Violet, an Australian Labradoodle owned by Sunny Goodwin of Berkshire Hills Australian Labradoodles, has been in training for therapy dog work since she came here to Bridgvale Farm at the age of 5 months. She started with basic training skills and worked up: first a Beginners Manners Class, then Canine Good Citizen Class. Right from the start, Violet picked up her skills very quickly. Along with formal class training, her training here with us is on-going throughout the day. From wake-up time in the morning to bedtime in the evening, skills are being taught and developed.
Most of all, Violet showed signs of having a friendly, outgoing personality at a very young age. As a member of Sunny’s Puppy Buddies Group that meets every Tuesday at Berkshire Hills to socialize the new puppies, I met Violet at 4 weeks of age and watched her develop into a happy, fun-loving dog that enjoys meeting new people and going into strange places. These are the most important qualities of a good therapy dog.
Violet passed her Canine Good Citizen Test at the age of eleven months and she has been practicing for her upcoming evaluation to become a Bright Spot therapy dog. We have practiced by going to our public library here in Westhampton, MA and by visiting our local nursing home where I visit weekly with my therapy dog James. People adore meeting Violet and she loves interacting with them. Violet will be celebrating her 1st birthday on September 27th. – the age dogs are eligible to become certified through Bright Spot. Her application for an evaluation has been mailed in. She’s well-prepared and ready for her big day.
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