TDI or Delta society

[Melissa]

Since the topic of pet therapy was brought up, I was wondering if any of you belong to either one of these programs? If so, do you have a preference to either one? The closest Delta evaluator is over three hours away for us
I have been wanting to do this with Emily for some time now. She has her CGC but I think these tests are a little more involved.

 

[Jeannie]

Melissa,

All our newfs (well not Adam) are certified through Delta and TDI. There is a world of difference in the organizations. TDI all you have to do is pass a more involved CGC test. Delta is much more involved.

Delta requires you and your dog to attend 10 weeks of class. During this time you are taught many things such as: how to handle older or Psychiatric patients. You are taught how to enter a room, after all in most cases you are bringing the dog into the patient's home. There are many role play situations for your pet. Your pet is evaluated at all time. The test is much more involved and you have to take and pass a test as well. The dogs are not automatically considered "therapy dogs" as with TDI. Depending on how well your dog does on the test he/she can get one of three scores being, Therapet, Visiting pet and try again.

Another thing to consider is. AKC does not recognize Delta but does TDI.

This is only a bit of the differences. If you have more questions feel free to ask.

 

[Melissa]

Thanks Jeannie, you were very helpful

Sounds like TDI might be the place for me to start. I need to work with her on the supervised seperation and probably getting her used to being around medical equipment. Our neighbor is wheelchair bound and she does wonderfully with him. She is not afraid of the chair at all. However, when we are at home and she gets afraid of a strange noise or something she goes to her hiding spot. This could be a problem if she was contained on a leash. I think she would make a great therapy dog as long as I can work on her confidence a little.

Could still just be an age thing.