Therapy is for the dogs - Toronto Sun

Dear John:

What do you think about dog psychologists? Me? Not so much. -RNT

Hi RNT:

If you're talking about someone who brings the dog into their office, sticks it on the couch and asks it if it hates its mother, then me not so much either. However, dogs are intelligent and anyone that has studied dog behaviour in its nuances and variations in breeds and individual dogs might consider themselves students of dog psychology. Dog psychologist? A little self-aggrandizing, I think.

There are dog trainers that call themselves "behaviourists," and earlier in my career when I thought such a thing would distinguish me from the run of the mill dog trainer, I embraced the term. After a while, I thought it was silly and so now I'm just a dog trainer that believes in ethology with a strong emphasis on field observation, and has done a fair amount of literature study.

There is a branch of veterinary science now that certifies veterinarians as behaviourists. I believe their intellectual focus is mistakenly inverted when compared to that of a good dog trainer, with much more theoretical and laboratory emphasis rather than field experience. In my experience, they seem to have a poor grasp of the real world of dogs and their owners. I'm sure there are exceptions, but when it comes to actually training a wide range of dogs, as of yet I haven't met one that seemed to know the difference between a scientific paper and a pee pad. They seem to think that saying "no" to a dog will ruin its self-esteem forever.

I recently learned of a new branch of the pet mental health services, and if anything has ever got anyone's goat, my goat was got. On the truck radio, there was a pet psychic. I almost ran into the ditch. If I hadn't been driving I would have called her to see if she could figure out what I was thinking. Vomit and the word charlatan would have figured prominently.

Outside of the world of fantasy, here is what you'll find good and bad as your advisory options: people who have owned a dog or a few dogs. Their advice is often unsolicited. There are the "ignore bad behaviour - reward good behaviour" all-positive trainers - often "certified" - who think they're training for obedience, but are actually not getting much past the trick level. Then there are balanced dog trainers that excel at obedience, teaching dogs to do practical things as if it was a job instead of a trick.

Then there are trainers that have personally trained a thousand or more dogs. They can consistently help teach a dog to stop doing something harmful to others or itself, or at least reduce the impact of the negative behaviour on the dog and dog owner's lifestyle. Or they can do what to me is the mark of a true professional: be honest and be able to explain why meaningful change isn't going to happen.

Over the years, people interested in becoming dog trainers have approached me. They emphasize how much they love dogs, working with dogs, reading about dogs, etc. That doesn't move me much. Loving dogs is easy. Whatever the other requirements, a good dog trainer must love people. Without that natural ability in the forefront, it won't matter what they call themselves.

Pawsitively yours,

John Wade

Johnwade.ca

John Wade helps dog owners through his books, workshops and telephone consultations. If you have a question email him at johnwade@johnwade.ca.

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Trainer prepares pets for Naperville therapy dog program - Chicago Sun-Times

As a volunteer for nine years with the Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Edward Hospital, Wendy Yellin has seen firsthand how dogs can provide comfort and relief to hurting people. Although dogs may be ideal companions by nature, working in a hospital setting requires a level of obedience and focus that only comes with proper training. To prepare their canines, owners such as Yellin turn to longtime dog trainer Frank Brader. … Read More

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Pet Therapy - Pet advice by Sayville's own pet consultant - Sayville News

 

Have you resolved to do something for someone else in 2011? Maybe you and your dog can team up ? if your dog has the right temperament, he or she may be able to be a therapy dog! Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and affection to anyone in need: people in hospitals, retirement and nursing homes, special needs schools and more can all benefit.

Dogs of any size or breed can be a therapy dog. The single most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. A therapy dog must be patient, friendly, calm, confident, gentle, and comfortable in all situations. Therapy dogs are ?people? dogs; happiest when they are in contact with people (familiar or unfamiliar), petted and handled, albeit sometimes clumsily.

Therapy dogs are trained to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with them, and most recipients enjoy the contact! Children in particular enjoy hugging animals; adults usually enjoy simply petting the dog. The dog might need to be lifted onto, or climb onto, an individual's lap or bed when invited and should be able to sit or lie comfortably there upon command. Some therapy dogs contribute to the visiting experience by performing small tricks for their audience or by playing carefully structured games.

My friends Chris and Cynthia Buckley live in Colorado and have a gorgeous Goldendoodle named Custer who recently qualified as a therapy dog. Custer went through a rigorous training program through Pet Partners, which is sponsored by the national Delta Society and now regularly visits residents of a local senior living center. In addition to basic obedience, Custer learned not to react to loud noises, pulls on his tail or ears, or sudden movement. Custer?s calm temperament made him an ideal candidate for the program. Chris, Cynthia, and Custer trained for several months, and Custer passed the test last spring, earning his official Pet Partner?s Delta Registration status. As you can imagine, Cynthia and Chris are very proud of their dog, and happy that he brings joy into the lives of others.

If you think your dog might be a good candidate for a therapy dog or just want to learn more, Long Island Dog Directory (www.LIdogdirectory.com) is a good place to start, then click on the therapy tab for more info.

To contact Pam email: shihtzu58@optonline.net

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