Harlan and I went to check out a Pet Therapy Pre-Test. It was pretty
interesting.

I think two big things we need to practice a 1) walking on loose
lead and paying attention (the lead is mostly lose, but he's not
really paying much attention to what I'm doing as I am not as
interesting as the butt of the dog in front of him) and 2) not being
so revved up with the other dogs, as he was whining quite a bit,
wanting to play.

His interaction with the tester was quite good. She got him revved up
a bit and was pleased I was able to call him into a calm down on
command. Did great downs, stays and recalls. His downs still crack
everyone up, as he does them so very quickly. He doesn't lie down so
much pull up his legs and letting gravity do the rest. Whomp!

The instructor also liked that I could have him stand/sit in a chair
on command. Instead of getting hollered for playing on the furniture,
she told us that it can be handy for folks who are stuck in wheel
chairs and who can't reach down to have a dog that can come up to
their level.

She also commented that he wasn't a "licky" dog. Licking hands was OK,
but they discourage face-licking. No problem there; Harlan is more of
a cold-nose guy, as he prefers to save his licking for himself.

As for the other dogs, there were two other Shrug dogs, a Boxer, and a
Yellow Lab. All of them interacted very nicely with each other and the
instructor, although just about all of us had one or two things to
work on. The smaller Shrug dog spent a little time behind a chair, but
it was only a short time before she decided that all was well and was
very outgoing and friendly. As she was 17 lbs, and every other dog was
at least 45 lbs, I thought that quite reasonable, as did the
instructor.

The Boxer needed to work on being a little less hyper (big surprise).
But she was very sweet.

The larger Shrug dog looked to be a setter or spaniel mix. All black,
and a very pretty girl. Harlan thought so too. If she passes, I am
sure she will be quite popular.

The Yellow Lab was the Star Candidate (well, in my opinion), and no
surprise. He had been raised to be an assistance dog, but
unfortunately had this odd nose condition. Basically, it's a very
chapped nose. Didn't seem to bother him too much, though. I hope he
makes it, as he was very sweet, with an alert, attentive and
intelligent face. He'd be a natural, I think.

Harlan had an excellent time. He enjoyed getting the laughs, just as
he did in obedience class. I don't know if he'll pass the real test,
but it will be fun to try. My main concern is his being more
interested in interacting with the other dogs than with the clients.
But he will definitely be the Comic Relief if we do make it.

A side note: Once again I had the fun of surprising someone when they
asked me how old he was. He's around 6, but people often figure him
for 1 or 2, on account of The Extreme Goofy, in combination with his
athletic good looks.

Oh, and Harlan went as a cat for Halloween:
http://www.jabberdoggy.com/GreyPics/kittykat.jpg

--Terri & Harlan