THE GERMAN PINSCHER SERVES THE COMMUNITY

THERAPY DOG

German Pinscher therapy dog owners belong to a group of caring individuals. They share their dogs and time in order to bring happiness and cheer to people who need something to hold and love.

German Pinschers are used in many ways to help people. The Therapy dog owners use their dogs for therapy work in various places such as nursing homes, hospitals, and schools, as well as work with the mentally and physically handicapped.

Most national therapy organizations require evidence of a stable temperament and/or basic training before they will even consider screening/training a therapy dog prospect. The exact nature of that evidence may be either specified by them, in some cases, or spelled out by a local group. The Canine Good Citizen test is frequently used for pre-screening. Some groups requires an AKC Companion Dog title.

For more information on the therapy dog, visit Service and Therapy Dogs

See Rollin Roc SDFraulein Erika below. Erika is the first GP to be certified as a Registered Therapy Dog (TDInc). She was named D.A.R.E. Dog (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). Erika works in schools with children and the DARE officers. She is owned by Laura Van Horn.

SERVICE DOG

Service dogs provide assistance to those who might not be able to reach a light switch, pick up their keys, or open a cabinet door. Imagine having a dog that could do all of that and more.

These dogs can be used to perform physical tasks such as pulling a wheelchair and retrieving dropped items. Also, for those who are hard of hearing or deaf, a service dogs can be used to alert them to everyday sounds such as doorbells, alarm clocks and smoke alarms.

Service dogs, much like a seeing eye dog, are taken into a puppy raising program and later get extensive training. See Canine Companions for more information.

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB AWARDS FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE (ACE)

The American Kennel Club honors service and therapy dogs with the ACE award. The German Pinscher is required to be AKC registered or registerable to qualify for the ACE. These dogs have performed some exemplary act, whether large or seemingly small, that has significantly benefited a community or individual. One award will be given every year in each of the following five categories: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service, and Exemplary Companion Dog.

Nominations for ACE Awards open November 1st, and close on June 30th. Check the AKC web page in November for details on how to submit a nomination or write to Ronald N. Rella, The American Kennel Club, 260 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10016. Email: rnr@akc.org.

BELOW ARE PICTURES OF GERMAN PINSCHERS AT WORK

Below you will see German Pinschers serving as therapy dogs and other tasks. Click the thumbnail photo to see the large picture.

	Blue Banners Magnum, CGC, Therapy Dog International		Lankers a Black Wind Rising, CD, TD, Therapy Dog
	Windamir Hunter UD, CGC, Therapy Dog		Ch. Windamir-Savana des Charmettes, CDX, RN, TT, TDI, CGC
	Rollin Roc SDFrauelein Erika, CGC, TDinc, D.A.R.E		SD Casino Magic, CGC, TDInc
	Ch.Kaitler Grand Illusion - certified St.John's Ambulance Therapy Dog - Canada