There are very serious trainers that you could find through a local kennel club but I would start with a place like PetSmart or Petco that teach the basic commands. It is fun and will give you a chance to see if she enjoys it. If she is then you are on your way! Then get her CGC.
Basic obedience training is around $100 for 6 or 8 weeks. Its the best thing you could spend your $$ on whether you pursue animal assisted therapy or not. Some nursing homes don't require that you have a registered therapy dog if they are well mannered. The only problem would be liability if something happened. Most therapy dogs are insured for $1 million dollars.
Think how much Pinky helped you over your loss. That is what she would be doing for so many children and adults.
Oct 11, 2009 Rating
. by: April
How would I get in touch with someone to start training her? With all of this training cost me much? I'm still going to school so I dont have much I can spend, But Pinky makes everyone happy so I might think about having her be a therapy dog.
Oct 11, 2009 Rating
Pinky the Pom by: Anonymous
All Pinky's energy is a good thing. Just like with a Dalmatian you must guide that energy in all the right places. When my Dal enters a hospital or hospice center she knows she is there to work and gets very "professional". Then we go home and play frisbee!
Its up to you to let her know what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
She has a very wise look about her.
Our therapy organization has a Pom named Sassy. She is one of the best therapy dogs I've ever known.
Oct 08, 2009 Rating
therapy dog by: April
I think Pink is a little to hyper at this point to be a therapy dog. She listens very well but she gets very excited around new people and doesn't want to stop giving everyone kisses.
Oct 08, 2009 Rating
Your loss by: Patricia
So sorry for your loss and Pinky is definitely a perfect way to overcome your grief. Have you thought about her becoming a therapy dog? Hospitals, Cancer and Hospice centers know the impact these 4-legged healers have on the cancer patients and welcome them.
What a sweet and soulful look she has!
