Well- I was snickering at the 'kindergarden' remark this morning when I read this. I would not consider it 'Kindergarden', as I have met alot of obedience dogs that are afraid of wheel chairs and walkers- that are not calm enough to visit the patients- and dogs used in higher levels with sch. work- would be startled at the loud stranger- if not more so.
If you are working with a group, its usually a TD . The comment I wanted to make is that you have the choice to check TD or TDI. Here they were the same test- including the CGC. However- the difference for a TD is number one the age the of the dog can be below a year, and number two your name and information is not put on a national registry- able to be seen by anyone on the internet now.
When I put Zubin through it, I had been invited to attend two hospitals as they wanted another large dog. I still had to pass the test though. Zubin went through with flying colors ( actually I do not even think he noticed I had left the room). He was 10 months old. Because he was under a year, I had no choice but to test for TD ( without TDI registry) but I didnt want my name and address etc on a website anyway for person reasons.
Galina almost faltered on the hand off- took a step with me- but then stopped. Sighthounds in both tests are not required to sit but they do have to stay quiet. Mine just stood there like a living statue- watching the room with interest.. lol.
And agailityk9trainer is right- the test may start as you come in especially for a hospital group. They had wheel chairs, and a lady in a stumbling walker at the door.
Also you will probably be required afterwards that the few visits are supervised with the coordinator. You will have a hospital personel to walk with you on your rounds always. And when you come to a room- you always ask if they want a visitor- and if asleep, you remember which room were not visited and go back on your way out. When you enter the hospital, you will also have to leave your drivers license or some other form of ID at the desk ( at least they do that here.) Make sure you bring your shot records, and they will require you later to get a health certificate on your dog. This is given by your vet after an exam. The shot records and health certificate must be in the vest pocket on the dog at all time. Mine also required the TD orange tag. It also has the dogs avid number on the tag as well as their name.