COMMAND TRAINING

By Friday, February 23, 2018 10 No tags Permalink

I’ve been working on command training with Jaxson lately…

He’s three years old and it’s time he started working #stoplaughing

Translation?

It’s time for him to test for his pet therapy certification and bring a little tail wagging happiness throughout those hospital halls.

PET THERAPY –

Recently, the hospital where I work and Harley volunteers has made a commitment to community involved projects and events.

Harley really enjoys interacting with the patients as I am sure Jaxson will also. But if I had to choose who would have the “better experience” at places like the airport, kids fair, schools, etc… I would place my $2.00 bet on Sir Jaxson Doodle.

His evaluator is affiliated with a different therapy organization than Harley – so I don’t know quite what to expect, therefore I am trying to strengthen his skills with the basics.

I want him to sit…

and stay…

even if both Harley and I walk away.

Which, when he wants to – he has the ability to take literally and stand statue like…

My desire is to master this technique of “being still” because it seems to trigger a calming mechanism that could be very helpful in many situations (to include pet therapy) when he gets excited. If I could break him from his whirling dervish behavior by getting him to sit and/or stay until the demon-Doodle inside exorcises itself out – that would be Doodle*tastic! #girlwithadream

THERAPY TESTING –

This particular therapy organization’s website has a video where they demonstrate the test. I’m fairly comfortable with what the evaluator will ask of him. He and I just need to “tighten-up” on staying put for longer periods of time.

Doodle Dad’s been taking him/them out to the soccer field in the middle of the day. Before they start to play ball, he instructs them to stay in place while activity is going on around them…

Let’s just say it’s a process.

A little progress everyday adds up to big results ❤

10 Comments
  • Monika & Sam
    February 23, 2018

    Good luck. When I first started working with Sam on therapy work, our trainer suggested the down command as a better calming technique. He was right. That did wonders while he was still getting the hang of it all.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 26, 2018

      That’s a great idea – I will give it a try – thanks my friend!

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    February 23, 2018

    You could try the place command – it incorporates a down-stay and quiet time on a mat (or towel, or anything else you want to use). I’ve been using it with Ducky a lot lately; and when I can get hubby to be consistent with it as well, it’s a great “go to” command that works like a charm. (The problem is getting hubby to use/enforce it consistently!)

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 23, 2018

      I like that, Harley knows “place” but it’s been used for jumping on objects – not sure how he would understand that to be a “do not move” command. LOL

  • Emma
    February 23, 2018

    Good luck, Jax! We obey commands for photos, but other than that, it is optional in our minds! Mom loves us to jump on her, which means she will never teach us not to jump on people. Even if we wanted to do therapy work, we would never pass the test. You can do it, if you apply yourself. Bailie is working on learning what it means to apply herself in sports. It is not always easy to do the right thing.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 26, 2018

      I plan to have a long talk with Jaxson the night before, the morning of, during the ride in the car to the test, etc…. Hopefully he’ll get it before we arrive LOL

  • Scruffs Luxury Dog Beds
    February 24, 2018

    Hope the training goes well, he should do great! 😀

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 24, 2018

      Well – we can only try. Testing may be next week – of course I’ll keep everyone informed – pass or fail 🙂 Thanks for stopping by – come back real soon!

  • Cathy Armato
    February 27, 2018

    It’s so great that Jax is going to become a Therapy Dog too! Icy has been one for a few years now, she’s due for her 2 year re-evaluation shortly and Phoebe just got her AKC/CGC. I’d like Phoebe to become a TD as well. I like the idea of using different pet therapy organizations, that way they can each get different and varied assignments. Good Luck, I know Jax will do great!
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

  • Jan K
    February 28, 2018

    It looks like he’s coming along well (or staying put well, I should say!). Jax has such a great personality, I’m sure he’ll do great at this. How soon do you take the test, do you know yet?