Drift my 2 year old GSD (Chasidy vom Leerburg) started her therapy dog career today. I work with delinquent and/or mentally ill teens and she is the new therapy dog for the site. She was really awesome!!! She won over the staff and clients in minutes.

The minute I took her into the building, she exuded an air of calmness that everyone seemed to catch. I was reluctant to take her today because it has been hectic all week, and just yesterday a kid punched a hole in the wall. But, if I waited for it to be calm there, she would never come! So I loaded her and her travel crate and bag of toys into the car and off we went.

I honestly don't think it is a coincidence that today was the calmest day I have experienced at work. The kids were respectful (this is really rare) and they followed directions (rarer still).

Even when there was a little excitement, Drift took it in stride and wasn't ruffled a bit. I found that staff, in search of a moment of sanity, came to my office and gave her an ear scratch too

I think Drift, with her wonderful and loving personality, will be an amazing addition to the treatment team. She still needs to complete her testing for certification, but that won't be a problem for her.

I want to thank Ed and Cindy for breeding such a perfect dog and letting her live with me!!!!

Here is a picture of her http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=49370&l=52f664b9d1&id=100000929359537

Thanks for allowing me to post my little brag

--Kelly

What a great story for everyone! She is gorgeous! Keep posting the progress.

Congrats Kelly and Drift!!!

Nicely done, Kelly!!

There is no doubt that a well-behaved 4-legged creature can be a calming influence with the 2-legged. No lectures, no advice, no dirty looks, just a presence that exudes acceptance and self-control.

Wow, and for a 2 year old dog, that's so cool that he's ready for a therapy dog routine. Speaks highly of his socialization and training and of course his genetics as you mentioned.

What sorts of limits do you place on the kids when you bring Drift in? I'd assume they get some instructions of some kind...

Very nice beginning. You and Drift are to be CONGRATULATED!!!

 Quote: Rob Abel

What sorts of limits do you place on the kids when you bring Drift in? I'd assume they get some instructions of some kind...

The kids all got to meet her 1:1 and as a group. The proper way to approach and interact with her was explained and modeled. They were told that for the first week or so it would be better to not run up to her or make super loud noises around her. I asked that if they want to interact with her they should ask to do so respectfully. They were told that if they are exhibiting any kind of unsafe or disrespectful behaviors they would not get to interact with her.

All of the kids were excited to meet her and asked all kinds of questions about her. One of the best things with using a therapy dog is that they almost instantly build trust with even the most resistant clients

Letters went home to all parents explaining what Drift will be doing and her role in the treatment of the clients. Parents were encouraged to come and meet her (one mother did come today too!!).

I think it will be a great experience for all involved: staff, clients, Drift and myself.

 Quote: kelly at leerburg

One of the best things with using a therapy dog is that they almost instantly build trust with even the most resistant clients ..I think it will be a great experience for all involved: staff, clients, Drift and myself.

You bet, completely agree. You've just uncovered an extremely valuable tool in working with these kiddos (I'm in the business, too). I don't get to see therapy dogs much in my travels, but I've always thought the treatment centers that I travel to are ripe for a dog....

As an aside, I had a co-worker bring her poorly trained, over-reactive young Dobie female into a junior high school. Ended up biting a student in the rear. Didn't cause permanent injury, but suffice it to say, the dog owner lost privileges forever, AND WORSE, made a bad name for canines around kids in school. As I understand it, the employee (a teacher) was nearly fired for her poor judgement. I'd been around the dog at school before, and I knew the dog wasn't even close to being ready to be in the public. The owner couldn't even keep her in a down-stay among seated adults in a boring meeting.

Do you do any protection training with Drift as well? I've been wondering increasingly whether there are "do it all dogs" that can take the sport training, then mellow down for therapy work too. I realize it would take a special animal - but is that a realistic combination of skills to expect in a well-bred and socialized dog?

Drift has had foundation bitework, and really LOVES the sleeve. She could probably do decent club level work, but no titles or anything like that.

I decided to go the therapy dog route and will be competing her in Rally this summer as well.

I've seen some pretty poor examples of "therapy dogs" as well. I even saw one that was used with young kids that growled for cripes sake. It's these dogs that make it harder to get a dog like Drift into a treatment facility.

Way to go Drift and Kel! Awesome job!!

You should've seen her Sarah!! She rocked!! Never made a sound, was calm and collected, accepted everyone, and listened to every word I said.

Amazing dog!!!!

Thats a beautiful dog. Looks very nice with her straight back and gracile features. I wish they bred GSDs like that here. You should post some videos of her if you can