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Post by jamiehalverson on Jun 19, 2014 10:39:44 GMT -5
Hello!
So Yogi is finishing up basic obedience and taking the CGC test next Tuesday; I have him registered for Therapy Dog classes following that (and pending his CGC) but also wanted to do intermediate obed. Therapy class would be on Wed evenings and Obed on Tuesdays and would overlap for about 4 weeks. I've never progressed with a dog beyond basic obed; I'm assuming this would be fine (but you know what they say about assumptions) but just wondering if it would be overload for a dog?
The therapy class is only 6 weeks, with the TDI test following; I want to give him every chance of succeeding, but I'm a bit intimidated by taking a test with only a buckle collar just 6 weeks following basic obed. I'm thinking that continuing with the intermediate class along with the therapy class with really help solidify his obed and increase our chances of passing.
Thoughts?
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Post by RealPitBull on Jun 24, 2014 7:29:53 GMT -5
I think it is great that you are doing all these classes with him. Great stimulation, socialization and training opportunities. Go for it! Hope you post updates on how he's doing And today is his CGC test!?
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Post by maryellen on Jun 24, 2014 10:29:11 GMT -5
I did 4 classes a week for a year and a half with rufus from 2 months old to a year and a half which was obedience, agility , CGC and therapy dog training
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Post by jamiehalverson on Jun 25, 2014 11:22:38 GMT -5
Hello!
I have my first titled dog!!! Woo hoo! Yogi is now officially Sir Yogi Bear, CGC...
He passed with flying colors and the evaluator commented that he will make a great therapy dog, didn't even glance over at her when she dropped the walker.
We have enrolled in both intermediate obedience and therapy classes which will start next week. I think after that, we may try agility. He's not very drivey, but was watching an agility class intently while we were waiting; we'll see what happens!
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Post by michele5611 on Jun 25, 2014 12:13:36 GMT -5
Congrats to you and Yogi! Great job.
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Post by maryellen on Jun 25, 2014 15:50:14 GMT -5
Congratulations! Also see when the www.atts.org is in your area and take that test too
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Post by suziriot on Jun 25, 2014 19:36:55 GMT -5
Congrats!!!
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Post by RealPitBull on Jul 17, 2014 7:26:20 GMT -5
Yippee!! So exciting, congratulations.
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Post by jamiehalverson on Jul 17, 2014 22:23:46 GMT -5
Yogi had his first Therapy visit to an assisted living facility yesterday. Our training class is holding 4 of six sessions there and we may take the TDI test there if it can be arranged.
For those of you with Therapy dogs, I have a couple observations; Yogi is extremely laid back, the only things I've seen him do for extended periods of time are sleep and play with other dogs. Even then he's the first dog to lay down and take a break... During our visit he did really well for the first half hour, got up in the chairs and sat down next to the residents, greeting everyone who wanted to meet him very nicely, etc. However, after about a half hour he didn't seem very actively happy to give/get attention, he tolerated it graciously but really just wanted to lay down on the floor rather than sit up or come to people to greet them. It was a very different environment than he's ever experienced as there were about 15-20 Alzheimer's patients in a day room sitting and waiting to meet the dogs. It was really a little overwhelming for ME, let alone him. He's used to large groups, but typically it's a birthday party or cook out where everyone is active and moving around. I think this was maybe just too much for a first experience?
Also, he had some pulling issues, not overly obnoxious or anything, but if he is going to pass the TDI test in August, we are really going to have to work on focus because he was not where he should have been. I mean, there were no problems, he really did well, I'm thinking I may have just jumped the gun in going for the TDI certification at this time as far as his level of obedience. Oh well, if he doesn't pass the test, we'll just try again later on, but I'd really love it if he does!
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Post by suziriot on Jul 17, 2014 23:33:07 GMT -5
You and Yogi deserve major kudos for your dedication and hard work. Loving these updates!
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Post by RealPitBull on Jul 18, 2014 7:52:24 GMT -5
That's really cool that you are pursuing therapy work/the TDI certification. My thoughts on Yogi being overwhelmed, try to anticipate when he reaches him limit and remove him from the situation at that point. You wouldn't want him getting a negative association with doing therapy work, and the key is to get him out before he gets stressed. As he progresses his tolerance may get better - like you said, YOU were overwhelmed so it's not too surprising that he had enough after a little bit. Might have just been too much too quickly.
Can't wait to see how things continue.
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