Cayman's First Therapy Dog Visit

Yesterday was Cayman's first therapy dog visit at Hidden Oaks. When we got there, we were greeted by our group's leader and I was given my new PAWS Ministry tee shirt that I will be wearing at every visit. We hung out in the front waiting for the others and when everyone arrived, we all introduced ourselves and of course, our dogs. Cayman instantly made friends with a cairn terrier named Taco. Taco is only two months older than Cayman so they were both filled with the same puppy energy. After that we all said a prayer and entered the building.

When you first walk in, you enter a large semi-formal looking living area. Seated on the sofas were some of the residents. Next to the sofas, there was about three residents in wheelchairs. Each of the PAWS Ministry members walked there dogs around the living area, stopping at each resident and letting them stroke the dog while the handler introduced them. Some of the residents were very quiet and just pet the dogs gently while others went on and on about how beautiful they all were. Cayman, who must have been feeling a bit overwhelmed, sat in a corner observing all that was going on around us. Our leader said this was okay since it was, after all, his first visit. After a few minutes he must have decided that getting attention was better than watching all the others get it, so he got up and let me lead him around the residents as well.

One very boisterous woman kept shouting "God Bless You! They are all so beautiful!" over and over as she shuffled from dog to dog. Cayman, by this time, had laid down, probably worn out from his tumbling with Taco. The boisterous woman had made her way over to where we were and peered down at Cayman and laughed "Look at the dopey kid!". I kinda felt embarrassed since she was calling my dog "dopey" like he was stupid or something but quickly laughed it off. He did look silly all passed out on the floor!

After visiting in the common room, we started down the halls of the resident's bedrooms. The PAWS Ministry had taken photos with the patients, with permission, prior to this visit and were handing them out with holiday greeting cards. Our leader, armed with the cards, begun knocking on the resident's bedroom doors and when they answered, they were given their cards and a visit from one of the therapy dogs, if they wanted.

I had heard that many times, the therapy dog chooses the patient that they instinctively know needs them the most and some will paw at their closed door or pull their handler into that particular patients room. I think Cayman did this! As we were walking past some rooms, Cayman pulled me into a dim-lit room where one woman was sitting in a wheelchair and another was sitting in a recliner, her hands on either side of her face. Cayman visited with the woman in the wheelchair first. She exclaimed how soft he was and how beautiful he was and asked me if he was a boy or girl and what his name was. We chatted briefly while she petting him and then one of the experienced PAWS Ministry members that I had been paired with appeared in the door. I told her that Cayman wanted to visit here when she laughed and said "I wondered where you two went".

As the woman in the wheelchair begun petting her dog, a chihuahua/Jack Russell terrier mix dressed in a Santa costume; I walked Cayman over to the woman in the chair. She still had her hands at her face and said "I don't like dogs. I got bitten by one." I had read that this was common so I cheerfully said, "Oh that's alright, I'll stand over here then so you can still look at him." I stood a short distance away from her as I also read that many times people will change their minds when they see how friendly the dogs are or see how the other residents are with them, like dogs and kids, they don't want to be left out of the fun. So I stood close enough that if she changed her mind, I was still close enough to go back to her chair with Cayman.

After our visit there, we joined the rest of the group in the Alzehemiers unit. This was a seperate living area closed off my door with key code combination locks on them to prevent the residents from leaving that area. We joined the group in another living area, this one had more sofas and chairs and a TV and a Christmas tree. There was an obvious difference from the residence in the nursing home area and here in the Alzehimers unit. The residences here were muttering to themselves, slumped over in their chairs sleeping,or staring off at nothing. These were the residences that the PAWS members had to lift there hands up and place them on the dogs for them to snap back into reality and begin petting the dogs and talking. I chose to sit next to an African American woman with a very pretty kiwi green bathroom on.

