Got our CGC...next step??

Scarlettsmom · 10-03-2011, 02:18 PM

Scarlett passed her CGC without any issues yesterday. What is my next step if we wish to train her to be a therapy dog? The girl who administered the CGC suggested TDI.com (or something like that). Ultimately, I'd like to have Scarlett go through CHKD's therapy dog certification (children's hospital has their own program for dogs that work for them).

What do you suggest as a course plan for us?

Stosh · 10-03-2011, 02:42 PM

Depends on what group is in your area. Therapet is probably the most active where I am. I'd call the childrens' hospital you're interested in working with and ask them. Congrats on the CGC!

cassadee7 · 10-03-2011, 04:06 PM

I sgree, see what group is in your area. One I have heard of here is Love on a Leash. you can google it for more info.

martemchik · 10-03-2011, 04:40 PM

Our club tests for CGC and TDI on the same day. TDI is like an insurance provider that makes sure your dog is safe and then provides some insurance against minor things that may happen (such as a scratch or a bump). Once you have that certification I think its up to you to go to a hospital or school and see if they want your services or not. There may be organizations in your are that will "place" you into businesses that want your assistance, and a TDI will just show them your dog has passed certain requirements and has a temperment suited for therapy work.

Scarlettsmom · 10-03-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martemchik

Our club tests for CGC and TDI on the same day. TDI is like an insurance provider that makes sure your dog is safe and then provides some insurance against minor things that may happen (such as a scratch or a bump). Once you have that certification I think its up to you to go to a hospital or school and see if they want your services or not. There may be organizations in your are that will "place" you into businesses that want your assistance, and a TDI will just show them your dog has passed certain requirements and has a temperment suited for therapy work.

Thanks. That explains it. I am looking to work with her at CHKD or the hospital I work at. OK, so the TDI is accepted at both places, so I will contact the hospitals and see what further testing they require. I understand that either a dog is suited for therapy work or isn't. If she ultimately isn't suited, we'll go on just being a pack.

AbbyK9 · 10-03-2011, 04:59 PM

TDI is a registering organization.

Their test is very similar to the CGC, which you already took, but with additional test points. Once you have passed their test, they require you and your dog to become a member - this requires you to send in a health form for your dog as well.

They DO provide insurance for you and your dog during visits, both liability and medical for you. If something happens during a visit, such as your dog scratching or bumping someone, that is covered. But you're covered for some medical expenses, too, should something happen to you during a visit or going to/from a visit. I believe the liability is $3,000,000 currently, but would have to go look at the paperwork to be sure.

They also help you get started with visits by sending you a list of facilities in your area that currently have TDI dogs visit them, and information on a TDI chapter (a group that visits together at the same time) in your area if there is one. They will also send you information brochures you can give to nursing homes, hospitals, etc. in your area that don't currently have visits so you can see about setting them up.

They're very helpful in getting new programs set up in places that don't currently have them, as they will provide their suggested protocols to you if you ask.

A lot of places also have their own local Therapy Dog organizations and their requirements will vary widely in regards to testing, certification, and required supervised visits. If CHKD has its own program, I would get in touch with them and see what their requirements are and how they do their visits.

If you go through TDI, be aware that they only cover you under their insurance if you are there as a volunteer, not if you bring your dog to work. But they now have (or are working on) guidelines for professionals who will be bringing their TDI dogs as part of their work.

Scarlettsmom · 10-03-2011, 05:13 PM

Abby, Thanks! I know CHKD does have their own test and program. I would never be able to bring Scarlett to work with me, so I only require insurance when I am handling her as a therapy dog, correct? So the TDI "vetts" her out to see if her temperment is alright to pursue the Therapy dog programs? I think I understand it all now.

Other than nursing homes, hospitals, hospice programs (another area I would consider volunteering at), schools with reading programs with dogs (NOT that popular around here..at least I have never heard of one)...where else do Therapy dogs go? Where else can Scarlett go with me?

Stosh · 10-03-2011, 05:23 PM

Some members of out obedience club visit schools and talk about responsible pet ownership and give a basic obedience demo and show the importance of training. The kids really enjoy it and teachers have had them come out as a reward for the class.

Just something to keep in mind- some therapy groups have restrictions about feeding raw- food, bones, anything raw because of concerns regarding contamination to patients.

Scarlettsmom · 10-03-2011, 07:32 PM

Stosh, no issues with feeding raw. We feed quality kibble and wet food with a splash of fish oil.

I did read something about CHKD and raw...I didn't pay attention, since it does not currently apply to us. Thanks for the heads up though. At least I understand WHY they have some issues.

Chicagocanine · 10-03-2011, 09:05 PM

I would contact the program you mentioned locally and ask for a description of their test/requirements. If you think your dog is ready for the test, go for it. If not, work on training or look for an intermediate/advanced obedience class or a therapy dog training class in your area.

Also keep in mind that TDI does not allow membership if you belong to any other therapy groups/organizations. If the local hospital has their own test/certification they may be considered another group.
Some local programs may use TDI or other national tests in order to test for their program, others have their own tests/insurance/certifications.

