Credentials

Kodabear

Kodabear

New member
So I was reading about other people's dogs being active therapy dogs and I'm wondering what all these therapy dog credentials are about. Which ones are the best to get if say I want to help cancer patients in a hospital with Koda? I have been inspired by another Koda on Newf net whose pictures I saw of them helping children with cancer. I must find out about this!
 
newflizzie

newflizzie

New member
Lizzie is certified by Therapy Dogs International (she also works in their Tail Waggin Tutors reading therapy program). Right now she is training for her DSR certification (disaster stress relief).

Their website is www.tdi-dog.org

I also know of Delta Society for therapy (www.deltasociety.org).

Intermountain Therapy Animals also has the great R.E.A.D. program (www.therapyanimals.org).

I didn't choose one over the other, it just happens our training club gives the TDI test regularly so we did that. I don't know about Delta or ITA, but TDI doesn't allow you to be apart of any other therapy program while you are insured under them. Not sure I particularly like that but it is what it is.

I never planned on getting into therapy - the test was just given after we had completed some training and I thought, why not? But I am so glad we did because we enjoy doing it so much!
 
CMDRTED

CMDRTED

New member
Ethel is TDI, that's what's offered here. Delta is basically the same, JMHO more of a pain in the xxx to go through.

TDI's Insurance Carrier is what prohibit's you from belonging to another Therapy Organization.
 
Sheila B.

Sheila B.

New member
Star and Journey are both certified through Delta Society as was Blizzard. They have all worked in different areas of the hospital but the patients on the locked behavioral health unit have been the most grateful for visits. Blizzard won an AKC award several years ago in their therapy dog competition. Another area we've loved to work has been in the rehabilitation hospital working with post-CVA patients and trauma patients. Wherever you go, you'll be glad you did it. The evaluation is based on the Canine Good Citizen test. Testing involves role playing and is actually quite fun. Go for it and good luck!
 
2Paws

2Paws

New member
Sometimes you may find local organizations that will sponsor, train and insure therapy dogs. You may be able to get some information from local pet stores, vet offices or the local humane society.

We were affiliated through TDI. My biggest complaint with them was absolutely no support once you took the test and paid the annual dues. If you wanted to do therapy work, it was up to you to find the needs in the community. It was also up to you to find others that did therapy work.

I have found a local organization and it is wonderful as far as training, support and leads to places that need a therpay team.

Good luck. This is such rewarding work to do with your newfie.
 
newflizzie

newflizzie

New member
2Paws said:
Sometimes you may find local organizations that will sponsor, train and insure therapy dogs. You may be able to get some information from local pet stores, vet offices or the local humane society.

We were affiliated through TDI. My biggest complaint with them was absolutely no support once you took the test and paid the annual dues. If you wanted to do therapy work, it was up to you to find the needs in the community. It was also up to you to find others that did therapy work.

I have found a local organization and it is wonderful as far as training, support and leads to places that need a therpay team.

Good luck. This is such rewarding work to do with your newfie.
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I had heard this about TDI as well and was kind of worried, so I went looking for info. I found that my county has a very active TDI Chapter called Southern Comforters (they now don't have names, but numbers). I would never have known about them if I hadn't actively went seeking, so if you go the TDI route make sure you ask if there are any chapters in your area to help you get started. I also have friends who have joined local therapy groups and have been very pleased so there are lots of options out there!
 
Kodabear

Kodabear

New member
Good to know Anne, I didn't know if there are specific ones that hospitals do or don't allow. It seems like tdi and delta society would both be good ones for taking Koda to hospitals.
 
Kodabear

Kodabear

New member
2Paws said:
Sometimes you may find local organizations that will sponsor, train and insure therapy dogs. You may be able to get some information from local pet stores, vet offices or the local humane society.

We were affiliated through TDI. My biggest complaint with them was absolutely no support once you took the test and paid the annual dues. If you wanted to do therapy work, it was up to you to find the needs in the community. It was also up to you to find others that did therapy work.

I have found a local organization and it is wonderful as far as training, support and leads to places that need a therpay team.

Good luck. This is such rewarding work to do with your newfie.
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I wonder if Delta Society is the same way as far as having to find the needs in your community by yourself. I would definitely need some guidance at first. Once I found out where Koda and I were welcome I think I would be fine being independent.
 
2Paws

2Paws

New member
I think it would depend on where you live. Unfortunately in my area, Delta isn't active either. I had to travel 2 1/2 hours to the closest test. Just ask around and you should be able to find out who is active in your area. Most places are geniunely very happy to have access to a therapy dog team.
 
plafleursr

plafleursr

New member
To test for TDI dog has to 1 year old. Check there web site (www.tdi-dog.org) you can e-mail them and ask about a local Chapter of TDI, you can look on evaluators page see if someone is close, ask them if they know of any local groups or people. I am Director for Chapter 170 TDI, in Massachusetts.
 
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jumpinnewf

jumpinnewf

New member
Riggs and Bristles are Delta Dogs and have been for years. Both TDI and Delta are great organizations. I would recommend looking to see which has an active group in your area and go with that one.
 
Kodabear

Kodabear

New member
I just saw your post Judy, your website is informative. Do all vets offer a CGC test? This may be the way to go for us.
 
KodysGrandma

KodysGrandma

New member
As I understand it, CGC is an AKC program and they certify various people as judges, it doesn't have to be a vet. The man who did Kody's original and CGC training was certified by AKC. He is now an AKC obedience judge too.
 
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