Therapy setter needs therapy

[Henk ten Klooster]

Recently I took on request of the ISCN two IRS in temporarily shelter for retraining. One of them -Thomas- was in his youth a therapy dog for mentally handicapped which he did well according to an employeee who owns a littersister. But Thomas was neglected when there was not enough staff around. Next address he lived mainly outside with his brother.

Where most of his littermates I know (the breeder died so couldn't care) are as free as birds, he is too shy: belly and legs up when you give attention or commands. Added he hates slippery floors, no step taken. As we have a slippery floor, we made a few stepping stones with carpet. Anymore experiences/tips with that out here? I like to regenerate him into a proud free bird!!!

By the way , the Irish Setter Sigh is the first Pets as Therapy dog of Jersey, reports the Jersey Evening Post. He is used to work for young people between 11 and 25 who have autism or learning disabilities. Check for the full report http://www.thisisjersey.com/2010/02/01/setter-of-attention

[Caroline]

Hi Hank I think I can help.I'm dogotherapist. It's pitty that I live so far from him, but we may talk by e-mail on ning.
Caroline&Ebony girls

[Henk ten Klooster]

Well thats great Caroline! Next pvte e-mail. As for contributors: most methods done, clicker not yet. Food method works best with Pedigree Meatstrips. Counted ten steps on slippery floor. Progress!!!

As well his history was traced in talks with direct sources, like first owner. Submission might come from other dogs there, a dominant sheperd dog described as leader of the pack, she wanted submission of all again and again, even during walks. A new one (king charles spaniel) shows same behaviour. Anyway, over to Caroline!
Pic shows foodmethod for mr Robinson Crusoe:-)

[ursula wilby]

Nothing as tempting as some food they realy want!
I would never have ended up with my obedience-champions without a goos supply of meatball, boiled chicken-hearts and boiled liver...the better the "pay" the more enthusiastic...

[Henk ten Klooster]

They say everything goes through the stomach, obedience and even love:-))) For Thomas the everyday food does not work, but this did!!! I will try your list as well, the attention of this dog means a lot. Means food for thought:-)

[ursula wilby]

Boiled liver and chicken-hearts...perfect!
Stinks the place out...so beware when you prepare these gooddies...:-)
Non-smelling is raw mince-meat, messes up my pockets, but I used that for training one of my pugs in obedience...(and he won at several competitions...more points than german shepherds and BC! All the ones that stood and laughed when they first saw him...:-)

[Henk ten Klooster]

Aha thats the secret of your obedience champions!!!! For sure I'll try those as well Ursula plus fruits from fields in the freezer. Hey I'm getting to like this dog very much, just been out for hours. That style of galloping, Pheeeeew.... And yes a point (woodcock). He's 3,5 years already. Would it be possible to??????

[ursula wilby]

ANYTHING is possible if you want it to be Henk!

[" Lordly " Jean en Rita Struyf-De Groof]

Hello Henk,
I have send you a personal mail to help, because to explain correct in English it is to difficult for me, and it is more than nessecary to be correct to start the training.
Jean

[Henk ten Klooster]

It is a heartwarming experience seeing setterfanciers contributing for a good future of Thomas!!! Having read Ursula - anything is possible- I immediately made Thomas my own. So adventures start. If it doesnt work I will blame it all on Ursula:-))))

[ursula wilby]

Naturally I will blame it all back on you Henk!
If training does not work...its us not pushing the right buttons.
You will work this out Henk - having made your mind up you WANT to is being halfway there! :-)