After 2 .5 weeks, Stig was ready for his first Emotional Therapy Dog work, well training for. This is a big step and should be done when you are comfortable enough about the bond and relationship with your dog. Knowing how he responds to new areas, knowing his behaviors and building on the trust that you have built. This is what it is all about; the human-animal bond and we were ready to go!

“Mom that is like lying” Cameron, my 13 year old said “He isn’t a Therapy dog yet!”

As true as that statement is, there are advantages to his ETD (Emotional Therapy Dog) vest. On one side of the vest it states Emotional Therapy Dog on the other side is a clasp where you would hang the I.D Badge; showing his picture and certification. When people see this, they generally smile and respect what the dogs job is, people approach in a different manner: more cautiously or asking permission to touch. In this situation, that is exactly what we want. So for now, I have a tag that says; “In Training”. As soon as I put the vest on Big Stig, it was like he knew what he was doing. He had a job to do and he was going to do it!

Home Depot was our choice, nice wide aisles. Stig maneuvered in and out of close carts down the aisles, past strollers, wagons, and the scary thing that backs up and beeps loudly……..Stig was a Champ! No one seemed to pay much attention to him actually. A Salesman came over to ask what he was all about, what breed, etc. Stig sat patiently as we talked. A little girl asked to pet him, and Stig obliged happily! He loved every minute of those lollie-pop fingers! What a great first trip for Stig. We could not be more proud.

It was an exhausting day at Boot Camp for Stig. After his 3 mile walk in the morning and his ‘tour’ through Home Depot he was tired! As exhibited in the follow picture…..