I introduced myself and Cayman and she begun petting him. Her name was Wilma. She told me how much she loved animals, especcially horses. She told me a story of when she was little how her daddy's horse had a colt and he let her and her brothers and sister raise that little colt they named Pat since he was born on St Patricks Day. She went on to tell me how smart he was and how she used to love riding. You could see her eyes light up in the memory of that horse, maybe is one of the few clear memories of her childhood she still had. Her mood changed when she said how she isn't as active as she used to be. She said "My mind is still sharp, I used to be a really active lady. But there is nothing to do here. Nothing to do but cry."

I really didn't know what to say at this. "Well, that's why we come here. I visit you all." She smiled and patted Cayman and said "There is only one thing wrong with your visits..." I was afraid of what she might say. "They are never enough. Two times a day would still not be enough." I knew what she meant. PAWS Ministry typically visits the first Saturday of the month only although they have mentioned that with approval from the center's coordinator, we could make more frequent trips if we wanted to. What was even more sad was when she went on to tell me how she used to play the piano and her church's organ every Sunday, but like so many things- if you don't use it, you lose it. She had forgotten how to play. I decided if I ever got a chance to adopt a resident, I would have to pick Wilma and get her one of those little battery operated keyboards. I think she would have liked that.

We actually went over our scheduled time for our visitation, all of us were so involved with the residences. It was truly a wonderful experience. My team leader said Cayman did really well and I was very grateful that this group existed and was able to accept Cayman as a therapy dog, even at his young age. I really look forward to our next visit which will be the first Saturday in January. From what I understand, new members are required to participate in two group visits, this being the first, so the leaders can evaluate how the handler/dog duo works with the residents. After that we are free to make as many visits as we would like. I know I will definitely try to come on some Sundays as well and stop in to see Wilma.

Bummer.

Cayman and I were just loading up into the car to head to our orientation when the PAWS Ministry coordinator called me to let me know the church had to be evacuated due to some kind of gas leak so they are having to reschedule. Bummer. I was really looking forward to today. So.... hopefully next Sunday we will have our orientation.

PAWS Ministry Gets New Members

Today was PAWS Ministry's temperament testing. I fortunately already got to test when I showed up on the wrong date last week (still feeling silly about that, by the way) so I was not there to meet some of the other testers. I did, however, receive an email from our coordinator who proudly stated that as of today PAWS Ministry welcomed 34 new members and 28 new pets including 23 dogs, 3 cats , 1 bird, and 1 bunny. So it goes to show you that not only dogs can make a difference in peoples lives!

The new members and their assigned locations are:

CORAL TRACE
Wynne and Nancy Nolan & "Giffer"
Sue and Chase Purdy & "Zoe" & "Zelda"
Adalina Mendez & "Snoopy"
Don Payne & "Brutus"
Dan, Jamie, Ashley and Kaylee Ayers & "Daisy"

CROSS KEY MANOR
Iris, Pete and Sophia & "Happy"
Cathi Petersen & "Mickey"
Marty, Carol and Jarrod & "Sasha"

GULF COAST VILLAGE
Linda Schrodell & "Sadie"
Sandra Broderick & "Harry"
Ann Bachhuber & "Bing"
Courtney, Daniel and Mia Acevedo & "Jack"
Erin Tuthill & "BooBoo"
Majorie Seegmuller & "Olivery"

HIDDEN OAKS
Chris Leetz & "Sasha", "Ruppurt Henry" & "Bootzz"
Brenna Yukins & "Angel"
Karen Reci & "Bella"
Shirley Thompson & "Taco"
Shawna Laufer & "Cayman"<---------------------- that's us!

REHAB & HEALTH
Amber, Karla, and Jason Alden & "Bunny" & "Spike"
Kim Phillips & "Sancho"
Kim and Morgan Stevens & "Penny" & "Lucky"
Bill and Marilyn Earl & "Sandy"

Tomorrow is our mandatory orientation and I can hardly wait to meet the other members and get my new shirt and Cayman's bandanna!

