We are very proud of our 3 year old Kooikerhondje boy Toni who passed the re-certification test as a Pet Partner (formally Delta Society) Therapy Dog! This test requires re-certification every two years and includes:
- Accepting a Friendly Stranger—greets appropriately
- Accepting Petting—allows stranger to pet while remaining seated
- Appearance and Grooming—allows handling; appearance appropriate
- Walk on a Loose Leash—no pulling, sniffing, struggling
- Walking Through a Crowd—keeps focus on handler
- Reaction to Distractions—remains calm and focused on handler
- Sit on Command
- Down on Command
- Stay in Place – 15 seconds with handler 10 feet away
- Come When Called
- Reaction to Neutral Dog – sits politely at handler’s side when another team approached
- Overall Body Exam – touched and handled all over body by tester
- Exuberant, Clumsy Petting – dog remains calm and under control
- Restraining Hug – dog tolerates a sudden whole body hug
- Staggering / Gesturing Individual – dog is confident when strange person approaches with a halting gait, crying out in pain
- Angry Yelling – dog remains calm
- Bumped from Behind – dog recovers quickly when gently bumped
- Crowded Petting – dog remains calm when surrounded by people all trying to pet the dog at once
- Leave It – dog can pass by a favorite toy / treat on the floor when commanded by handler
- Take a Treat Gently
The most difficult parts of the test were the restraining hug by a male who was leaning over Toni and to remain calm around a very sweet dog Toni was really interested in.
A Kooiker is probably not a born therapy dog but as you see, it is possible.