10-03-2011, 02:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Scarlettsmom Master Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	Got our CGC...next step?? Scarlett passed her CGC without any issues yesterday. What is my next step if we wish to train her to be a therapy dog? The girl who administered the CGC suggested TDI.com (or something like that). Ultimately, I'd like to have Scarlett go through CHKD's therapy dog certification (children's hospital has their own program for dogs that work for them). What do you suggest as a course plan for us? __________________ Scarlett WGSD 2/07 CGC TDI Paige Husky/GSD mix 2/95-12/08 In a life and death situation, do something. . .. It may be wrong, but do something!

10-03-2011, 04:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
cassadee7 Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Posts: 1,254	I sgree, see what group is in your area. One I have heard of here is Love on a Leash. you can google it for more info. __________________ Shawn Mom to five kids and Speedy the Wonderdog, (toy poodle/pom mix), 13 years old "Saber" Jette vom Wildhaus CGC 11/09/10

10-03-2011, 04:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
AbbyK9 Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: North Country, NY Posts: 12,442	TDI is a registering organization. Their test is very similar to the CGC, which you already took, but with additional test points. Once you have passed their test, they require you and your dog to become a member - this requires you to send in a health form for your dog as well. They DO provide insurance for you and your dog during visits, both liability and medical for you. If something happens during a visit, such as your dog scratching or bumping someone, that is covered. But you're covered for some medical expenses, too, should something happen to you during a visit or going to/from a visit. I believe the liability is $3,000,000 currently, but would have to go look at the paperwork to be sure. They also help you get started with visits by sending you a list of facilities in your area that currently have TDI dogs visit them, and information on a TDI chapter (a group that visits together at the same time) in your area if there is one. They will also send you information brochures you can give to nursing homes, hospitals, etc. in your area that don't currently have visits so you can see about setting them up. They're very helpful in getting new programs set up in places that don't currently have them, as they will provide their suggested protocols to you if you ask. A lot of places also have their own local Therapy Dog organizations and their requirements will vary widely in regards to testing, certification, and required supervised visits. If CHKD has its own program, I would get in touch with them and see what their requirements are and how they do their visits. If you go through TDI, be aware that they only cover you under their insurance if you are there as a volunteer, not if you bring your dog to work. But they now have (or are working on) guidelines for professionals who will be bringing their TDI dogs as part of their work. __________________ Malinois Ronja - fastest K-9 in VT =^^= Finn, Ratchet & Ollie Blog - Facebook - Store

10-03-2011, 05:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
Scarlettsmom Master Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	Abby, Thanks! I know CHKD does have their own test and program. I would never be able to bring Scarlett to work with me, so I only require insurance when I am handling her as a therapy dog, correct? So the TDI "vetts" her out to see if her temperment is alright to pursue the Therapy dog programs? I think I understand it all now. Other than nursing homes, hospitals, hospice programs (another area I would consider volunteering at), schools with reading programs with dogs (NOT that popular around here..at least I have never heard of one)...where else do Therapy dogs go? Where else can Scarlett go with me? __________________ Scarlett WGSD 2/07 CGC TDI Paige Husky/GSD mix 2/95-12/08 In a life and death situation, do something. . .. It may be wrong, but do something!

10-03-2011, 07:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
Scarlettsmom Master Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	Stosh, no issues with feeding raw. We feed quality kibble and wet food with a splash of fish oil. I did read something about CHKD and raw...I didn't pay attention, since it does not currently apply to us. Thanks for the heads up though. At least I understand WHY they have some issues. __________________ Scarlett WGSD 2/07 CGC TDI Paige Husky/GSD mix 2/95-12/08 In a life and death situation, do something. . .. It may be wrong, but do something!

10-03-2011, 02:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	Depends on what group is in your area. Therapet is probably the most active where I am. I'd call the childrens' hospital you're interested in working with and ask them. Congrats on the CGC!

10-03-2011, 04:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
martemchik Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,049	Our club tests for CGC and TDI on the same day. TDI is like an insurance provider that makes sure your dog is safe and then provides some insurance against minor things that may happen (such as a scratch or a bump). Once you have that certification I think its up to you to go to a hospital or school and see if they want your services or not. There may be organizations in your are that will "place" you into businesses that want your assistance, and a TDI will just show them your dog has passed certain requirements and has a temperment suited for therapy work.

10-03-2011, 05:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	Some members of out obedience club visit schools and talk about responsible pet ownership and give a basic obedience demo and show the importance of training. The kids really enjoy it and teachers have had them come out as a reward for the class. Just something to keep in mind- some therapy groups have restrictions about feeding raw- food, bones, anything raw because of concerns regarding contamination to patients.

10-03-2011, 09:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
Chicagocanine Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,520	I would contact the program you mentioned locally and ask for a description of their test/requirements. If you think your dog is ready for the test, go for it. If not, work on training or look for an intermediate/advanced obedience class or a therapy dog training class in your area. Also keep in mind that TDI does not allow membership if you belong to any other therapy groups/organizations. If the local hospital has their own test/certification they may be considered another group. Some local programs may use TDI or other national tests in order to test for their program, others have their own tests/insurance/certifications. __________________ Chicago Canine Bianca HIC CGC TT (GSD)

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