Another Wonderful Therapy Dog Opportunity

I found another one! This organization is called Paws For Friendship and it is international! And the international headquarters are located in Tampa although they have charters everywhere. They too have been relaxed requirements and let you pick where you would like to volunteer with your certified therapy dog. I decided to inquire about having Cayman visit our local shelter for abused woman and children. I feel they could really benefit from Cayman, especially those that might have had to leave pets behind in extreme cases where their safety came first. The membership is $40 annually and you get your choice of a polo shirt or denim shirt; a sweatshirt; a bandanna for your dog; a service vest; and ID card. And they only require you to make one visit a month. Of course I would want to do more- maybe alternate between PAWS Ministry working with seniors at an assisted living residence and Paws for Friendship working with recovering woman and children on alternating Sundays. Oh that would be such a dream! Please pray for me that this can be the way things work out!!!!

For more info: www.pawsforfriendshipinc.org

Cayman is a Therapy Dog!!!!

I am so silly. I tend to get very excited about things and sometimes fail to read into the details. I did that today with the PAWS Ministry Temperament Testing. I got so excited about the opportunity, that I failed to read that it was suppose to be NEXT Sunday, not today. So I drove to Cape Coral to the Grace Church but it was definitely not for nothing! I got to meet with Misti who is the coordinator for the program. She and several other members where there at the church between sermons promoting the organization. Thank goodness someone was there!

She basically did a temperament test with Cayman and the other dogs and the people right then and there. She said he was wonderful and she seen all she needed to see just in the first five minutes! He was friendly and allowed everyone to pet him, was friendly towards the other dogs and got engages with wrestling with a chihuahua/poodle mix puppy so he obviously got along with other dogs. I do have to go back up there next Sunday (the correct date!) for the orientation and to purchase my PAWS Ministry shirt (they are aqua- my favorite color and Cayman's signature color!). I think she said there was about three or so Saturdays where I have to go on a Saturday as part of the group so the evaluators can see him in action. Then from there I can go whenever which will most likely be Sundays. I just to make other arrangements since the time on Saturdays may interfere with my daughter's Kindermusik class.

Since I live in Ft Myers, our facility that uses the PAWS Ministry is the Hidden Oaks Assisted Living and Alzheimer Residence. She explained that whats nice about visiting nursing homes is that unlike hospitals, they don't mind dogs being dogs. They can play with other dogs and bark and howl (as long as its all in fun and not an aggressive bark) and the residences love it. With hospitals you have to be quiet. Cayman is a quiet dog for the most part but its nice to know they are not too stuffy about the dog's behavior.

How exciting, Cayman is a therapy dog!!!!! Since he was such a good boy, Mommy spoiled him with a tasty twisty bullystick! Yum!

Other purchases made today included a new black harness and matching leash since his aqua harness is getting too small. And a black car seat teether to keep him from trying to climb into my lap while driving, especially if we are going to be driving all the way downtown for training and therapy work!

Temperament Testing on Sunday!

At last! We are making our first official step towards therapy work! Sunday we are meeting with the PAWS Ministry coordinator for Cayman's temperament testing and orientation! I have to drive about 30 minutes to get there (its in Cape Coral and I live in Ft Myers) but so worth it, especially if he passes. Please cross your fingers that he does!

PAWS Ministry Update

Hurray! I finally got a response from the coordinator from PAWS Ministry!

I was very happy to hear that she "knew" my dog would be absolutely wonderful but I have to go into the nursing home with an experienced member for my first several visits as an extension of my Temperament Testing so they can "observe my family and pet" (although I think it would probably just be me and Cayman) in the actual nursing home environment. She understands my dilemma with working full time and the weekend being my only true family time. She is in the same position. Part of the reason that they do the ministry on Saturdays, she explained in her email, is so families can be involved. The groups that go to the hospitals go during the week. They have obtained a lot of those people because they work full time and the week days do not work for them. She would say it would be OK for me to go into the nursing homes on my own on Sundays but only after I have had a couple of group visits. She went on to say that she doesn't want to discourage me but she has an obligation as a church leader to control the group since it their insurance policy at stake every time they enter a nursing home with an animal, which I completely understand. She highly encourages people to attend in addition to group visits and has many people that go on opposite days of their group visit for various reasons from work schedules, children extracurricular activities to personality conflict with another animal. She said she has no problem with that as long as she knows the foundation is there for a strong ministry member, which I feel I could be. She stated that they can only find that out by meeting and spending time with me and Cayman.

