Lori enjoys volunteering in Southern California with her two Therapy Dog Dachshunds Luna and Comet.
In this 16th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Lori and her lovable Dachshunds, Luna and Comet. They tell us about their fun experiences volunteering as a therapy dog team in Southern California.
Lori explains how she signed up Luna and Comet with different therapy dog groups, Pet Partners and Love on a Leash. This was done to match their unique likes and talents. She also talks about the importance of knowing what each dog needs and learning to understand and help them during therapy work.
Throughout our talk, Lori stresses how working with therapy dogs has not only helped her bond with Luna and Comet but has also been the most special volunteer work she’s ever done. She gives great advice for those wanting to be therapy dog handlers, like getting dogs used to different distractions and places so they can relax and adjust to therapy situations.
We also talk about how Lori helps Comet feel more at ease in loud places and what she thinks about dogs being in public areas. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn more about the fun, challenges, and rewards of volunteering with therapy dogs, and how this work can make the connection between you and your furry buddy even stronger.
In this episode, we discuss …
- What Lori’s process was like to figure out which settings Comet would do best in.
- What surprised her about being a therapy dog team and what she looks forward to.
- How this work helps Lori to build her relationship with each of her dogs.
Key moments you won’t want to miss:
- [00:43] Lori introduces her therapy dogs, Luna and Comet, and talks about their special journey as a therapy dog team in Southern California.
- [01:22] Lori tells us why she signed up Luna and Comet with different therapy dog groups, Pet Partners and Love on a Leash, to match their own strengths and likes.
- [03:14] Lori shares how Luna’s good behavior training led her trainer to see her talent as a therapy dog, starting their journey as a therapy dog team.
- [03:52] Lori explains the process of figuring out the best therapy settings for Comet, keeping in mind his sensitivity and unique character.
- [05:31] Lori talks about the importance of learning to understand and help her dogs during therapy work, saying that training is more about the handler than the dog.
- [06:10] Lori points out that volunteering as a therapy dog handler lets her spend quality time with Luna and Comet, making their bond stronger.
- [07:51] Lori gives helpful advice for people wanting to be therapy dog handlers: get dogs used to different distractions and places so they can relax and adjust during therapy work.
- [08:41] Lori shares how she helps Comet feel more at ease in loud places, like going to Lowe’s to experience various noises.
- [09:39] Lori talks about how common it is to see dogs in public places and how people usually like having them around, even when they’re not allowed.
- [10:00] Lori says that taking part in therapy dog work is the most special volunteer activity she’s ever done and plans to keep doing it for a long time.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
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Therapy Dog Talk is a podcast where I interview a different team each week via Instagram Live. If you enjoyed this episode please find us over at Apple, Google, or Spotify and give us a follow after you leave a review.
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