Can a shy dog become a therapy dog?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dee on March 31, 2009 at 6:25am

A shy dog can be a therapy dog. My puppy mill rescue has been doing therapy and library visits for 6 months now. He is almost 8 years old (we think). I got him when he was about 4 years old. At that time he did not know how to stand or walk on grass, a wooden deck, a rug, etc. He was unsure of people. He just sat there shaking. The only time he seemed comfortable was standing on our cement patio or in a cage. He was scared of everything. He is now an AKG CGC / TDI Therapy Dog. My words of wisdom...patience, love, gentle exposure to new situations. Take it 1 small step at a time. Lots of praise. I had an older TDI trained dog that also helped teach this dog "the ropes". Patience, praise and reassurance every time she is in an uncomfortable situation. And keep the training in short timeframes. Confidence will build over time. Don't expect too much too fast. The shy dog has its own timeline. I found repeating obedience & rally classes helpful...not to learn but to be exposed to different people, dogs and situations. Always remember the "quiet praise" and reassurance. Good luck...keep us posted!

Permalink Reply by Marjorie on March 31, 2009 at 6:56am

Thank you so much for your comments I really appreciate it. I agree with taking it slow and steady. My breeder advised that she would be a bit developmentally delayed as she would not have gotten as much socialization as if she had gone to a family at 10-12 weeks as a pup, but that she would eventually catch up. She is actually quite brave in new situations and once someone starts patting her she usually can relax. I think a big part of the problem is that I live alone and she is a bit too focused and dependent on me. I have been considering another dog to try and increase the pack # and provide her with some company. The dog I'm considering is very people orientated and according to my breeder the "life of the party." I'll guess I'll just continue to broaden her world as much as possible and as much as she is comfortable with.

Thanks Again!
Marjorie

Permalink Reply by Julie Miller on March 21, 2012 at 11:46pm

Hi Marjorie,

My 2 Cavaliers Freddie and Lucy are both therapy dogs. They've done visiting now for about 18 months. I must agree about the comments from Dee. Once they have visited someone several times they will start getting used to them and settle down.A lot of the people they visit are wheel chair bound, and I place them on their knee for a cuddle. Freddie immediately tries to jump off.My female is fine, doesn't mind being held and patted, but little Freddie is just a very sensitive little boy, and it takes a while for him to get the confidence of someone, and at times often appears frightened. he is the same when I take him for a run in the park off the lead. he doesn't mind smelling a dogs butt, but when he in turned is sniffed, gets all sensitive. I often find he also drools a bit when nervous. It is now 2 years since your post, has your Cavalier settled down now?.

Permalink Reply by Marjorie on March 22, 2012 at 3:45pm

Hello Julie and thanks for your reply.

I have two Cavalier girls now and the second dog really helped the first one with her shyness. I have also had my shy dog Taffy in a nursing home visiting a friend and she was great with everyone. Even those who don't have good motor skills and can be a bit erratic with trying to pat her. It seems that the more challenged a person is the more accommodating and tolerant Taffy is. My other dog Teena is good with people, but she does not like a direct stare (which is always hard with cute Cavaliers becasue everyone wants to stare) and she will bark it they don't break eye contact. But once Teena is inthe belly rub position she could fawned over all day. Taffy did pass her Canine Good Neighbour Test first try. I just ahven't got around to having Teena tested yet. Actually, both of my dogs are quite well socialized now. I think Taffy 's main issue is being approached the wrong way (leaning over and patting over the head). If someone kneels down and pats under the chin she is fine. She is also good if you set her next to someone. I just had a vet tell me once that she would never make a therapy dog because of her shyness. It seems like here in Nova Scotia they have very high standards for dogs doing therapy work. Did you have to take any special therapy training with your dogs? By the way, you have beautiful fur kids.

