A Little Clarity, Titles for Dogs and What They Are

Brutus Paul RA has been conditioned to work under vest as a Therapy Dog

    In the dog world, there is a diverse array of options when choosing training goals.  Many of us can clearly articulate the skills we want to build in our companions, but do not necessarily use AKC recognized Titles (or their acronyms) when describing them.  I am not competitive in nature, but I have chosen to be tested for some awards and titles so I have a standardized gauge to measure my progress.

     Here is a brief rundown of the most commonly used (and mis-used) titles I hear on a daily basis.

    CGC: Canine Good Citizen award. It is earned through a basic 10 step test.  This is an award offered through the AKC to reward responsible owners, and well behaved dogs.  It does NOT grant access or privileges not available to the general public.  For more information about this reward, click here.  If you are in the Charlotte NC area and would like to be tested, you may contact me.

     Therapy Dog: This is a title for a dog who has been certified by either TDI (Therapy Dogs International) or Delta Pet Partners.  Dog and handler teams with these titles have been tested,  evaluated, and deemed safe to participate in a wide variety to helpful programs.  Even Certified Therapy Dogs may have rules their handler prefers them observe.  Always be sure to ask before petting, even though it is most likely very welcome!  Click on either one of the names to learn more about the organization. 



     Service Dog:  This is an animal that is specifically conditioned to do work, or perform tasks for a person with a disability.  The disability can be physical or mental.  It is quite rude to approach and ask a person what their Service Animal is for (it is asking them to share personal medical details), they may choose to share that information, or not. The animal is almost always identified properly with a clearly marked vest.  It has access to any place the handler does by law.  Your attention could inhibit it's ability to do it's job (ie. you could be putting some one's life in danger by trying to distract it).

Grace is a service dog

     Working Dog:  A dog that has been specially trained for a specific task.  There are many different types of Working dogs: Service Dogs, Therapy dogs, Scent Detection (Narcotics, Explosives etc.), Personal Protection Dogs, and Herding Dogs (just to name a few).  If you are not sure, and particularly, if a dog is wearing a vest, best ask to pet, it may be working!

     AKC Titles :  (Click on the link to the left) The American Kennel Club has a vast array of accomplishments you can earn!  There are over 80.  I cannot list them all (I don't even know them all!) so I have provided you a link to look them over.  They cover skills from agility, obedience, herding, hunting, and more!  Check them out and you may find a new activity you and your pup will love!

*Check out the facebook page