Linda's Dog Blog

New Therapy Dog Courthouse Program

admin writes, "The new courthouse program involves therapy dog teams paired with children awaiting hearings and in some cases being in the hearings while their cases are presented. These hearings pertain to families with abused, neglected or abandoned children, who are involved with DCF. The role of the therapy dog teams is to provide comfort and stress relief for the children during this difficult and emotional time. On Friday, February 17, 2012 the initial meeting regarding the pilot program for therapy dogs at the West Palm Beach courthouse, for Dependency court was held. It was well attended and the program seems to be on track to begin soon. In order to familiarize the teams with the security process, elevators and courtroom locations, a "dry run" was held on Friday, February 24th. The picture above includes the dogs and handlers attending on February 24th as well as a magistrate and judge. The dogs were well received by everyone who saw them and more then a few people were surprised by the fact that there were such a large number of dogs in the courthouse. The dogs received pets and attention from judges, sheriff's deputies, children, parents and attorneys. Their very presence seemed to lighten the heavy and serious atmosphere in the Courthouse. The initial dog and handler first involved in this new program reports are that her dog has already had a very positive effect on the children. This program may be of interest to registered therapy dog teams available during weekdays with dogs who enjoy being with children. "

Posted on Mar 05, 2012 23:37pm. Read more... | Comments

The Language Of Dogs Workshop

admin writes, "Is this dog safe to approach...or not? Have you ever wondered about how dogs communicate with each other or with you? You will never see your dog - or dogs you may encounter - in quite the same way ever again after attending this informative workshop about canine communication. Linda Kender, a Delta Society Therapy Dog Evaluator and CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer) will present this this two part workshop to help you better understand The Language Of Dogs. For more information or to sign up, please click on the "The Language Of Dogs Workshop" link in the Navigation Menu. "

Posted on Feb 07, 2012 10:28am. Read more... | Comments

2012 Brings Exciting New Classes!

admin writes, "Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! This year Dog Friendly Training will offer both established and familiar classes as well as some exciting new ones. Three of our newest classes are the Training Games Intermediate Class, The Really Reliable Recall Class and K9 Nose Games Levels I and II. Please click on the corresponding link on the Navigation bar to the left for more information about these new classes or to sign up! "

Posted on Jan 10, 2012 10:48am. Read more... | Comments

Meet Hairy - A Little Dog Who Makes A Big Difference

admin writes, "(This is the story of Hairy, a very special pomeranian by as told by his very special person, Jennifer Brown.) "It all started in 2007. I went to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League to bring home a Boston Terrier. But, my plan didn't go as desired. I happened across a fawn-colored Pomeranian. He came up to me, sat on my toes, leaned on my leg, and looked up at me with his dark chestnut eyes. My heart was captured; Hairy had chosen me. I soon learned that people were drawn to him. Whenever I brought him into a store, restaurant, or even for a walk, people consistently stopped to pet him. Of course, Hairy loved the attention. I realized that I could use his ability for a positive good. Because he was so magnetic, I began to look into therapy dog programs. Hairy and I soon became Pet Partners through Delta Society. I researched different visiting sites and found that the West Palm Beach Library coordinated a program called Dog Tales. We began volunteering every Wednesday afternoon in the children's section for "Hangin' with Hairy." During our weekly session, children read to Hairy to enhance their verbal reading skills. The children enjoy having the opportunity to read to a non-judgmental dog, and Hairy loves the opportunity to get attention and belly scratches. Not only does Hairy help the children read, but he also helps children conquer their fear of dogs. Some children who, at one time, were too fearful to get close to a dog are now regular visitors to Dog Tales and love to cuddle with Hairy. This past year, Hairy was diagnosed with alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss. Hairy does not look like a "normal" dog because his flanks are bald. Now, Hairy has an additional job; he teaches the children at the library that it's what is on the inside that counts. Hairy may look funny from the outside, but, on the inside, he's still a sweet dog who wants to be friends. In 2007, my dog changed my life. I cannot believe that he is now changing the lives of others and teaching children to love reading, to conquer their fears, and to accept others."

Posted on Jul 24, 2011 23:32pm. Read more... | Comments

Ahhh Summertime!

admin writes, "It may be hot outside but you and your dog can still have a great time together. Dogs love being silly - and they love it most when you are silly along with them. One fun summer activity that doesn't break the bank is to purchase a small child-size wading pool. You can usually find them in the summer months at stores like Walmart or Target, or even some PetSmart stores. Fill it up with a few inches of water and throw in some toys. Of course you want to hang out with your dog and play as well. Toss in a couple of half inch hot dog pieces and see if your dog will "dive" for them. What a cool way to play together! For a tasty summertime dog treat consider the Kongsicle. Plug the small end of a Kong toy with a dab of peanut butter or squeeze cheese. Turn it upside down and fill the interior of the Kong with chicken broth, beef broth, canned dog food, or combination of food items and freeze. The frozen Kongsicle will taste great outdoors on a warm summer day (indoor Kongsicles might be a bit messy)! While you are outdoors in the summertime, remember to have cool water available for your dog at all times. Also, keep in mind that dogs do not sweat except through the pads of their feet. Dogs pant to cool themselves and very young dogs and older dogs are not as efficient at cooling themselves as dogs in their prime so they take less exposure to overheat. Dogs also pick up ambient heat from pavement. This is of special concern to dogs with short legs of all ages as the heat radiates up to their bodies. Dogs can also burn their pads on blacktop or other dark paved surfaces. It bears repeating, to NEVER, EVER leave your dog in the car in the summer heat. Don't let a quick trip into the store turn in to a tragedy. So this summer, have fun and stay safe with your best four-legged friend. "

Posted on Jun 08, 2011 21:52pm. Read more... | Comments

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