The Dog Daily, July 2005  Vol. 1 Issue. 1

By Ferne Dickey, McKinney, TX

Cool Hand "Luke," our Rescued lab, is an Animal Assisted Therapy dog for the Baylor Hospital system.  A couple of weeks ago, we were visiting the hospital in Garland.  An elderly lady had just finished her therapy session and the nurses were trying to get her to walk back to her room.  She spotted Luke in the hallway and announced that she would walk that dog back to her room.  I laid his leash across her walker and prayed Luke wouldn't take off down the hall at a fast pace which he loved to do.  The little lady took one step and Luke took one step.  They slowly made their way to her room.  I didn't know who was more proud, the lady for walking the dog or me for being the proud "Mom."  Luke looked at me as if to say-"you know Mom, this is my job!"

Luke would not have this job if it were not for Richard Barbee and Collin County Canine.  A dog cannot join the Baylor program until they have passed an obedience program and with Richard's help, Luke has become a well-trained, obedient dog and a great asset to the community.

Ferne Dickey-McKinney,TX-July 19, 2005

“Rex”

Rex was 10 months old when I called Richard Barbee at Collin County Canine.   I knew that Rex had a lot to learn, but I never realized that I also had a lot to learn.  Richard taught us how to communicate with Rex, and how to understand why dogs do the things that they do.  Rex went from wearing a muzzle at the Vets office, to wearing a smile and being polite.  Rex not only responds to verbal and hand commands, he is now comfortable around people and other dogs.  When Rex is unsure about a new experience, he has learned to check in with us for some kind of guidance.  We have learned how to give that guidance to him through observation, understanding, commands, praise and, (oh yes)…rewards!

 Sue and Jim

"Missy has gained confidence and after 6 weeks responds to hand commands off leash.  She is 4 ½ months old."

-Pat & Ted 

"Zippy Lou has become a good family member with training. She is happier knowing boundaries and we are happier when she behaves!"

-Leslie 

"The training has been great for teaching us what to do to help our dog interact with people and other pets.

Thanks for your help."

-Ronda 

"The training that CCC has provided has taught me and my pet to communicate and taught Gracie manners!"

-Cindy, Sophie and Gracie (Great Dane puppy) 

"Richard focuses on the quality of relationship between the dog and it's family. Richard will spend time problem-solving about behavior as well as basic obedience. The result is a dog that's fun to live with."

-Irene, Winne and Roscoe