Permalink Reply by Julie Miller on March 22, 2012 at 11:02pm

Thanks Marjorie,

Glad your dogs have turned out fine. What I'd also like to do is to take the dogs into people's homes, mainly the elderly who aren't residing in nursing homes, and would just love a home visit. In that way the dogs could be themselves and the people enjoy them. But it's just getting to know people who would like that. They actually visit a home for the incurables, with most of them wheelchair bound. As I said little Freddie is very sensitive, and usually won't stay on the knees of the residents. But when he comes a lot more fimiliar with a certain person, I do find it easier.They don't need any special training, but the homes likes to see them first, and to see they are appropriate, and approve them. As with children, I worry more about them, as we know Cavaliers don't bite, the ultimate softies.  I know what you mean about rolling on their tummy. He is quite amusing, I just have to approach him at his level in a loving manner, and he rolls straight on to his back,  as if to be submissive, it is so cute. I put another discussion on the board, but so far no replies. I was wondering if you or anyone else had used the "Furminator" for removing loose fur, I would hate to buy one and have them strip their fur
 
Marjorie E. MacKay said:

Hello Julie and thanks for your reply.

I have two Cavalier girls now and the second dog really helped the first one with her shyness. I have also had my shy dog Taffy in a nursing home visiting a friend and she was great with everyone. Even those who don't have good motor skills and can be a bit erratic with trying to pat her. It seems that the more challenged a person is the more accommodating and tolerant Taffy is. My other dog Teena is good with people, but she does not like a direct stare (which is always hard with cute Cavaliers becasue everyone wants to stare) and she will bark it they don't break eye contact. But once Teena is inthe belly rub position she could fawned over all day. Taffy did pass her Canine Good Neighbour Test first try. I just ahven't got around to having Teena tested yet. Actually, both of my dogs are quite well socialized now. I think Taffy 's main issue is being approached the wrong way (leaning over and patting over the head). If someone kneels down and pats under the chin she is fine. She is also good if you set her next to someone. I just had a vet tell me once that she would never make a therapy dog because of her shyness. It seems like here in Nova Scotia they have very high standards for dogs doing therapy work. Did you have to take any special therapy training with your dogs? By the way, you have beautiful fur kids.

Permalink Reply by Marjorie on March 24, 2012 at 7:03am

Hi Julie,

 

I have a furminator and I would not recommend it for a Cavalier. It cuts the coat with a razor and you can't really use it on their legs at all as it would be too risky for cutting them. I think they work better with the bigger breeds and those that have double coats.What part of the coat are you trying to strip? Hand stripping is the best I think, but a lot of work. My Taffy has a fluffy but very soft coat and Teen has a nice silky, but thick coat. I usually keep them clipped as they don't show and they are in the woods a lot and at the shore, so we go for comfort for them and easy cleaning for me. I find the feathers on Taffy's legs can get really thick and the best thing I have come across is a pair toothed thinning shears. My friend is a hairdresser and she gave me a good pair that work great. The cheap ones you buy at the pet stores are no good at all.

Julie, I know Cavaliers are billed as the ultimate friendly dog, but I would never say that they don't bite as ANY dog put under the right kind of stressors for that dog will bite...even the best of dogs. I just would not want you to have a false sense of security, especially with your little one who is nervous. Mine have never bitten, but I always keep a very close eye on them when I see them giving stress signals in a situation and I try to diffuse that situation asap. It is also very important to not correct your dog if they ever growl, but instead to pay attention, listen to your dog and back off and remove what ever is stressing the dog (or remove the dog from the stressful situation). If you correct a growl then next time you may not get the warning and actually receive a bite.

Here in Nova Scotia our dogs can only do therapy work if they have passed the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy program which is quite extensive. The dog has to have good basic obedience training and undergoes stringent temperment and socialization testing. Even in the Canine Good Neighbour test which is just the first requirement to apply you have to pass twelve obedience,  temperment and socialization tasks. Once they pass the therapy testing then they have to shadow with another team for a while before they are permitted to do therapy work on their own. I would really love to be able to get involved with the program, but I don't have a vehicle at the moment and we would really have to brush up on our training. My girls are well socialized, but I still don't know if we would be accepted as they are looking for 100% bomb proof dogs and we just aren't there...yet, maybe never.

