EASY dog tricks
Really appreciated!!! Thanks |
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| The site I use is www.therapydogs.net
They have some interesting information and links, including an article on dog tricks. Congratulations on gettting Maggie certified, that will be fun and she will bring a lot of happiness and joy to everyone!! Is she in the Delta Society training program or another? Best of luck!!! |
| Congrats to Maggie! Our son was born with spina bifida. He has had countless stays in the hospital. Sometimes months at a time. The visits from the therepy dogs was always the highlight. It meant so much to him and the other children there. One of the first things he said when we got Mojo was he wants to take him to hospitals. Mojo is only 4 1/2 months old. We are working on basic behaivor and commands right now. We are trying to expose him to many situations and enviroments so he becomes familiar with them. How old is Maggie? I know it will be awhile before Mojo is ready, but we are looking forward to joining the ranks. Good luck to the both of you. |
What a caring attitude your son has  Mojo is a beautiful puppy. I'm sure you must be very proud of both.
Great job Maggie The kids will love you and I bet you will have enough kisses for everyone! |
| I'm having Maggie certified through Therapy Dogs International. She just turned a year, so she still has a lot of puppy in her, especially with our other dogs. But I've found that in a controlled situation (and when she knows I have treats) she immediately straightens up. She's been through beginning obedience and we're in advanced, but one thing I found very helpful was when she was about 8 months, I had her in the therapy dog class. There are 3 sessions and then the test, so you know exactly what the test will be like. She couldn't take the test yet, but I'm confident that she can easily pass the test. But I want to keep working with her so she'll stay obedient. For a therapy dog, I think the most important skills are walking on a leash, down/stay for extended periods of time, and sit for exam (just having Mojo sit politely while someone comes up and touches him). Also, it's really good to start taking Mojo to Petco or Petsmart, parks, playgrounds, just to get him out and socialized.
I'm sure Mojo will make a great therapy dog. There's something about sheepdogs that makes people smile. And you can't help but hug and kiss them! |
| Thanks for the info. We had a big picnic in the park the other day for 7 special education classes, with kids ranging from 5 to 20. Mojo was a perfect angel. We have been working on "easy", mostly because of the cat. The kids would come running up to him and he would immediatly sit down and be as gentle as can be. Anybody else and he would have been jumping all around. I think they have a sixth sense about these things. The sheepdog we had years age always knew when something wasn't right. |
A. Yager wrote: One of the first things he said when we got Mojo was he wants to take him to hospitals. . Your son is a special boy. Might I also add, a very intelligent one!!! He's gotten a new puppy and not only wants to share him, but has figured out a way to legitimately sneak his best friend into the hospital with him. 
Does he spend time in Riley Hospital? I have a grandson that was born with TARS syndrome. He was there quite often for the first few months, but thank God, only has to go for routine plasma transfusions now. Maybe someday your son will be sharing his friend with my family. He's a year old now. Thanks to all of you whom give such wonderful gifts to others. And, thank your son for us as well. We'll keep him in our prayers. Pam |
| I'm embarassed, but what exactly is spina bifida? |
| It's an incomplete closure of the spinal column. In the worse cases a part of the spine actually protrudes through the back. A good site to visit is: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs12txt.htm |
| So how does your son suffer...I mean exactly (I don't want to grate on your emotions; I just want to understand), yes? |
| This is not in the name of morbidity...I really just want to understand you...not your son's diagnosis. Do you understand? I really don't want this to sound like I'm coming on stong...I want to understand as much as I can because it's children like your son that I want to help make strong |
| Ok, I read the link that you posted. I just wanted to know the severity of your son's illness: 1, 2, or 3. (I have been researching on your website). I am so sorry to hear that your son is sick, but I feel like these illnesses can make a person stronger with their attitude...and it sounds like your son has an amazing attitude...not only does he want to be better, but he also wants to make other people better. That is so amazing, I can't even tell you. I wish I could inspire people like you have...like your son has. It is so alien to me this attitude. With an illness, I'm not sure I could muster this sort of positiveness, this confidence. I am so happy to hear about a child that realizes the hope...haha, maybe I am put out od a job..I want to give children like yours hope, but if he could just pass me on his secret message, then maybe all children would have the hope that he does.
I am really inspired by your child's hope and faith...and I think it's amazing. I wish I could be so genuinely inspired. |
| o.k. here's the scoop. I don't mind answering questions about Jonathon or his condition. None of us know everything and we are all learning something everyday.