She went on to stating that she is willing to work with people on an individual basis for Testing since quite a few people have a conflict with the date but would definitely need me to take part in at least (2) group visits prior to going on my own. She says that the testing starts at 10 am and ends between 11 am and 12 pm depending on how many people show up on Saturdays, which is the same exact time as my daughter's music class, and she usually meets people up at their church in Cape Coral when she works with them on an individual basis. I was happy to hear that she can meet most Saturday or Sunday afternoons, which might work out just fine if I can go the group visits after Shaylee's class after all.

So this may be even more possible than I originally imagined!

Delta Society Workshop

Grrr. I sent the PAWS Ministry another email, since its been about four days, asking them to please at least reply to my email. Its so discouraging to email someone because you really want to help and be part of their organization and be ignored. Four days isn't very long but most people reply to their emails daily. Sigh, maybe I am just being impatient. Or I guess I should just call them. Hopefully they will answer their phone! :)

I finally got the information for the next Gulf Coast Pet Partners Team Training Course. This is a two day workshop in Punta Gorda (about a hour and a half from us) that is part of the requirement to have Cayman tested to be a therapy dog with the Delta Society, one of the most well known therapy dog organizations out there. Since my husband wants to attend as well, it cost $100 for us to share one student manual and attend the instructional workshop together. It is basically going to cover what we have to do and what is expected of Cayman, but without the dogs there. The price also includes the team evaluation which will be held at a later date. This is when Cayman and I show our stuff!

The workshop is February 7th and 8th. Since we will be enrolling Cayman and I into the basic obedience class at the Dog Obedience Club of Lee County in January, he will be learning some if not all the basics to therapy work as I am learning handling skills as well as the Delta requirements. I contacted the coordinator and she said I can send in my check and our applications as soon as possible and would not deposit the check until class, but it would reserve our seat so I might be sending that out very soon. I am so excited!

PAWS Ministry

Last Saturday we took Cayman to the 8th Annual Pet Fest sponsored by our county animal services. There was a lot of vendors and contests and raffles going on but what caught my attention the most was a big sign that said PAWS Ministry Therapy Dogs. Therapy dogs! The representative explained that t his organization has the pets do the ministry work by taking the pets to local nursing homes the 1st Saturday of each month to share the love of Jesus and our pets. Pets must pass a Temperament Testing but there was no age requirement like most other therapy dog organizations. And all that is required in the temperment test, Cayman could do no problem. I am very excited to possibly get Cayman's feet wet in therapy work as soon as possible and without an age requirement, this seems like the perfect opportunity. The only that would stand in our way is that Saturdays are tough for me, since its the only day my husband and daughter and I get to spend as a family since we both work full time. And our daughter has a Kindermusik class on Saturday mornings. But I did send a really nice email to the coordinator two days ago but have yet to get a reply back. Hmm. Perhaps I should just call the coordinator.... anyhow, here is a copy of the letter. I think it's pretty good myself! Hopefully we will be able to work something out! :)

