The ScoopAre Dogs Capable of Empathy? Scientists at Emory University Want to Know

Dogster

Do you think he will settle down as he gets older?

Desmond is extremely people and dog friendly, very polite/obedient in almost all situations, and is very very good about getting attention from all sorts of people (kids, babies, adults, seniors, people in wheelchairs, etc).
With his personality and some further training, I feel he would make an excellent therapy dog, and I would love to go visit children for the R.E.A.D. program or children in hospitals, etc. I think he would be very good at it, and he would LOVE it.

The only thing I'm worried about is he can be a bit over enthusiastic at first. In training class, he's really hyped up the first 15 or 20 minutes just due to the new busy setting (still listens, tho). Do you think he will simmer down this behavior as he ages along with continuing visits to busy locations like that? He's only 13 months, so his being young may contribute to his excitement. We won't be doing therapy for a few years though, so do you think by then he will be old enough to control this enthusiasm?

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With my poodles I needed to teach them when it was okay to play and rough house and when it wasn't, it wasn't a matter of them settling down. Toto is five now, and he is still the first one out when it's time to play, BUT, he has learned that nursing home visits are not the place nor the time to play. He is very good at obeying, and when his vest and visiting collar are on, he knows it's work time, not play. If he starts to fidget, I just give him the heel command or the stay command, which ever is more appropriate for what he is expected to be doing and he is calm instantly.
If Desmond still listens when he is hyped up, as you call it, just give him a sit stay command and that should end it immediately. If not, you need some more training to achieve that goal. Good luck!

Toto, CD, RN, CGC answered on Apr 11th.

Answers

I don't know but you'd have to calm him down. He has to not jump up, claw for attention, or be easily aroused like that.
I got an x large dog like that but she is calm around people. But, she still will claw slightly for a petting. She would be a good candidate but they can't claw or jump up on people.
I think you should keep working though. Maybe you can find a mentor to work with you from a therapy class.

Dieta answered on 4/10/10. Helpful? / 0

Although he may calm down a little bit as he gets older, I suggest you take action to control this overactive behavoir before he becomes a therapy dog.
He may need more excersise and be able to channel his energy someplace else.
Every dog, whether couch potato or agility star, should get a min. of 30 minutes of excersise every day.
You should also eliminate his jumping up with the "off" command.

Member 958222 answered on 4/10/10. Helpful? / 0

With proper training, you should be able to help the dog be calmer in public and if you work hard and pass all the tests. You may be able to be a therapy dog. I wish you the best with this.

Dunkin answered on 4/11/10. Helpful? / 0

Dogster