Good luck with your grooming!

Marjorie

Permalink Reply by Julie Miller on March 24, 2012 at 4:58pm

Just a quick reply Marjorie,

The only reason I was considering the Furminator was because of all the fur that Cavaliers lose. I use slicker brushes, wide toothed combs etc that remove loose fur, but there is still heaps of fur everywhere. I suppose thats one of the few downsides to a Cavvie.

It's funny you mentioned your dog growling, neither of my Cavaliers have ever growled, and that's one thing in Cavaliers the breeders wont tolerate, any form of aggression. I suppose you're right, some dogs might bite, but I've never heard of it with Cavaliers.
 
Marjorie E. MacKay said:

Hi Julie,

 

I have a furminator and I would not recommend it for a Cavalier. It cuts the coat with a razor and you can't really use it on their legs at all as it would be too risky for cutting them. I think they work better with the bigger breeds and those that have double coats.What part of the coat are you trying to strip? Hand stripping is the best I think, but a lot of work. My Taffy has a fluffy but very soft coat and Teen has a nice silky, but thick coat. I usually keep them clipped as they don't show and they are in the woods a lot and at the shore, so we go for comfort for them and easy cleaning for me. I find the feathers on Taffy's legs can get really thick and the best thing I have come across is a pair toothed thinning shears. My friend is a hairdresser and she gave me a good pair that work great. The cheap ones you buy at the pet stores are no good at all.

Julie, I know Cavaliers are billed as the ultimate friendly dog, but I would never say that they don't bite as ANY dog put under the right kind of stressors for that dog will bite...even the best of dogs. I just would not want you to have a false sense of security, especially with your little one who is nervous. Mine have never bitten, but I always keep a very close eye on them when I see them giving stress signals in a situation and I try to diffuse that situation asap. It is also very important to not correct your dog if they ever growl, but instead to pay attention, listen to your dog and back off and remove what ever is stressing the dog (or remove the dog from the stressful situation). If you correct a growl then next time you may not get the warning and actually receive a bite.

Here in Nova Scotia our dogs can only do therapy work if they have passed the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy program which is quite extensive. The dog has to have good basic obedience training and undergoes stringent temperment and socialization testing. Even in the Canine Good Neighbour test which is just the first requirement to apply you have to pass twelve obedience,  temperment and socialization tasks. Once they pass the therapy testing then they have to shadow with another team for a while before they are permitted to do therapy work on their own. I would really love to be able to get involved with the program, but I don't have a vehicle at the moment and we would really have to brush up on our training. My girls are well socialized, but I still don't know if we would be accepted as they are looking for 100% bomb proof dogs and we just aren't there...yet, maybe never.

Good luck with your grooming!

Marjorie

Permalink Reply by Marjorie on March 24, 2012 at 5:31pm

Hi Julie,

 

If it is just shedding I guess you are best to just brush, mine aren't heavy shedders. Oh Julie, EVERY dog growles, it is a normal part of dog behaviour. Mine have never growled at me, but they sure do when the neigbours cat sits on their front step! Growling is  a dogs way of saying I'm not comfortable with what is happening. Yes, I know that Cavaliers are suppose to have this over the top friendly and tolerant nature and that the standard does not tolerate anything but. However,  I don't believe that is  the total reality of the breed. Most Cavaliers that I come across are timid and what most people mistake as being the ultimate companion dog is really separation anxiety, they can't handle being on their own. Don't get me wrong I love my Cavaliers, but I wish the standards and the breeders would be real about the dog. What they give (as in any breed standard is the ideal) not necessarily the reality, especially when it comes to temperment. I know of many Cavalier owners who thought they were getting one thing and ended up with a nervous, needy Nelley. My breeder kept my Taffy for her breeding program, but when she turned out to be too timid she decided not to breed her. So even though my breeder does not breed timid dogs, they can still get them. Truth is Cavaliers are so easy to train and such good companions because they are so dependent upon you...the ultimate people pleaser. Again, there is the down side to that which is needy and anxious.