PAWS Ministry Applicant

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Shawna Eugenio-Laufer	Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 4:01 PM
To: mististpierre@hotmail.com
I would first off like to thank your representatives for a very welcoming booth held at the 8th Annual Pet Fest in Ft Myers this past Saturday. I do not remember the name of the woman I spoke with that day but she was very friendly and made the PAWS Ministry program sound the perfect jumping off point in the long and rewarding journey of therapy work with my 6 month old miniature longhair dachshund puppy, Cayman. Cayman graduated the Petco Puppy Education class with flying colors in September and we are looking forward to continuing his training to make him the very best dog we know he can be. We are currently taking a break from the professional training for the holiday season but will be attending a basic obedience class which includes the testing requirement training for the Canine Good Citizen certification in January (Dog Obedience Club of Lee County). We are also on a waiting list for opportunities for therapy work through United Way's many organizations and hope to become members of the Delta Society as well as the Therapy Dogs Inc. Because of his young age, many of these opportunities are not available to us until after Cayman is a year old but we would love to begin working with him as much as possible now, so when he does hit that 12 month of age mark, we are ahead of the game! From my understanding when speaking to your rep, she explained that we could begin working with him in your program as soon as possible, granted he pass that temperament test. I have full confidence that we should have very little issue accomplishing that! Cayman has already been exposed to people with walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters and has shown little interest in them, which is a positive thing since many dogs display fear or aggression to these unknown objects. He is also raised with a two year old so he is used to children. We try to make it out to the local dog park whenever possible (and plan to have many more opportunities with this cooling weather) to further expose him to other dogs. We have two other dogs and a cat in our house as well. The only thing that might raise a concern is with other dogs- he is still in puppy hood so every other dog he comes into contact with is a potencial playmate! There is absolutely no aggression in this very happy-go-lucky pup! As well as having an amazing disposition, Cayman is current with all vaccinations, is licensed, and neutered. He is groomed daily, bathed weekly so he always looks his best. Since he has such a wonderful personality and is so well behaved, we tend to bring him with us where ever dogs are permitted to further expose him to unusual and unfamiliar settings. With all these things considered, and his natural affection to all things on two or more legs, I feel we have a very potential and successful therapy dog here. I would be honored and delighted to share the joy Cayman gives me to others through the PAWS Ministry. I would like to arrange a temperment testing as soon as possible. I am aware that the next temperament test is Saturday, November 15th. Unfortunately, I am unavailable Saturdays until after noon since my husband, Nils, and I have enrolled our two year old daughter in a music class and would like to inquire if there is another date, Sundays for example, or other time frame in which this could be arranged.I would also appreciate any additional information regarding this program such as visitation of patient locations and hours, as started before, Saturdays are rather difficult for us since, as full time working parents, it is the one day we can spend together as a family. I am available Sundays however! Thank you in advance for your consideration in the PAWS Ministry. I do look forward to hearing a reply back from you. I have included some recent pictures of Cayman as well. -Shawna Eugenio-Laufer

Therapy Dog Training Starts Now!

Cayman is gonna be one busy pup. I have read and reread “The Canine Good Citizen- Every Dog Can Be One” over and over and based on the training methods outlined in that book, have devised a customized training program just for Cayman.

The book describes an 8 week training course. Well, I got much more time than that. I have 31 weeks to be exact before Cayman turns a year old and in turn can be tested for his CGC certification. So I made my own training program that consists of training, everyday, beginning today. For each of the weekly training exercises outlined in the book, I have taken them and stretched them over the course of about three weeks, four for the exercises I think he would need the most help with.

Now I just need to commit. It’s going to take patience, and time, but I think it will be well worth it. He’s a really smart boy, and if I see he has mastered a behavior (as in he performs it on command only without any assistance from me for at 80% of the time) then I will move on a little faster or throw some “tricks” in instead of the core exercises. So far he has gotten the “High Five” down. Even with those short little legs, he gets them up there!

This week’s schedule consists of the following exercises:

1. Basic Control- The 30 Minute Down: This exercise physically placed Cayman into the Down position. This teaches him who is in charge which makes all further training that much easier. It basically makes Cayman lay in the Down position up to 30 minutes. He is not to get up or break the Down until I give the “Ok” command, even if it means he has fallen asleep. Hmm. This sounds like a challenge.

2. Continue to practice the “Sit” command, which he is really good at already, just not consistent. We are to have him practice his sit at least 5 times in the session.

3. Continue to practice the “Stay” command for at least 30 seconds, 5 times per session. Cayman is pretty good at the Stay, for even longer than 30 seconds so this should be a breeze.

4. For fun I threw in the “Rollover” command. Cayman begun learning this during his Puppy Education class at Petco but still needs some practice. And of course his high five.

