What to do with a brilliant dog?

I am a volunteer, who trains shelter pit bulls to get the CGC. I have come across a little black pit, who is simply brilliant. She was pulled from another shelter, where she was about to put down, and thank God, because this dog is a true gem. She is a bit dog reactive, so I am working on that with her. She is otherwise just about perfect and learns tricks in just a couple repetitions. She loves all people.

In just 3 sessions with her, she has learned, sit, down, stay, paw, how to walk on a leash, and we have added bowing to her repetoire!

I would be happy to see this dog go to a loving family, but I would be even happier to see her get a job! I'm am going to start training her to be a therapy dog. How can I help this little black pooch become the star she should be?

Are there organizations looking for particularly brilliant animals? I have worked with many dogs that have been "smart" and even worked with therapy dogs, this animal is in a different league entirely.

Asked by Guest 074278 on Aug 14th 2009 Tagged pitbull, therapy, training, shelter, rescue, gifted, smart in Service & Therapy Dogs