Alright, I have a question. I know that Ed says he doesn't like strangers to pat his puppies and dogs, and only allows the dog's "pack" to handle the dog. What about people who have puppies or adult dogs that would want to volunteer at hospitals, for reading help for children, etc? How would that work? Is there a way to allow for this type of socialization while still maintaining this pack structure?

 Quote: tiffanygriffin

Alright, I have a question. I know that Ed says he doesn't like strangers to pat his puppies and dogs, and only allows the dog's "pack" to handle the dog. What about people who have puppies or adult dogs that would want to volunteer at hospitals, for reading help for children, etc? How would that work? Is there a way to allow for this type of socialization while still maintaining this pack structure?

Yes. Here's a thread with some info to get you started.
http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/99128/page/1

As mentioned, you will probably want to get this video:
http://www.leerburg.com/120.htm

Thank you for directing me to that thread!

I know a lot of people who do the therapy work with adult dogs that they've rescued. Does anybody have any insight as to how to properly work with socialization with an adult dog or would it be similar to what you'd do with a pup? I've done socializing before as I've rescued quite a few dogs, but I'm new to Ed's site and methods so I'm wondering how his way would apply. I'm not sure if I'll do any therapy with the dogs I have now, but just out of curiousity.

I'm not sure if anybody on here is really into this type of thing, as I know most people are here for working purposes.

I consider therapy and assistance dogs "working" dogs. They have jobs.

I've done obedience work with assistance dogs (seizure and hearing).

I will PM you with some info.

I did pet therapy for about 12 years with my old crew (2 collie mixes and 1 GSD). Yes, it is a different structure because the dogs do have to interact with children, older adults and other dogs. We visited as a group. I have to say it was probably the most rewarding, humbling and gratifying experience I have ever had. I made some wonder friends during these years and sadly to say, lost a few also. To see the kids light up when you come into a room or visit older folks who have not had any visitors (friends or family). We visited children with severe handicaps, blind, deaf, etc. The smiles you would get when they touched an ear, a cold nose or a wagging tail. The reaction you would get when the dogs would "speak", you just can't describe. My old crew is gone now, but I still visit with the group. We had a pack order here at the house, they respected their leader and everone got along fine. Yes, it is a different structure than what most of you have, but if you ever have the opportunity to get involved or visit along with someone who does this, please go. I don't think you will be dissapointed. Ruger, my current GSD, is not quite cut out for therapy at this time. There is no problem with people, but he doesn't play well with other canines at this time. He was fine with the old guys, but not with strangers. It may be a little diificult to play both sides of the fence. Check out http://www.tdi-dog.org for more information.

You are right, assistance dogs are definitely "working dogs". I'm thinking more along the lines of those who do pet therapy (and yes that can be considered a job as well). I do think that dogs can have multiple jobs, if it's the right dog.

I really want to do some therapy work, but I don't think my boys would qualify right now. Java is still too hyper (he's a year and a half) for it at this point, and Dunkin is really exciteable too. Both are good with other dogs and people, but need a lot of work around other animals as they get really excited. I'm hoping through consitant, hard work they'll calm down and be able to do some good.

I actually originally was looking for a dog to adopt that would be cut out for the work when I took Java. When I first met him (I only had 10 minutes to decide on which two dogs to pull as they were in the van already on the way to the vet to be PTS) he seemed like a happy, but calm boy. Boy did that change quick! He's a psycho lol, but we all know how dogs change in different environments.

I really would love to get out there with him especially to help others, and the breed just that little bit. But I am probably going to be getting a pup in the next year or so, therefore I'll have more of a chance to raise it right from the beginning.

Thanks a ton for the link, I'll be checking it out!