My APBTs Got Scholarships

[Patch O' Pits]

I have to brag a little about my girls.

The hospital where their Pop Patcheeno and Steel work recently got a grant for their therapy program. Both Touche' and Bodacious got scholarships from for extended training. I'm working them one at a time to devote my attention to the specific training.

Tonight I was reminded once again how much I love this breed while watching Bodacious work her charm in therapy dog group.

Though she has been on around under and over all the equipment many times starting as a pup, and already worked, we really haven't trained seriously for the testing until recently.

Tonight Bodacious was dressed up in her, "Don't You Know Who I Am?", T-shirt shining like a star while practicing for therapy work.

For those who don't know her in person, Bodacious is EXTREMELY energetic, happy, high drive and is thrilled to do anything I ask of her. She is a dog who on a recall will fly so fast to me at times I've been knocked on my butt. How I have any shins left at all I will never know LOL. She absolutely LOVES everyone and thinks the world revolves around her, & sucks in every last bit of attention she can get. The epitome of how an APBTs temperament should be IMO.

We worked on touching all the equipment, (crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, rolling tables), putting paws up on things, approaching properly with all kinds of major distractions such as balloons umbrellas, clanging dishes, a bunch of other dogs, a room full of talking people etc.
Recalls while someone has trying to give her treats half way to me, which she totally ignored
(FYI, she is also very food drivy). Then walking by food on the floor, and other distraction exercises like that.

For the whole time, I don't think her tail ever stopped wagging.

NO, before you ask, I didn't get pictures. I'm not coordinated enough to train and do that at the same time. maybe one night I'll drag someone with me to take some shots.

[augrad]

The hospital gave you the money to continue their training? Very cool. That says a lot about their respect for you and your dogs.

[bodazafa]

That is so awesome! I am so excited for you and am constantly amazed at the achievements of your dogs! They are such great breed ambassadors. (and they are darn cute too)

[gazar]

Congratulations, what an honor. Hugs to your fur babies.

[AllAmericanPUP]

Congrats! That's awesome

[Patch O' Pits]

Thanks for the support and kind words.

Originally Posted by augrad

The hospital gave you the money to continue their training? Very cool. That says a lot about their respect for you and your dogs.

Yes, the grant helped allow the hos[ital to offer scholarships to help with the program.

I forgot to add in order to qualify I had to go through an application process and also have them evaluated by a trainer as to their suitability for the specific work.



As for my background...
I've been doing therapy dog work for over 10 1/2 years now, starting with Apache then Patcheeno and Steel. So the girls have big paw prints to fill. It makes it all the more satisfying to me to see them doing well since Bodacious and Touche' are Patcheeno's daughters.

There are many other APBT therapy dogs out there including right here on the forum. So kudos to everyone out there who is working and training.
Of course, those are usually not the stories you here about though a few have gotten some media attention, but they should be...

If anyone has any questions or is interested in getting certified, I'll gladly answer.

I also put up a TON of info on APBT NETWORK UNIVERSITY listed under
the title: Hugs O' Steel ~ Intro To APBT Therapy Dog Training
http://www.ukcpitbull.com/edu2/
You have to set up an account to see it though.

[chipinsc]

wow that is awesome !!!!

[Tara's Mommy]

Congratulations!! That is awesome & something to be way proud of

[Patch O' Pits]

Thanks! Yes, I'm very proud of them.

[Cinder]

That is AMAZING!!!!


And yes, the first thought I had was "Where are the pictures". I'm very proud! Good job!