So that’s just week’s training scheduled. Hmm, I am beginning to wonder if I sound like on of those parents that pushes their kids into all kinds of extra curriculative activities! But then again when you break down just how long I would be tearing my puppy away from chewing up my daughter’s pacifiers and wrestling with the other dogs or chasing lizards on the patio, it really isn’t but about an hour tops. That’s about how long his Puppy Education class at Petco was and he did so well then! I think the hardest is going to be that 30 Minute Down. Wish me luck!

Therapy Dogs Inc.

I have decided to go with Therapy Dogs Inc (TDInc.) I had a very nice phone call from the coordinator at the Healthpark Medical Center, named Barbara Leddy, who is the evaluator for Therapy Dogs Inc. She basically laid it all out for me, explaining the process I had to follow to get Cayman working as a therapy dogs. She said that the CGC was not a requirement like it is for Delta Society and Therapy Dogs International (TDI) although I still plan on getting Cayman certified as a CGC anyhow. Basically as long as the dog is well behaved and friendly they can be a TDInc dog. TDInc seems more relaxed on their rules and requirements which is a good starting point.

Here is the process I have worked out following the TDInc. requirements as well as my own personal goals with Cayman:

1. Work with Cayman following the CGC handbook. Although not all tests in the CGC are required, the more training he can receive the better.

2. Sometime around January, fill out the Volunteer Application for Healthpark Medical Center. From there I will have to attend a three hour orientation and complete a two step Tuberculosis (TB) Test and purchase the necessary shirt identifying me as a hospital volunteer.

3. After the Volunteer process, and sometime soon after Cayman's first birthday, have a CGC evaluator test him for his CGC certification.

4. Meanwhile, as long as Cayman is over a year old, I can take him to Healthpark and begin his testing as a therapy dog. Basically he is going to be evaluated by the Coordinator while interacting with the patients. He must pass three observations within a 6 month period to be considered for TDInc.

5. After three successful observations, the Coordinator signs a form which I mail off with my membership fee, which I think is $25. He is then considered a real therapy dog and will recieve a special heart shaped ID tag that goes on his collar that proudly states "I Am A Therapy Dog".

6. I will probably pursue the Delta Society as well since they have the R.E.A.D program at our local libraries. Since he will have already received his CGC certification, all I would need to do it apply to Delta Society and get evaluated by them as well. But this is an afterthought, we are focusing on TDInc.

I have already ordered a special custom bandanna that is blue with yellow lettering on it that says "Therapy Dog In Training" with Cayman's name down one side (where the bandanna comes to a point) and "Ask To Pet" down the other side of the point. This is good for when we are out and about socializing and training him to get strangers to see what we are doing and to get them to ask to pet him which only reinforces everything we are trying to train him for the CGC and TDInc requirements. The more friendly stangers he can be exposed to the better. I ordered it sometime last week so it maybe a little while before it comes. Since its all custom embroidery work, I understand I have to be patient- even if it is so hard since I am so excited to begin taking him out wearing it! Keep checking back as you know I will have pictures posted!

Speaking of exposure, Sunday I took both Cayman and Zoey to the doggy park. We were there for 5 hours!!! It was such a nice day and everyone (dogs and owners) were so friendly and the dogs were having so much fun, I just couldn't leave. My friend Alicia, who was also the trainer for the Puppy Education Class that Cayman graduated from at Petco, came too with her corgi, Kiwi. She is working with Kiwi to do therapy work too. What made the day even better was that there was a gentleman on crutches there. Exposure to people in wheelchairs, crutches, and canes is especcially important since therapy dogs are exposed to them all the time in a hospital setting. Cayman paid them no attention which is good since some dogs are fearful or will bark at such an unusual sight. It gave me even more confidence that Cayman will do well as a therapy dog. And he interacted so well with the other dogs, another plus!

