When we first adopted Holly, I called Pacific Assistance Dogs to see if there was some sort of training we could both undertake to guide Holly into the role of a therapy dog. They explained that it was not their mandate to do so, which is understandable.
However, that didn't preclude my working with Holly to teach her to do some of the things I might require assistance with; like fetching the phone and taking off my socks. She even knows how to put them into the laundry basket! I only wish I could teach her to take those wet, cumbersome items out of the washer!
What an awesome dog! I adopted an adult lab, who was already fairly well trained. However we quickly realized that I will never be able to get her to the point of being a therapy dog as she quickly eats whatever falls on the floor without waiting for permission. Even after eating some really unfortunate things … like ginger (which she really hates), and once even a tiny bit of raw jalapeno (managed to spit that one out!) … she won’t stop. Imagine in a hospital setting if a dog ate someone’s meds! I am extremely careful at home with my meds, and won’t handle them if she is in the room.
That’s great that you found each other! 🙂
Holly is an adoptee, as well. She came to us at about a year old. No house-training, nor commands, and she was terrified of men.
That’s a really good point you make about the medications!
That’s great!
How long did it take her to learn that?
Not too long; probably about a week. We’re now working on bringing it immediately to me. She does a tour around the house with her “prize” before she gives it up. 🙂
thank you for the smile about the three dogs. I needed that!
When I was little we had a dog that would take our socks off under the dinner table. Dad never thought she was good for anything ~)
Hi Karen,
Then, my job is done. 🙂 Glad you had a laugh.
That’s funny re. your dog and the dinner table. Little did your dad know! 😉