Our dog graduated today

[medic159]

Well Otus (our 2 yr old Bichon Frise) successfully passed all 10 tests for both TDI (Therapy Dog International) and CGC (an AKC behavioral test) today! Otus is now listed with the AKC as having both certifications and will be able to participate in therapy work in hospitals and senior centers as well as demonstrating theÂ_criteria of behavior required of an AKC champion. His first visits will be to Schneider Childrens Hospital here on LI in a couple of weeks.



We are really proud of him, especially since four months ago he still refused to walk on a leash. He took to the training schedule like a fish to water, he has a blast every week in school. He progressed so rapidly that he is the first in his class to take and pass the test. Others are still weeks away, many dogs never make it.



:bounce

 

[MongooseGA]

Cool, congrads.



I want to see pics of him in cap 'n gown.

 

[percynjpn]

That's great! Now if I could only get my bully to "come" without calling him five times !

 

[zzyyzx]

Shake the doggie treat box. My dogs are "deaf" unless I do that sometimes.

 

[percynjpn]

Believe me, I've tried every trick in the book! :wall Oh, well:grinno: !

 

[Accumulator]

DFTowel- That's great, especially to do so much in such a short time!



Dogs really do benefit from regular training classes. Ours have gone for years, it's just part of their weekly routine.

 

[medic159]

That's great! Now if I could only get my bully to "come" without calling him five times !

Oh that's easy! Go to the pet store and buy a training clicker for a couple of bucks. http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=4258378227&dept_id=-2

-Now hold one of his favorite soft treats, something he really loves. You only need use a small piece, just enough for a taste. Little pieces of hot dog are great!

-Stand next to him and click once and give him a treat, do this as many times as need be until you can see that he expects the treat when you click. Just remember, only one click and a treat, don't keep clicking.

-Now from across the room call him and click once.

-If he doesn't come to you call and click once again. (Repeat until he comes)

-When he comes give him a treat and lots of praise.

-Do this a couple of times a day and he'll soon come when called or hears the clicker.



A variation on this is to use a bell instead of the clicker if you have a large yard or field and want him to come in.



You'll be amazed how fast he picks it up.

 

[imported_garyo]

If you are going to post about your dog....you must post pictures....well at least that is what the rules should be

 

[medic159]

If you are going to post about your dog....you must post pictures....well at least that is what the rules should be

OK... Otus The Graduate is the one on the left, the little one died recently and we have another that looks just like her.

 

[Scott P]

Those are little cuties. I think our dog would see them as chew toys.

 

[ntoddalbert]

My dog dropped out