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Many of us are lucky enough
to come home from a long day and be greeted by our loving Great Danes.
It makes our tough days not feel so bad and those nice days’ just
great ones. But there are many people who have never experienced
this or no longer can. Many of these people are residents or patients
in hospitals or nursing homes and sometimes children with special needs.
That’s where therapy dogs and you can help out. If you are willing
to share your dog and a little of your time, you can make others feel
and appreciate your dogs as much as you do.
The way to experience the amazing
rewards is to become a certified Therapy Dog and Handler. You
can spend as little time as an hour a month or as much time as you like
visiting patients, residents and children in different facilities. It’s
really much easier than people think. Here are some questions and answers
about therapy work.
Most people want to know
if their dog is suitable. You should ask yourself if your dog has
the following traits:
- Confident Healthy
- Out Going Good Temperament
- Love People More
Than Other Dogs Reliable
- Likes to be Petted
and Touched Controllable
- Predictable Can
Handle Stress
These are the basic traits
that your dog should have. Certain populations can be more stressful
to visit than others, so please keep that in mind when asking where
you would like to visit with your dog.
What is expected of the handler?
The first thing you should ask yourself is do you have the time
to make this commitment. Do not
jump into visiting every week with your dog. They can be very stressful
to both you and your dog. Start slowly with once a month and keep your
visits within an hour of your home. This will avoid stress and burnout.
The reason most teams dropout of doing therapy dog work is burnout.
Start slowly. If this is working, then visit twice a month.
Be on time and prepared. If you cannot keep an appointment, be sure
to call either the day before or first thing in the morning. Most facilities
will be putting you on their calendar and the residents will be expecting
you. Give the facility ample time to reschedule or advise the residents
that you are coming another day.
How old should my dog be?
Dogs must be a year old in order to be registered with any
of the therapy dog organizations.
Can I visit with a puppy?
Visiting with puppies can be a wonderful experience. However, evaluate
each puppy to see if it is suitable
for visitation. Some puppies can nip, jump on people, get easily stressed,
or not be housebroken. It depends on the individual puppy and handler.
Your puppy will not be covered under your pet therapy organization insurance
it will be covered under your home owner's insurance.
What level of obedience training is required?
Dogs should have some beginner obedience, be under total voice command.
They will be required to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good
Citizen Test modified for therapy dogs. Your dog doesn’t need a UD
to be a therapy dog, but it will need good manners. They will need to
know that they cannot jump on people or beds, bark excessively, pull
the handler on a leash. Some dog obedience schools now offer a special
Therapy Dog Training Class, if this is not available, a Beginners and
Novice Class should be all you need.
Is a female or male make a better therapy dog?
This does not matter, it is up to the individual dog and if they
have the above mentioned traits. With males you should teach them to
eliminate on command so that they do not have any territorial marking
while visiting. Do not bring females in season on visits.
Does my dog need to know tricks?
Even though knowing tricks can be helpful it is not necessary. Use
you’re imaginable and the things you can do on a visit are endless.
Should I visit on my own or with a group?
Visits can be either done individually or with a local group if there
is one. This would depend on your area and when you are available to
visit. It is recommended, if possible, to visit with an experienced
team for the first several visits. In this way you can learn what is
expected of you and your dog on a visit. If this is not available, have
a staff member or the Activities Director go around with you on your
first several visits. Going around with a staff member will allow you
to see how the facility works, learn the facility, and give you some
insight to each of the residents.  Mary Fran and Hutch
Should I join and register my dog with a therapy dog organization?
Absolutely! These organizations ensure that your pet has the skills
and aptitude for working in healthcare settings. They give you creditable
when contacting a facility to visit. You will receive an identification
badge, a tag for your dog, liability insurance, and networking. It is
up to you which therapy dog organization to register with.
What does my dog have to do for the test?
The organizations listed below use a modified version of the American
Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test. A copy can be obtained from
the AKC. This test is to determine and demonstrate confidence and control
of the dog.
- Accepting a Friendly
Stranger
- Sitting Politely
For Petting; Whole dog is examined and touched
- Appearance and Grooming
- Walk on a Loose
Leash
- Walking Through
a Therapy Crowd including Medical Equipment
- Sit, Down, and Stay
on Voice Command
- Come When Called
- Reaction to Another
Dog
- Reaction to Distractions
However, the Delta Society
Pet Partners requires an additional test to see where and what type
of population the dog is best suited to visit. You can review the Bright
and Beautiful test by visiting their website. www.pet-therapist.com
How can I get in touch with these therapy dog organizations?
There are several quality organizations to join:
Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs
80 Powder Mill Rd
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
973-292-3316
Email: info@golden-dogs.org Website: www.pet-therapist.com
Delta Society Pet Partners
289 Perimeter Road East, Renton, Wa 98055-1329
Telephone (800)869-6898 (206)226-7357 Fax (206)235-1076
email: deltasociety@cis.compuserve.com Website: http://www.deltasociety.org
Therapy Dogs International
88 Bartley Road, Flanders, NJ 07836
Telephone (973)252-9800 Fax (973)252-7171
email: tdi@gti.net Website: www.tdi-dog.org
All of the above organizations have different requirements. Please write
or call them for information.
What do I do after I am registered? How do I get started?
Once you have registered with one of the above organizations and
have received your credentials, you are ready to get started. If there
is a local chapter in your area, get in touch with them for a list of
facilities they are currently visiting. If you have in mind a facility
you would like to visit, contact them and ask for the Activities Director,
Recreational Therapist, or Volunteer Director. Different facilities
have their pet therapy program fall under different departments. Offer
to meet one on one with the director to discuss both of your goals and
expectations. If there is currently a pet therapy program in process,
contact the person in charge of the visits and observe several. Be sure
that the facility has in mind the best interest of the residents, your
dogs, and yourself.
The NNJGDC currently does Therapy
Dog testing (link) with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. We are extremely
proud of this association and hope you would consider joining us and
Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs in making someone’s day.
If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact Jeffrey Ball at (201) 689-1323 or email
him at jeffbetsyball@yahoo.com
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