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Beagles/Traumatic experience

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Expert: - 1/27/2003


Question
..2-1/2 yr old female beagle.
..I Would like to get her in to pet therapy
--[take her to visit patients in hospitals,etc.]
..Seems that she had a TERRIBLE experience with other dogs at a boarding kennel.
..She has to be around other dogs for this pet therapy thing.
took her to a dog park today....she was so terrified she got sick.
what sort of things could i do to help her get back to relaxing around other dogs?


Answer
Hi Mike, thanks for writing to me.


Unfortunately, the way to get her used to being around other dogs is to do just that. The dog park is ok but I would take her during times when it is close to empty so she only has to be around one or two dogs. Just as good would be to meet up with a friend that has a laid back dog and arrange regular play dates. This will be a very slow process and you musn't rush it or you can reinforce the damage already done without meaning to.
My best suggestion would be to work with a personal trainer if you can afford to, at least for a few sessions so a professional is guiding you.

Lastly, not many dogs are pet therapy dog material (even though maybe WE are). I wanted to do the same with mine but in all honesty had to realize that not one of the three would truly be appropriate because each of them has a little quirk that would preclude them from passing the test.
As a behaviorist/trainer I was very dissappointed but I had to remind myself that the criteria laid out for pet therapy dogs is for the protection of the patients as well as the dogs and the owners.

I hope this gives you a bit of guidance. Feel free to checkback anytime.

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I am happy to answer BEAGLE BREED SPECIFIC behavioral questions. Please DO NOT ask CRATE TRAINING OR MEDICAL questions! I am not a vet nor an expert in the use of crates.

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I currently have one beagle, a male age 5, an 12 month old Pit Bull, and a 8 year old min. poodle. I have had to let go of three of my dogs, 2 beagles and 1 whippet/rat terrier mix in the past 5 years, most recently my whippet mix. The two beagles lived to 15 and the whippet mix to 13.5, it has been hard to say goodbye to them. I have done rescue work on and off for years as well as fund-raising for the local animal shelter. I worked for a dog magazine in the past (Southern California Dog Magazine). Being a psychotherapist has encouraged me to do in depth studying of animal behavior as well. I have worked with many people to help curb undesirable behaviors in their dogs (or them!) or to form good behaviors. My life is devoted to and surrounded by my dogs........The picture you see here is Zeppelin but we also call him the "miracle dog". He was hit by a car April 2010 while out with the dog walker and had very serious injuries... 4 surgeries and $17,000 later my boy is whole again and back to loving life. He is so special to me and he weathered a lot of pain and trauma yet is still the sweet boy he always was! I also work to stop Breed Specific Legislation and help to get pit bulls adopted.

Organizations
HSUS, PETA, SPCA DONT SHOP...ADOPT!!

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Dog Fancy

Education/Credentials
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of CA and am also credentialed as a Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist

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Honored by the Agoura Animal Shelter for my volunteer work.

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