......eventually want to take him everywhere on a flat collar"

Congrats!

I find that places that allow dogs are the worst places if you dont want people to interact with your dog LOL.

I heard a checkout lady at PetSmart complain about how badly service dog owners treat their dogs and how arrogant they are not letting her give them a treat.

Gotta love the views of the ill informed........

Do all Bass Pro's allow dogs? Or only some?

Good Boy Kodee! A freind of mine (whose son is a regular subject for my SAR dogs) has a therapy dog (cocker spaniel) who passed her AKC CGC and Therapy Dogs International (TDI)certification. She enjoys taking him to nursing homes and hospice units.

Shody, I would think if you google the above organiziations you would get some good information on where to start.

How old is Kodee? Most GSDs don't hit that "mature" age until almost three years old. IMO I don't see any problems continuing with the prong right now, especially if you are just taking him places to "expand his horizons" so to speak.

Sandy

Kori;
I find dogs make progress more quickly if you reward much more frequently, for each step. I also reward for a good attitude.
Happy Training!

Wait dogs at supertarget?!?!
is it only supertarget or regular ones as well?
Because what I needed was another excuse to go to target
NOT!!
I never take mine to petsmart..but I also dont shop there
and I ditto Bass Pro Loki loves to go there because it is very low key and not busy during weekdays.

The hunters that tend to be in there also fawn over him, this doesnt happen anywhere else because people think he is a lab mix so not interesting or a dobie and not to be approached.

Usually I take mine to these places:
Ace hardware, the smaller of the local malls, my local health food store and sort of outdoor markets or festivals that arent too big, like farmers markets or art walks.

My favorite unplanned socializing to date was when we happened to be at a campground the weekend a big group of boy scouts were having one of their long campouts. Over 100, 8 to 12 yr old boys, Young enough to still be enamored with a big goofy floppy eared dog, but old enough to be polite and enjoyable to be around.

I have never seen a happier dog, as there is nothing better than boys in his mind!

Super Target: Service dogs can go anywhere.

It wont let me edit and I forgot to add
Yay for Kodee!!! Isn't it awesome when they are angels
When he wears the backpack do you notice a change in demeanor automatically, almost like he now feels a purpose?

We are working in the CGC with Loki, he has issues with behaving calmly with a weird stranger approaching, he doesnt get aggressive but he gets very worked up and excitable.

His heel is also not good, he walks on a loose leash most of the time but heel leaves a lot to be desired

But he is only two so there is time, I think he would be perfect for visiting nursing homes, or the READ program with kids, as he has plenty of love to spare and is very gentle.

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

Super Target: Service dogs can go anywhere.

Do they need to be official service dogs or can they be service dogs in training, If we are working towards our therapy dog cert but not affiliated with anyone yet does that count?,
do they ever ask for papers or anything?


Wait I thought service dogs were welcome nearly everywhere, even when dogs normally aren't

Edited by Jennifer Lee (03/05/2008 04:01 PM)
Edit reason: question added

 Quote: sandra vernlund

How old is Kodee? Most GSDs don't hit that "mature" age until almost three years old.

Sandy

Yeah, how old is Kodee? That's amazing! It gives me something to shoot for when we welcome our GSD into our home.