A dog and handler undergoing the Therapy Dog International test (International version of the AKC's CKC test concentrating more on scenerios found in Therapy work)




What's involved with Pet Therapy

Research has shown that the elderly and people in group homes have lower blood pressure, are more social, interactive after a Therapy dog has paid a visit. Therapy dogs and their handlers donate countless hours visiting many facilities throughout our region. Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. Visits from dogs can provide a welcome change from routine, or the renewal of old friendships. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with the dogs. A visit can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Stroking a dog can reduce a person's blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning. The pet makes it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. Many people in hospitals or group homes have had to give up pet ownership and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. A dog pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit, but of past experiences. It offers something for people to share.



Dogs visiting a local nursing home demonstrating their long stays


Getting involved in Pet Therapy is very rewarding for everyone involved. If you are seriously thinking about getting involved with Pet Therapy, temperment is going to be the key for everyone involved. Visiting dogs must be social. The point of the program is the interaction between the dog and the people you are visiting. If the dog does not enjoy the visit the interaction will be less than ideal. The person needs to feel accepted by the dog. A doggie rejection could make the visit more hurtful than no visit at all. A good therapy dog is calm, tolerant and friendly. The visits should be pleasurable for both of you. Don't try to force therapy work on a dog. Visiting dogs must be polite. It is rude for a person to challenge another for walking down a public street. The same is true for your dog. That it is natural for one dog to challenge another does not mean its polite. It is also rude for one person to touch another without permission. How would you react if some stranger on the street walked up to you and kissed you? A polite dog does not touch a person unless invited. The balance between calmness, and friendliness is a difficult one. Even an excellent obedience dog may not be a good visiting dog if it shows little interest in meeting people. An aloof dog may be calm, but may cause people to feel rejected. A very friendly dog may have the best of intentions but may cause injury. A dog that is full of energy and always ready to work may be too active for most situations. Our Pet Therapy dogs have passed the Therapy Dog International version of the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Award. This is vital since many dogs will be exposed to many new situations that are day to day in a facility.




Therapy dogs enjoying the season by the tree...



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