Spina bifida is a birth defect in which the spinal cord does not form completely at some point. It happens around the third week of pregnacy. Although there is not a definitive cause yet, since it is a neuro-tube defect there is a good possiblity that the lack of folic acid can be the reason. Fortunately most doctors now days are stressing the importance of folic acid to women of childbearing age. Severity can range from not even knowing you have it, to paralysis and other related complications. Jonathon is now 20 years old. He completed high school last summer and is now working with voc. rehab. to find a job. He's wanting to work as an activities assistant in a nursing home. (The kind of job that his love to socialize won't get him in trouble!!) (Another great place for Mojo to visit). Jonathon has no feeling or movement from his mid-chest down. He is mildly mentaly handicapped, has a shunt, kidney and bladder disease and skeletol and muscular problems. It's been a struggle dealing with everything involved, but it has made me a better person. He is a wonderful son and a beautiful person. He never complains and is alway wants to help or do something for other people. Yes, we spend a lot of time at Riley Hospital, both in and out patients. He goes there for urology and orthopedics. He goes to Methodist for neurology. We also took him to Shriners Hospital in Lexington Ky for many years. They are a wonderful, caring group. They provide all service at no cost to the family. The only requirement is that they feel they will be able to help you. The local Shrine Club will even provide transportation if you need it. How many kids do you know that get upset if they don't get to stay in the hospital when they go for a check up?!!!! Pam, I hope your grandson is doing well. Childern are such amazingly stronge and resilient spirits. We can learn so much from them. Maybe we'll see you at Riley someday. Hope that answers your questions. If not I'd be happy to reply again. Angel |
I'm very interested in the therapy dog program, although I know that Max is still very young (5 mos.) to make definitive plans to actually be a therapy dog. I just can't help but think sheepies would make such wonderful therapy dogs!! People can't help but smile when they see these creatures! There is an elderly woman that lives alone in my neighborhood, and she has never really interacted with me much, but ever since Max has been with us, she always stops to visit with Max when we're outside, she just loves him!! She says that she gets a lot of joy just watching him play and walk outside! I also believe that OES are very social and I think having a job would be a real plus for the dog. I'm going to continue training Max (he'll graduate from puppy class next week) and see where he's at in a few years, since I hear these doggies tend to be in puppy mode for quite a while 
Sharon |
| I agree, I think sheepdogs are wonderful therapy dogs, because just like you said, when you see one you just have to smile and touch them. They always seem so happy.
If you're interested in the therapy dog program, you should definitely keep up on the training now, so hopefully they won't develop bad habits that you can't easily fix later on. And also, I've found that since we've really been training, Maggie is more receptive to me. With multiple dogs, the sheepdog tends to be the more independent one. Also, really get down the testing basics: sit, down, stay, leave it, sit for exam, and someone else handling the dog with you out of the room. After you've got the basics, you just need to feel comfortable that you can control your dog in various situations. I think we can make a lot of people happy with our dogs, and build positive experiences. By the way, we had a WONDERFUL therapy OES named Max! Unfortunately, he has passed on, but was a truly great dog. |
| I taught Winston to GIVE PAW. Pretty much from day 1 to receive a treat, he would sit and then put one of his paws in my hand and then I would give him a treat. I also use it on other things like going outside or today with each piece of popcorn (boy does he LOVE popcorn).
Now I barely have to ask for his paw, it my hand is out he will put his paw in mine or if I am at the treat spot. I even think he is trying to teach my beagle to do it. Brandy |
shaggymaggie wrote: I wish I could inspire people like you have...like your son has. It is so alien to me this attitude. With an illness, I'm not sure I could muster this sort of positiveness, this confidence. I am so happy to hear about a child that realizes the hope...I want to give children like yours hope, but if he could just pass me on his secret message, then maybe all children would have the hope that he does. I am really inspired by your child's hope and faith...and I think it's amazing. I wish I could be so genuinely inspired.
Shaggymaggie, When you spend time with these children you'll realize the secret message within your heart and soul, and won't have to ask. But, until then, I'll tell you the secret. You'll never be the one giving them hope and faith. You'll find that they are the ones that will be giving "you" hope and faith. Sure, they have their ups and downs, but mostly they just want to be treated as equals, and not looked upon as "differant", or felt sorry for. Have you watched as a baby rolls quickly across the floor to get its favorite toy. And, see the joy in their eyes upon reaching it. Now, imagine this same child rolling because he's yet unable to walk, and reaches for the toy with tiny arms that are less than half the length they're suppose to be. Just long enough to barely hold a bottle up to his mouth. The joy you see in both child's eyes is the same, but its the joy in the eyes of those witnessing the second childs accomplishments that sets them apart. It's amazing what he can do. Have you watched a child with a cleft palete smile. The mouth is different, but the effect it has on you is a spiritual one. Just as with all the other children that have disabilities. They may be lacking in one area, but God has given them inner strength to overcome their disability, and He's given them each a special gift to share with the world. It's up to us to reach out to them and accept that gift. The gift they give is unconditional love. And, if not already, when you begin working with them you will then "realize" it in your heart. And, all they want in return, is your unconditional love. If you can do that, they will reward you with joy and laughter, as well as a few tears. And, you will have put a smile on their face, or in their heart, when you and Shaggiemaggie pay them a visit. |
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