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The Pleasure of a job well done
Courtesy of PATus & SADTC.
If you would like to find out if your own dog qualifies as a therapy dog, or would like to learn more about animal therapy, get in touch with Christine from SADTC at .......................... [email protected] |
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Nearly two years ago SADTC and PATus were approached by a couple, Elmarie and Johan, living in Polokwane, (Pietersburg,) to help them train their dog as a Service Dog. Johan who suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), will probably end up in a wheelchair from this condition, and asked for assistance to train their beautiful black Labrador cross, Raka, to assist Johan as his condition worsens.
Christine and I did not hesitate and jumped right in with advice via email to start off with. They also made the long journey from Polokwane to the SADTC grounds on numerous occasions where we tested their progress, and gave advice for further training which they religiously followed.
Raka is outstanding and also has the correct temperament and drive for this type of work. He thrives on fetching and bringing all the various bits that he is asked for and other tasks. These include bringing different types of shoes and socks, picking up keys and taking them to Elmarie, assisting with the loads of washing, opening doors, etc. He is truly remarkable, and with all the hard work that Elmarie and Johan have put in, they have done so much in such a short space of time. Bear in mind that they had never worked with a dog before.
It is possible to have long distance training provided that the people do have some experience and if not are willing to learn and follow instructions by the “letter” literally.
During March last year Johan and Raka completed their final test and passed with flying colours and I was proud to hand over their “Service Dog Tag” and letter.
Christine and I did not hesitate and jumped right in with advice via email to start off with. They also made the long journey from Polokwane to the SADTC grounds on numerous occasions where we tested their progress, and gave advice for further training which they religiously followed.
Raka is outstanding and also has the correct temperament and drive for this type of work. He thrives on fetching and bringing all the various bits that he is asked for and other tasks. These include bringing different types of shoes and socks, picking up keys and taking them to Elmarie, assisting with the loads of washing, opening doors, etc. He is truly remarkable, and with all the hard work that Elmarie and Johan have put in, they have done so much in such a short space of time. Bear in mind that they had never worked with a dog before.
It is possible to have long distance training provided that the people do have some experience and if not are willing to learn and follow instructions by the “letter” literally.
During March last year Johan and Raka completed their final test and passed with flying colours and I was proud to hand over their “Service Dog Tag” and letter.
This has made a big difference in their lives as they now can obtain permission to take Raka with them wherever they go, and thus have made lots of new friends.
Johan is now assisting a lady who cannot travel as she is in a wheelchair, and the improvement with her dog, is already stunning.
The partnership between SADTC (South African Dog Training College) and PATus (Pet Assisted Therapy) came to the fore, especially in this instance as it complemented the dog training (SADTC) experience with the therapy (PATus).
The Pet Assisted Therapy course presented by PATus is likewise a correspondence course lasting five months, with some essential meetings at the SADTC training grounds for assessments, and advice how to overcome training problems.
Our four finalists passed with 80% to 96% by submitting their assignments each month via email and training their dogs at SADTC. Our top student, with her female Chloe, is from Potchefstroom, and trained her dog at a local club with intermittent advice from us via phone and email, and also during the assessment meetings.
Johan is now assisting a lady who cannot travel as she is in a wheelchair, and the improvement with her dog, is already stunning.
The partnership between SADTC (South African Dog Training College) and PATus (Pet Assisted Therapy) came to the fore, especially in this instance as it complemented the dog training (SADTC) experience with the therapy (PATus).
The Pet Assisted Therapy course presented by PATus is likewise a correspondence course lasting five months, with some essential meetings at the SADTC training grounds for assessments, and advice how to overcome training problems.
Our four finalists passed with 80% to 96% by submitting their assignments each month via email and training their dogs at SADTC. Our top student, with her female Chloe, is from Potchefstroom, and trained her dog at a local club with intermittent advice from us via phone and email, and also during the assessment meetings.
We are extremely proud as it proves once again that long distance training is possible and successful, if you have dedicated people on both sides – instructors and handlers.
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