Lego, the TDI dog!

September 2nd, 2008

by Anu Maurya

After reading about therapy dogs and talking to friends that volunteer with their dogs, I was very interested in participating in this program. I looked up several therapy dog programs, including Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

The TDI test had a long waiting list and I was told that there was no guarantee I would be able sign up for it.

Last week I got a call from the dog training club informing me that there was an opening for the TDI test on September 2nd at 8pm. I agreed to be on the list knowing that I was still allowed to back out if we weren’t ready for it.

Lego had passed his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) when he was about 11 months. But after receiving his CGC certificate in the mail, I slacked off and wasn’t consistent about how he greeted strangers and I allowed strangers to encourage his frenchie-power-launch-kisses.

The TDI test consists of all CGC exercises, with a few more additional tests. My biggest concern was the “Say Hello” exercise followed by the sit for being pet.

“ Test 11: Say Hello
The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of each dog to visit a person and that the dog can be made readily accessible for petting (i.e., small dogs can be placed on a person’s lap or can be held, medium and larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand close to the patient to be easily reached.) ”

I never trained Lego to sit calmly on someone’s lap. With friends, he gets super hyped-up and gives them frenchie-power-kisses… I had planned on getting off early from work and taking Lego to public dog friendly locations to practice on this exercise. But of course, I got tied up at work and didn’t have that option.

I came home, picked up Lego and decided to try out the test. We arrived at the location around 6:45pm. We checked in and took a walk around the facility. There were a few volunteer kids that were part of the TDI testing. The kids LOVED Lego! They petted him while he sat calmly next to them.

The testing began. The evaluator approached me and asked if she could pet my dog. I acknowledged and as she approached Lego, he stood up from his sit in heel position. I asked the evaluator whether he should sit or stand, and she directed me to have him in a sit-stay for being pet. I asked Lego to sit and stay and he warmly welcomed the evaluator to pet him while he sat calmly.

Lego did well on all the other CGC exercises and the TDI food distraction test. We then reached the “Say Hello” exercise. Another evaluator was sitting on a chair and as I approached him, he asked about Lego’s weight. I told him Lego was about 22lbs, hoping he would not ask me to put Lego on his lap…

The evaluator first asked me to have Lego on his side on the floor while he petted him. The evaluator then said, “Lets try putting him on my lap”.

Not knowing what could happened, I carried Lego and placed him on the evaluator’s lap. Lego was about to give his frenchie kisses to the evaluator. I asked if he could do that, and the evaluator told me that some people might not like it, hence I need to “turn off” his kissing. I told Lego to stay, while on the evaluator’s lap, and he stayed! He didn’t give any kisses and the evaluator gently stroked him.

At this point I was ecstatic! That was the first time I ever put Lego on a stranger’s lap!!!

The next exercise was the 3 minute separation test, which was the last test. I put Lego in a down-stay and left the area. After 3 minutes I returned and saw Lego in the same down position. The evaluator watching him told me he never moved nor broke his down-stay. I was so proud of the little guy !

The stewards informed me that I had passed. I need to fill out a few more forms before we get our TDI badges and can then start volunteering!

Lego and I came home with huge smiles on our face
Lego got a special dinner of beef, pork spare-ribs, Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried beef steaks, and his favorite treat, baby carrots! And he also picked out a new rope toy — his favorite!

Entry Filed under: Lego, Memoirs