Cayman- Future Therapy Dog

The quest to make Cayman a therapy is definitely on. I got in touch with Ann, the Lee County Coordinator for the Delta Society affiliated Gulf Coast Pet Partners and Jodie, the coordinator for the programs offered at the library. I contacted her regarding the workshops I saw posted. Part of getting certified is to completed a 12 hour workshop or complete a home study course if there were no workshops in our area. The workshops take place in Punta Gorda in October and there will be another one in the spring, dates not yet determined. Punta Gorda is about 45 minutes from where we live. Even my husband, Nils, decided he would like to attend the two day workshop so we decided to wait until the spring to enter since 1. Cayman can not be tested to be a therapy dog until he is a year old which he will be in April… and 2. The price to have both Nils and I attend together would be $100 ($75 if I went alone). Anyhow, Ann was very helpful and has us down as future students and will contact us when it gets closer to the spring workshop.

On of the benefits of the Pet Partners Team is that Cayman could be a R.E.A.D dog, as in Reading Education Assistance Dog. This is when certified dogs in the Pet Partners Team go to libraries and sit with children while they read aloud. The purpose of this is that is allows children the ability to read aloud without feeling embarrassed, after all, a dog isn’t going to laugh at them when they have difficulties or mispronounce a word. Our local libraries refer to this program as Read to Dogs Program.

How the Read to Dogs Program works is that the owners/handlers and the dogs have a blanket that they spread out and at opposite ends of the room. When a child is ready the coordinator brings them in and the handlers introduce themselves, talk about the dog, basically being friendly. Sometimes the kids are nervous around the dogs so the coordinator may sit with them, and sometimes two kids will share a book or poem and switch off reading the lines. The idea is to encourage the kids to read. The dogs are there to listen without judgment and even allow the kids to pet them which can relax them, sometimes making reading easier. They allow the parents to watch as well, from a distance, to allow the children some freedom to make those mistakes without feeling they are disappointing their parents. I love the whole idea behind this!

Jodie went on to explain in the form of an email, that some owners make these cute bookmarks with the dogs picture on them so the kids get one when they are done reading. How cute is that? I am really excited of crafting those! And she said even some of the dogs have their own books in which the owners have the kids sign their names, the date and the title of the story shared and maybe even share some comments or memories of the day. I think I would go a step further and have Cayman’s picture taken with the kids he reads with. She says the hardest part of this is having the owner/handlers sit on the floor for an hour. Piece of cake if you ask me!

I already looked on our local libraries website for future dates in which the Read to Dogs Programs were scheduled. Jodie welcomed me to stop by and take a peek of the dogs, kids and handlers in action. I have a couple dates I am considering so that will be posted on Cayman’s calendar. Hmm…I wonder if I could bring him with me? Probably not since he is not certified yet. He has some training that needs to be done before we can do that.

Jodie and Ann even recommended some location in which dogs were permitted to gain the socialization experience he will need for some of the tests listed to become certified. They included the Bass Pro Shop which is a sporting goods store (although she has only heard this through the grapevine and isn’t 100% sure- although they are the ones hosting this years Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 27^th which we will be attending); the garden areas of the local hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, the Driftwood Nursery and the dog beaches and dog parks. They said there is even dog walks on occasion at the nature center so I have lots of options on places I can take him. Ann stated that even though I am waiting to take the workshop, I can still be working basic obedience with Cayman, which I fully intended to do anyhow. The most important commands/ actions to know are “sit”, “down”, “come”, and passing a neutral dog without sniffing, barking, or touching the other dog. Cayman needs a lot of help on this one. That’s the only time he pulls on the leash; he just can’t get over to that other dog to sniff its butt fast enough! And since most of the other dogs we have encountered could use some obedience training themselves, we usually find ourselves with some play barking and tough housing. Cayman is quite the social butterfly, those other dogs become fast friends with him, LOL.

