I have a new standard poodle puppy (11 wks)that I would like to train to work mostly with kids (autistic and hospitalized.) I ordered the video "How to Raise a Working Puppy" and I am meeting with my trainer on May 30.

My question is about the mean time and if anyone has experience on socializing or "nuetralizing" a therapy dog prospect. My trainer said over the phone to obviously take her out to as many different places as possible and I loved what the video said about nuetralizing is more than just exposing them, but introducing small amounts of stress that they can overcome and build confidence with. AWESOME advice and I am trying to do that.

My question is about strangers. The video said not to let any strangers pet her or give her treats so that I become the center of her world. I get it. But with therapy work in particular she has to love strangers and enjoy being pet. Poodles are really "owner centered dogs" anyway and can be aloof to strangers. Unlike goldens who never met a stranger. My trainer said to let strangers give her treats and pet her under the chin, but the person has to come to her, she cannot go to the person. I don't have to make her sit (at this point) but she cannot be pulling on the leash going for them like a spaz. She has to be relaxed and obedient and she can never approach the stranger.

Anyone have advice on this? I'm not trying to put a ton of pressure on an 11 week old puppy. I'm just trying to not make HANDLER mistakes. Don't want to screw this up!

Also, trainer recommends I start with Canine Good Citizen, then Rally, then Therapy Dogs International. And maybe something else, I forgot.

Vanesa

Disregard that portion of the working puppy video.
That advice applies more towards sport/police dogs, than it does therapy dogs.

You WANT a social dog, so I would permit as much controlled, friendly greeting as possible while minimizing stress.

I firmly believe that every dog owner, regardless of their plans for their dog, should get a CGC. It is definitely a good first step.

Your trainer is also doing therapy work?

 Quote: Vanessa Dibernar

Also, trainer recommends I start with Canine Good Citizen, then Rally, then Therapy Dogs International. And maybe something else, I forgot.

Vanesa

Are you talking about titles or classes???

I know that the CGC and TDI titles are usually given at the same time. Although I am sure if you wanted to get them at different times, you could. However, the CGC is required for the TDI so the TDI is just the CGC test with a few other requirements tacked on. Any TDI is also a CGC.

By the way, I think this would be a very rewarding experience provided the dog enjoys it. I placed a dog that is now a TDI, and she was a shoe-in for it and absolutely adores her work.

I would also suggest that you try and get your puppy out every day, even if it's just for a few minutes, to meet some friendly people. At 11 wks you could just carry her and have people come up and offer her a hotdog bit or a scritch on the chin, then carry on. Watch the dog carefully to make sure it is a positive experience for her. Especially focus on bringing her to playgrounds and areas where there will be kids running around to get her used to yelling, running, playing children. Soccer games, parks, etc.

I am working towards my golden being a therapy dog also. I have talked to 2 of the TDI evaluators who will be doing our testing, and you do not have to have the CGC to get certified with TDI. They use a lot of the same criteria in their testing as the CGC, and so that is an excellent tool to train by - that's what I have been doing for the first 2 years of his life. They said if you can pass the CGC test, you will most likely pass the TDI test - one does nothing for the other. At least that's how it is in California with TDI. We don't even have a CGC class in our area, which is really weird! I asked the TDI evaluators if I should get a trainer to work with me to get the certification, and they both said it is not necessary at all - they are even sort of against it because the trainers charge you a fortune and then still many dogs don't pass because of temperament or fears, etc. She said a person who knows how to do all the basic training and socialization can do just fine on their own - and we seem to be!

Thanks for all the responses! This trainer had a really incredible therapy dog who died of old age in 2007. He also titles his dogs in obedience (goldens and labs) and to be honest I'm still figuring out all the terms. I've worked with him for a few years now, this is what his website says, "Our credits include numerous CD, CDX, WC, and WCX titled dogs in addition to therapy dogs for local hospitals."

I know that he runs his sessions all in preparation for the CGC test. Even for people who just have pets, he uses the same terms and teaches the things that are all on the test.

Today I took her to Dunkin Donuts and we sat out front and she wanted to go to everyone who walked by. I just held the leash and kind of ignored her. Let her go to the end of the leash and stick her nose out as far as she could. When people stopped to pet her I asked them to give her a treat and she loved it. She hasn't shown any fear at all which I'm super happy about. Two loud motorcycles pulled up and she just watched them, tail up, attentive. When I picked her up from the airport, I opened the crate and she came out tail wagging and happy as can be, walked on a leash and peed and acted like she had done it every day.

Took her to the playground today and we went all over the equipment, up the stairs, over the bridge (which has really wide gaps so you can see the ground, probably scarry for a lot of dogs, she didn't even think twice.) I went and sat down on the bench and took her off the leash (bad, I know..) and she went back to the playground and climbed up all this really big equipment all by herself in search for any dropped treats.

I could probably do it on my own, but I really like having someone stand over saying, "put your shoulders down, relax, breathe. Step off this way, do this, that." It's never about the dog, always about me!!

I just need to find some places that I can take her that has stuff similar to hospital equipment, wheel chairs, rolling beds, big scarry stuff.

 Quote: Vanessa Dibernar

I just need to find some places that I can take her that has stuff similar to hospital equipment, wheel chairs, rolling beds, big scarry stuff.

We found places like Home Depot to be useful for some of this since they have a variety of carts. If you talk to the manager at some of the big chain stores they may also let you briefly borrow a wheelchair that they have for store use.

TDI classes sometimes have these items available. You can also see if any nursing homes would let you bring your puppy to visit. (IT's very helpful that you have a non shedding dog). Nursing homes always have wheelchairs, people with canes, and medical equipment.