New pics of Ruger. therapy dog? Maybe show him...

[Sawsealady]

Hi y'all so here's some new pictures of Ruger! Hope you enjoy! I know I enjoy all of yours! Couple of questions. I really would like Ruger to explore his potential as possible therapy dog. He loves choldren... I would like for him to work with special needs children. Ideas on what qua lities a dog would need for that specific therapy title. What kind of training/ pro vs home.... How does one get that cert title? Also I'm interested in info on showing Ruger. Not sure if I will but the possibility crosses my mind and insight on what a begginer would need to know.... I would love all input. Hope this thread finds you all well and happy!

 

[Jarena]

What a handsome boy!

 

[April Nicole]

He is handsome! And getting big
I'm not sure about the certifications, but I bet Boxergirl could give you some info

 

[Boxergirl]

Therapy dogs don't require specialized training. I think attending training classes is always a good thing, even though you can do the training at home. Classes are great for working around distractions and you have someone experienced to take a look at your technique and make constructive suggestions. I don't remember where you're located, but in the US there's a Canine Good Citizen test that's a good place to start. It may even be mandatory. After that, I would contact one of the organizations for therapy dogs like Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners, etc. Even though some places might not require you to be part of an organization, I think it's a good idea just for liability purposes, particularly if you want to work with children. Here are a few links for you that might help.

https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/

https://www.tdi-dog.org/About.aspx?Page=Getting+Started

I can't help you much with showing. I don't know if it's the same in all breeds, but in boxers it's pretty political. Or it used to be. I did consider showing boxers at one time and I even had someone that would mentor me, but after seeing how many veterans on the show scene behaved to newbies I decided it wasn't for me. That was quite a few years ago though, so I hope things have changed. I guess I would suggest visiting every show that you can and trying to find someone that would honestly evaluate Ruger and maybe be willing to mentor you if they feel he's a show prospect.

 

[Boxergirl]

He is handsome! And getting big
I'm not sure about the certifications, but I bet Boxergirl could give you some info

Hahaha, I actually thought I had already posted but there it was ... just sitting there at the bottom of the screen. I do that with texts all the time and then feel bad about it.

 

[April Nicole]

Hahaha, I actually thought I had already posted but there it was ... just sitting there at the bottom of the screen. I do that with texts all the time and then feel bad about it.

I've done it a couple of times too! Lol

Therapy dogs don't require specialized training. I think attending training classes is always a good thing, even though you can do the training at home. Classes are great for working around distractions and you have someone experienced to take a look at your technique and make constructive suggestions. I don't remember where you're located, but in the US there's a Canine Good Citizen test that's a good place to start. It may even be mandatory. After that, I would contact one of the organizations for therapy dogs like Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners, etc. Even though some places might not require you to be part of an organization, I think it's a good idea just for liability purposes, particularly if you want to work with children. Here are a few links for you that might help.

https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/

https://www.tdi-dog.org/About.aspx?Page=Getting+Started

I can't help you much with showing. I don't know if it's the same in all breeds, but in boxers it's pretty political. Or it used to be. I did consider showing boxers at one time and I even had someone that would mentor me, but after seeing how many veterans on the show scene behaved to newbies I decided it wasn't for me. That was quite a few years ago though, so I hope things have changed. I guess I would suggest visiting every show that you can and trying to find someone that would honestly evaluate Ruger and maybe be willing to mentor you if they feel he's a show prospect.

As always, great info Boxergirl!

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I am not sure where you are located but when it comes to showing it is usually best to find some shows in your area and hit them up. Talk to the corso people in attendance, if possible try and make it to more than one. Leave the dog at home for one so you can observe and focus on what is going on and then take him to another (you won't be allowed to bring him inside but see if breeders/handlers will meet you outside with him) to evaluate him. Know the standard so when they talk you understand what they are pointing out and if you don't understand ask them to explain it to you, showing you. Above all please do not go in with thoughts your dog is perfect, there are no perfect ones and conformation is/was used to evaluate breeding stock against a standard, they can and do break a dog down bit by bit and dissect it in comparison and it can hurt feelings.

 

[Sawsealady]

What a handsome boy!

Thank you!

 

[Sawsealady]

Therapy dogs don't require specialized training. I think attending training classes is always a good thing, even though you can do the training at home. Classes are great for working around distractions and you have someone experienced to take a look at your technique and make constructive suggestions. I don't remember where you're located, but in the US there's a Canine Good Citizen test that's a good place to start. It may even be mandatory. After that, I would contact one of the organizations for therapy dogs like Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners, etc. Even though some places might not require you to be part of an organization, I think it's a good idea just for liability purposes, particularly if you want to work with children. Here are a few links for you that might help.

https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/

https://www.tdi-dog.org/About.aspx?Page=Getting+Started

I can't help you much with showing. I don't know if it's the same in all breeds, but in boxers it's pretty political. Or it used to be. I did consider showing boxers at one time and I even had someone that would mentor me, but after seeing how many veterans on the show scene behaved to newbies I decided it wasn't for me. That was quite a few years ago though, so I hope things have changed. I guess I would suggest visiting every show that you can and trying to find someone that would honestly evaluate Ruger and maybe be willing to mentor you if they feel he's a show prospect.

What a great reply! I'm getting my lol human to bed and then will really look into the links you provided! Thank you!

 

[Sawsealady]

I am not sure where you are located but when it comes to showing it is usually best to find some shows in your area and hit them up. Talk to the corso people in attendance, if possible try and make it to more than one. Leave the dog at home for one so you can observe and focus on what is going on and then take him to another (you won't be allowed to bring him inside but see if breeders/handlers will meet you outside with him) to evaluate him. Know the standard so when they talk you understand what they are pointing out and if you don't understand ask them to explain it to you, showing you. Above all please do not go in with thoughts your dog is perfect, there are no perfect ones and conformation is/was used to evaluate breeding stock against a standard, they can and do break a dog down bit by bit and dissect it in comparison and it can hurt feelings.

Very interesting... I'm in nc. I definitely think my boy is perfect in a motherly way lol. However I do understand the magnifying glass and how imperfections are going to be magnified in a show setting. I'm curious more than anything. I'm not great at fitting in with the in crowd in any setting, I've always been on the fray in that regards. I guess you could say I don't do well with bs and political as* kissing. In all I greatly appreciate people that put work and passion into anything they do and since I'm doing that with Ruger I figured I would just keep gaining knowledge to try and be the best owner I can for him! I love this big brat!