I have also made contact with Sandy, who is a CGC evaluator. I will get to meet her in person at the Responsible Dog Ownership Day at the end of the month. I reached out to her since I know she was a CGC trainer listed online. She said they offer a CGC course through the local dog club, the Dog Obedience Club of Lee County, and do the evaluation periodically throughout the year. The training course is quite affordable, only $60 for a 6 week course which are once a week. A popular dog day care and training academy in the area charges $150 for an 8 week class. The only problem is the training location is quite some distance away from home and since its held on a workday, I don’t know if I would have time to go home after work, pick up Cayman and commute to the training location and still be there on time. But then again, I have a year before he can be tested, maybe when it’s closer to when he can be tested they will offer another location so that I could take the course right up to the time when he can be tested. Hmm… there is an idea. In the meantime I can enjoy watching the obedience and rally demonstrations that the Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

Also in the meantime, I have ordered a book on the CGC training and a book on therapy dogs. I have no doubt that by the time Cayman is a year old, he would make a perfect therapy dog candidate. I just need to keep working him everyday and expose him to as many of the situations listed in the test as possible between now and then. Wish me luck! This is quite an exciting and rewarding adventure we are about to begin!

What is the CGC I Mentioned Before?

Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.

Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs based on the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.

A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 34 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions.

In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.

Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs based on the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.

A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 34 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions.

All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.

There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults.

There are a few exceptions relating to participation in a CGC test. If the CGC test is given at an AKC show, the age requirements for the show apply to CGC also. Further, when the CGC test is administered at an AKC show, the test may be restricted to only dogs entered in the show or to purebred dogs.

Some dogs who are entered in CGC tests will have completed CGC classes or basic obedience classes. Owners who have trained their dogs themselves may also have their dogs tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.

Many dog owners complete CGC training and testing as a prerequisite to therapy dog certification. While the AKC does not certify therapy dogs, we are very proud that so many CGC dogs and their owners volunteer their time to improve the lives of other people. There are national therapy dog groups (and in some cities local groups) that certify therapy dogs. Therapy Dogs International (TDI) uses the AKC Canine Good Citizen test as a key component of its therapy dog assessment. TDI can be reached at www.tdi-dog.org

Testing Requirements

AKC CGC TEST® / PLUS ADDED TDI REQUIREMENTS
* TDI Requirements are displayed in italics

Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The Evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the Evaluator.

The dog must be tested around medical equipment (such as a wheelchair, crutches, cane, walker, or other devices which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to judge the dog’s reactions to common health care equipment. At the discretion of the Evaluator, this part of the test may be included in any of the following tests: 2,3,5 or 9

Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The dog should sit at the handler’s side as the Evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

Test 4: Out For a Walk
(Walking on a Loose Leash)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog can be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.

Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without appearing overexuberant, shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not be straining at the leash.

Test 6: Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s command to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed by the Evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.

Test 7: Coming when Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog to “stay” or “wait,” or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the Evaluator provides mild distraction (e.g., petting).

Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.

Test 9: Reactions to Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

Leave-It: The handler with the dog on a loose leash walks past food on the ground (placed within a distance of three feet) and, upon command, the dog should ignore the food. (Please note: TDI does not permit the use of food/treats during actual therapy dog visits.)

Acclimation to Infirmities: This test demonstrates the dog’s confidence when exposed to people walking with an uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing or other distractions which may be encountered in a facility.

Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

Test 11: Say Hello
The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of each dog to visit a person and that the dog can be made readily accessible for petting (i.e., small dogs can be placed on a person’s lap or can be held, medium and larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand close to the patient to be easily reached.)

The dog must be able to work well around all types of populations, including children. The dog's behavior around children must be evaluated during testing. It is important that during the testing the potential therapy dog and the children are not in direct contact. This means the dog can only be observed for a reaction toward playing, running or in general children present at the testing site. Any negative reaction by the dog will result in automatic failure. Negative reaction means a dog showing signs of aggression.

Additional Rules for TDI Testing
1. Dogs must be tested on a plain buckle collar or harness. Training collars, training harnesses, halties, or any other corrective devices are not permitted during testing or visiting as a TDI registered Therapy Dog.

2. Greyhounds are not required to sit for tdi testing.

Note: Potential applicants are not required to take any therapy dog classes, which are not sanctioned by TDI.