Permalink Reply by Julie Miller on March 24, 2012 at 8:10pm

I have actually heard my little Fred (the timid one) growl, but only play like, when I play tug of war with him, or they bothe growl a little at each other, but only play growl, not in an angry manner. I can walk up to them and take a bone off them, food, anything, and they have never growled at me. Now neighbours cats! They just love to chase cats, and if they see one they can't get to they just bark at them.

Marjorie,I do agree regarding separation anxiety. That's why you see so many owners with two or more dogs. My dogs seem fine left alone together, but I know a lot of people who have them and they get separation anxiety. My daughter also has a Cavalier, but frankly she should have waited to get one. He is often left alone for many hours in a little room out the back. We installed a doggy door, which is not only great for toileting, but they can also go out and enjoy the sun. But of course we have to make sure our yard is securely locked. We have had a lot of incidences of dog napping over here lately, which must be so devestating for the owners
 Marjorie E. MacKay said:

Hi Julie,

 

If it is just shedding I guess you are best to just brush, mine aren't heavy shedders. Oh Julie, EVERY dog growles, it is a normal part of dog behaviour. Mine have never growled at me, but they sure do when the neigbours cat sits on their front step! Growling is  a dogs way of saying I'm not comfortable with what is happening. Yes, I know that Cavaliers are suppose to have this over the top friendly and tolerant nature and that the standard does not tolerate anything but. However,  I don't believe that is  the total reality of the breed. Most Cavaliers that I come across are timid and what most people mistake as being the ultimate companion dog is really separation anxiety, they can't handle being on their own. Don't get me wrong I love my Cavaliers, but I wish the standards and the breeders would be real about the dog. What they give (as in any breed standard is the ideal) not necessarily the reality, especially when it comes to temperment. I know of many Cavalier owners who thought they were getting one thing and ended up with a nervous, needy Nelley. My breeder kept my Taffy for her breeding program, but when she turned out to be too timid she decided not to breed her. So even though my breeder does not breed timid dogs, they can still get them. Truth is Cavaliers are so easy to train and such good companions because they are so dependent upon you...the ultimate people pleaser. Again, there is the down side to that which is needy and anxious.

Permalink Reply by Marjorie on March 25, 2012 at 5:26am

Hi Julie,

The first time I hear Taffy growl it was hard not to laugh. She was at the breeders and a younger pup was trying to get her chew toy away from her and she gave a little growl and got up and walked away. She loves to sit on an old trunk in the front window and patrol the street, the neighbours call her the "mayor." If someone she doesn't like walks onher street she will growl and give a few barks. I distract her from the barking, but I have to say watch a Cavalier trying to be tough IS amusing. Now my other dog Teena is affective inthat she had raised two litters of pups and takes no nonsense. I have seen her muzzle correct a Great Dane for being too pushy in her space and with just a look she has sent a Mastiff and a Pit Bull to the other side of their owner andas far from her as possible. Our trainer/behaviourist has told me that she usually only sees that "look" in female hearding dogs. The both command a presence especially Teena.

Now I can take anything from them no problem and when we are playing tug they do growl. Teena latches on like a Pit Bull and I can never get it away from her, I'll ask her to give it to me, she usually continues to growl for a few seconds and then lets go. Her reward is that I throw it for her to chase.

I had Taffy for a couple of years before I got Teena and she was fine on her own at home. The are jealous of each other and I think they sometimes wish they were an only child, especially Teena where she never had the chance to be. But they get along well no squabbles. They get (mainly Taffy) separation anxiety if I leave them with someone else or at the vets, but are fine at home where they have the run of the house. It's not just Cavaliers, but many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. I find I don't go out much anymore because I feel bad leaving them where I work all day through the week. I"m lucky that my sister lives across the street and just retired last year so she comes over everyday while I'm at work and either spends some time with them or takes them out for a walk. I walk them before I go to work and again when I get home. My back yard is also fenced so that works out really well too.

