Customer Reviews

Therapy Dogs - Training Your Dog to Reach Others

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Kathy Diamond-Davis knows dogs (and their handlers) like no other author I have ever read. This book carefully and clearly covers topics from choosing an appropriate dog for therapy work, through socializing the dog and building your relationship with the dog, to finding an appropriate organization to work with and doing therapy dog visits. She emphasizes positive training that builds the dog/human bond and produces a happy, friendly dog. Realistically, she emphasizes that not all dogs (and not all handlers) are suited for therapy work.

I am currently working with my second therapy dog, who is registered with Therapy Dogs Inc. and who visits hospice patients. The ideas in Kathy's book continue to make us a better team.

I have well-behaved and well-socialized dogs, and I wanted to share them with others--How to begin in Therapy work and do it well? This book answered my questions, resolved my concerns, and helped me get started. The author has written a good book, her caring shows through in each chapter. She covers well the basics (altho it's a shame she had to spend time on those), she outlines well the situations you may encounter with your dog in therapy work, and her training methods are gentle and effective.

To do something well isn't easy, and you must have more than 'good intentions'. Kathy details what your main focus must be, as well as helping you decide how you and your dog can fit in and be effective. Whether you are trying to decide if the dog you have now will do, or if you are considering another dog to get, if it's about Therapy work--it's in there.

To know something, to do it well, and to be able to share with others--Kathy Diamond Davis' book makes it obvious, it's a "You Can Do It Too!!" book.

As an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, therapy dog evaluator, obedience instructor, therapy dog chapter leader and therapy dog handler, I find this book an educational and instructional tool for the beginner to the seasoned therapy dog handler. Davis shares a wealth of information from choosing the right K-9 partner and proper training for both dog and handler to the proper protocol of therapy dog visits. This book also covers setting up therapy dog classes for obedience instructors wanting to add to their training programs. Whether you choose to go alone or do group visits, this books information will leave you confident in yourself and your dog.

I have been doing therapy dog work for about a year now and I have found Kathy Diamond Davis' book to be a wonderful "how to" book. Her insights and experiences help newcomers understand the therapy dog work and feel more confident in what we do. I especially like the way she explained the connection between a person and their dog. She explained how important voice control and control of your own emotions as a handler, make a huge impact on how people respond to you and your dog. Their are wonderful training tips also.

This book is a must for those thinking of getting into Therapy Dog work & for those of us already there! Loaded with great information & good ideas!!