Delta, TDI which is best for small dogs?

[Range]

Anyone have a TDI or delta certificate on their dog? Are there any allowances made due to size? Our TDI test is Monday and I am slightly nervous about a few things. He tends to shy away from peoples feet when they are moving if he is on the ground just to avoid being stepped on (he is only 3.5lbs) not because he is scared or nervous he is just cautious, but honestly he wouldn't walk much during a visit just because he is so small.

Sorry this is so muttled hope it makes sense.

[SnowWa]

QUOTE: Anyone have a TDI or delta certificate on their dog?

What are these????

Carol Jean

[Oscar's Mom]

You will just have to go to the test and see what is required of your dog to get certified. Really not sure what your question was but I looked up TDI and Delta and this is what I came up with:

THERAPY DOGS
As the name indicates, these dogs visit various institutions, hospitals or special programs offered in your area and act as healing (if you will) benefits to those the dog comes in contact with. These visits could include: Nursing homes for the elderly, Veterans Administration Hospitals, Homes for the Mentally Ill, or programs for the Juvenile Delinquents. These dogs act as a catalyst to take the patients minds off their problems and dwell for a while on interacting with the dogs. It is proven Medical Fact that the elderly live longer, happier lives when then have a pet (companion) to love and care for. It goes without saying therefore, that these dogs must be of very best character and behavior.

There is an organization for registering these dogs. Therapy Dogs International, "The K-9 Kandy Stripers" DOGS WITH A PURPOSE. They may be contacted at TDI; 6 Hilltop Road; Mendham, NJ 07945. They should be able to supply you with information about a program in your area, or how to start a program. Web page address: www.tdi-dog.org. E-mail address: tdi@gti.net.

Or contact the All-Breed Kennel Club in your area. You can also contact the Delta Society at 321 Burnett Ave.S., 3rd floor; Renton, Wa 98055-2569 (206)226-7357 or at 300 Park Ave., 15th floor; New York, Ny 10022-7499 (212)310-2802 they run a program called Pet Partners.

Some of their Guide Lines for TDI Registered Dogs are:

1) Dogs must have a current Rabies certificate and distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, para-influenza and parvo-virus inoculations.

2) A yearly physical and stool check.

3) Dogs must be kept on leash at all times when in an institution except when doing certain obedience exercises.

4) Dogs must have passed a training club graduation class or have an AKC obedience title.

5) Dogs must be at least one year of age.

6) Dogs must have annual heartworm tests.

7) Female dogs must not be in estrus when participating in therapy work.

8) Dogs must be well groomed.

9) Dogs must wear proper identification if registered with TDI.

Some other things that would be helpful for training your dogs to be a Therapy Dog.

a) Teach your dog some simple trick that would entertain the patients or whatever.

b) Be sure your dog loves all people and children, no matter what the smells are. Some sickly people will have an overbearing odor, no fault of their own. Also hospitals and medications have a lot of different odors your dog should be accustomed to.

c) Be sure your dog is accustomed to being around people on crutches, canes and in wheelchairs.

d) Your dog should show self confidence in large crowds and noisy places

e) Your dog should be under complete verbal and lead control under all circumstances. Be sure he is exposed to a lot of different distractions, such as you would encounter in the places you intend to visit.

f) Your dog should also get along well with other dogs, since others will probably be there at the same time.

g) Teach your dog to take treats only when properly offered and not to be a "thief", since food items are likely to be around.

h) Teach your dog not to "wash" everybody's face.

i) Do not let your dog become hyper-active in these situations.

j) Most importantly your dog should have his Canine Good Citizen Certificate.

©KayDurr