My Demo Dog

Not only is Devi my (almost constant) companion, playmate, ambassador, and protector, now she has become my demo dog as well. I teach a class which introduces people to canine massage so that they can use some professional techniques on their dogs safely and effectively. Devi helped me demonstrate a few of the techniques for a class and did very well. She only had to help for a few minutes as we didn't have a chance to have a good exercise session before the class and I didn't want her get disruptive.

She also was able to help alleviate a fearful dog's anxiety about the pool at SplashDog. The dog is afraid to swim and is anxious about the pool itself. I have had 3 sessions with her standing on the entry stairs across my lap to receive massage and have gotten her comfortable enough to stop shaking and stand up on her own. We have begun to leave the steps and make a circle in the water. Baby steps. She did pretty good with the circle this last time, getting a few swim strokes in.

As we were getting out of the pool I had an idea. The client dog knows Devi and they have gotten along well. Devi has never liked to swim but she has learned to do it very well when I direct her. I brought Devi up and got her into the pool, swam her a few laps so the client could see. Devi did great and the client actually did watch her. Now we'll see if she has any more confidence next time.

I have my work cut out for me training her to help me demo the 1st aid/CPR class, but we'll start working on that and keep working her into the other areas more. Do I have to claim her as an employee? W2? SS#? Hmm. Maybe I'll just pay her in biscuits.