Preparing for Therapy Dog work: Lily graduates from Intermediate Manners Class

Intermediate Manners was a good class for Lily to take as she prepares for her Therapy Dog Evaluation.  The class was held at True Blue Dog Training in Haydenville, MA, and focused on working with distractions while performing basic commands like Sit, Down, Come, Heel.  Lily is really food-motivated, making it easier to keep her focus on me and follow my commands.  She did extremely well and learned a lot.  Classes  at True Blue are kept small – so dogs get lots of practice time.  If you are local to the Northampton, MA area, I highly recommend True Blue Dog Training.

Therapy dogs are hit with many distractions – sights, sounds, and smells, as well as many strange people and a lot of commotion – as soon as they enter a facility.  They must be trained not to react to these and to stay focused on their handler who directs them throughout the visit.    More classes and more on-site practice visits for Lily will help her to hone the skills taught in this class.  A work in progress.