So you are having dogs stolen in your area, that's scary. I don't leave mine out if I'm not home because I'd worry about that too. Cavaliers would be easy targets. I just saw on the news last night about a Chocolate Lab that was tolen in Arizona as a pup and just turned up in Calgary, Alberta four years later!

Suns shinning I better get realdy and get out to the dog park, enjoy your day Julie. 

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Julie Miller on March 25, 2012 at 3:17pm

Hi Marjorie,

Even though my Cavvies don't growl at people who go by, sometimes it is funny to watch. If a person goes past on a bike they will tell them off, the same as a jogger on the other side of the street. They will also bark at them when they walk past our house, but the loudest bark is for the people who walk their dogs past our home. I realise they only do it to protect their property, but I like to tell them off, and say "no Barking!" It's fine when I'm there, but not when I'm out of sight. It is just so funny to watch sometimes. I will have to take a photograph. I have a picket fence at the front of my home, with a matching gate. They manage to get their noses just under the gate so they get a good view from their side of the fence, it must look terribly funny to people walking past. 
 
Marjorie E. MacKay said:

Hi Julie,

The first time I hear Taffy growl it was hard not to laugh. She was at the breeders and a younger pup was trying to get her chew toy away from her and she gave a little growl and got up and walked away. She loves to sit on an old trunk in the front window and patrol the street, the neighbours call her the "mayor." If someone she doesn't like walks onher street she will growl and give a few barks. I distract her from the barking, but I have to say watch a Cavalier trying to be tough IS amusing. Now my other dog Teena is affective inthat she had raised two litters of pups and takes no nonsense. I have seen her muzzle correct a Great Dane for being too pushy in her space and with just a look she has sent a Mastiff and a Pit Bull to the other side of their owner andas far from her as possible. Our trainer/behaviourist has told me that she usually only sees that "look" in female hearding dogs. The both command a presence especially Teena.

Now I can take anything from them no problem and when we are playing tug they do growl. Teena latches on like a Pit Bull and I can never get it away from her, I'll ask her to give it to me, she usually continues to growl for a few seconds and then lets go. Her reward is that I throw it for her to chase.

I had Taffy for a couple of years before I got Teena and she was fine on her own at home. The are jealous of each other and I think they sometimes wish they were an only child, especially Teena where she never had the chance to be. But they get along well no squabbles. They get (mainly Taffy) separation anxiety if I leave them with someone else or at the vets, but are fine at home where they have the run of the house. It's not just Cavaliers, but many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. I find I don't go out much anymore because I feel bad leaving them where I work all day through the week. I"m lucky that my sister lives across the street and just retired last year so she comes over everyday while I'm at work and either spends some time with them or takes them out for a walk. I walk them before I go to work and again when I get home. My back yard is also fenced so that works out really well too.

So you are having dogs stolen in your area, that's scary. I don't leave mine out if I'm not home because I'd worry about that too. Cavaliers would be easy targets. I just saw on the news last night about a Chocolate Lab that was tolen in Arizona as a pup and just turned up in Calgary, Alberta four years later!

Suns shinning I better get realdy and get out to the dog park, enjoy your day Julie. 

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Marjorie on March 25, 2012 at 3:48pm

Yes Julie, I can just picture it and I bet is is funny! Cavaliers really are in a class all their own. I remember one particular wintery day last year when we were out for our walk and I had the girls dressed up in their winter coats and hot pink muttluck boots. We here coming across the the ball field and there was a handsom chocolate lab who caught sight of us and I know he really couldn't tell what they were. He couldn't take his eyes off them and he looked so perplexed, as I don't think he recoginized them as dogs at all. They just trotted by and Teena gave him the "what the hell are you staring at?" look. They really are too funny.

Cheers,

Marjorie