Therapy dogs are comforting and healing for those in physical or emotional need.
A visit from a dog can offer a fun and friendly diversion for someone who is seriously ill. The American Heart Association published a study which shows a reduction in stress levels of heart patients who participate in dog therapy. You and your dog can make a difference by getting your dog certified as a therapy dog. As a volunteer with a certified therapy dog, you can visit places such as hospices, cancer centers, and health care centers.
Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs can be of any breed or size. The most important factors in identifying a future therapy dog are that the dog must have an exceptional temperament, tolerate other animals, want to be with people and love children. If your dog shows signs of aggression, this is probably not a good fit. Therapy dogs will be touched by many different people who are initially strangers. Your dog must be accepting of strangers and love social interaction.
Training
The first step towards getting a dog therapy certification is making sure you know what is needed and expected in different situations. There are instructor-led and home-based courses offer information on facility health and safety codes, animal health and safety, special needs of specific groups, interact with different types of people, and identify and decrease stress in your dog. Obedience training for you and your dog, and lots of socialization, are also a necessary part of early training. Obedience, therapy dog preparation and therapy dog classes are offered most everywhere and should be taken before attempting the certification evaluation. You can check with your local Humane Society for more information on these classes.
Test Requirements
Test requirements can vary between programs, but as all programs' priorities are with the patient and the dog, the requirements are fairly similar. Dogs must be at least one year old, healthy, and up to date on vaccinations. The handler must be of good character. A handler does not need to be 18 for the testing, but must be accompanied by an adult on visitations.
Certification
The certification evaluation begins the moment the evaluator can see your dog. The major focus of the evaluation will be based upon obedience and social interaction. However, appearance, cleanliness and grooming are also taken into account. Typical tasks could include: accepting and interacting with a stranger; a stranger grooming the dog; handling and touching the dog all over; walking loose on lease, always on the left; walking through a crowd of people and other dogs; reaction to distractions; and the dog's response to the handler leaving the room.
Visitations
Once your dog has obtained the dog therapy certification, you should register with a national or local pet therapy organization. By registering with a local organization, you will not have to contact facilities to find one that is interested in dog therapy visits. Your organization will have that information for you. If you are already involved with local facilities or schools, this would not be a factor for you. In the time you are volunteering you can expect to meet amazing people and receive the appreciation of patients and their families. The impact of what you are giving can never truly be measured.
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