Boxers as therapy dogs.

[neilsmom2000]

I suppose this is the best place to post this, seeing as there doesn't appear to be a specific board regarding therapy dogs. I figured therapy and obedience are so closely connected, this would be the most appropriate spot for my post.
I am mom to 13 week old Lara, a sweet fawn and white girl, who will be going to her first obedience classes this January. I've recently learned about the Canine Good Citizen test, and after doing a little searching on the internet, found a website for Therapy Dogs International. I was impressed by the altruistic nature of the organization, and love the idea of my dog bringing happiness into the lives of people who are suffering.
My question is, are there any folks out there whose Boxers have taken the CGC test, and/or are registered therapy dogs? I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences.

Thanks,

neilsmom
mom to Neil (15 months) and Lara, 13 wk fawn and white, docked tail, natural ears.

[Aimee]

In October of last year Baxter received his Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International Certificates. One of the women who administered the tests was a member of "SpiritKeepers". She asked if Baxter would be interested in working in our local hospital program. We've gladly accepted and begin work in January. This is a bit more intensive than visiting local nursing homes but I know he is up to the challenge. Here we will work with mental health patients, cancer patients, pediatrics, geriatrics and in the intesive care units. We pay $30 a year to Therapy Dogs International for membership dues and this provides you with insurance coverage. You will receive a tag and ID card for you dog that you must present each time you report to work. You can also get a certificate from the AKC but you have to pay around $5 for the certificate. Baxter is required to be covered with a jacket or coat of some type while working in the hospital so we've also ordered the patches to be sewn on his coat. I don't remember the price of these. Some programs require that the dogs be an adult. I think beginning with obedience is a great way to get a feel for her and how well she may do as she gets older . I am so glad to see that you are considering getting involved in therapy work. Once we start, we'll give you more details if you like. I like the idea of keeping Baxter active and helping my community at the same time!

[Jen]

Another great organization is the Delta Society Pet Partners. Their website is www.deltasociety.org. They are a little more structured than TDI and offer the same insurance benefits. I know that they require a dog to be at least 1 year old and to have lived with the handler for at least 6 months.

I took a therapy dog class with my male D'Artagnan. But the night before our certification test, he got into another fight with our other male and we had to give him away. D'Art did great in class and I really wanted to work with a kids program. Our other male is not therapy material, so I'm hoping my female will be a good dog for it.

[diego's heart]

Good luck on your training and I'm sure your girl will do well. Our basic obedience class included the CGC test at the end - and Diego passed with flying colors (as have many others here on BW ).

A suggestion... In this next year, I'd encourage you to get Lara exposed to all kinds of people, of all ages, ethnicities & ailments if possible, e.g. canes, wheelchairs, etc. On our evening walk the other day, there was a lady with a cane that spooked Diego and I realized he's been exposed with wheelchairs, but not canes - got some work to do I guess . I'm also going to wait a little while before getting him certified, possible 3/4 years.

Boxers are so tuned in to humans and our emotions - I'm confident they'll prove wonderful therapy dogs -- although I'm a little bias !

Lisa

[Alisha Mobley]

Pru and Sheeba passed their CGC test on Christmas eve. I've been looking for a group to join for therapy work and have been told of one called VIP Paws that is here in our area. I haven't been able to get in contact w/ them yet...can't find any info on them...but am very excited about the whole therapy work thing.

[cassius5]

Hi All! My 7 year old boxer has been a therapy dog for 5 years now. He LOVES his "work" and enjoyed it so much , I intend to renew our insurance as soon as he recovers from his radiation treatments. ( He has brain cancer) We hope to go to the local Children's Hospital Cancer Center to do therapy work as he has been through the surgeries, tests and radiation just like the kids. We hope they will be able to relate to him and give them some hope for remission. Boxers can be big kittens and mine just love the attention they get. It may be a good idea to start out going to adult day cares and such to see how your dog will react to all the strangers petting her. Best of luck!!

[kahlua]

I was going to say they probably don't have it in Ontario and then I realized you were from Ontario. What is the website for Therapy Dogs International?

[Kysha]

About three years ago Tegan passed her CGC test and we applied through the St.John's Ambulance to be a therapy dog with them. After two days of testing we passed!

Tegan and I visited a retirement home and a local hospital on a weekly basis for over two years. We both enjoyed this tremendously, and we made great friends!

Due to a back injury Tegan is no longer strong enough to continue the visits

I noticed that you are also from Ontario, I would suggest going to the St.John's Ambulance website for more info, www.sja.ca, under the volunteers section you will see the therapy dog info.

Perhaps in the future when Owen has settled a little I might think of doing the same with him - right now he enjoys more fast paced activities like Agility!

[Alisha Mobley]

Pru and Sheeba were tested at the training facility we use. You might start there.

It's a simple test once your dog gets thru basic obedience. Everything was done on leash except the long distance stay and comeing when called. Good Luck and have fun!!

[neilsmom2000]

You're off to a good start, little girl! I hope you keep making people happy your whole life!

: )

neilsmom