pet therapy

paso_lover · 11-01-2007, 09:19 AM

Anyone here do this, have had it done or has any information about this program?

This is something I have always wanted to do (or search and rescue) but my dogs were always too stupid or hyper. Now that I have decided to keep the boarder collie x that was droped off 2 months ago, I know he'd be perfect. If he were anymore laid back he'd be dead. I took him to Pets Mart a while back and all he did was lay around while I shoped and at one time he gently grabed a snack out of the bin.

I called St-Johns Ambulance and hopefully I can do this with him over the winter.

silverdog71 · 11-01-2007, 09:51 AM

Hi There,

We breed Standard Poodles for show/performance/assistance dogs (they make wonderful assistance dogs because of their intelligence and hypoallergetic coat). We have a few that are therapy dogs and it is a great program. Because we're in the U.S. the rules might be a little different and depending on who you go through you might have to meet different requirements. Here is the link to Therapy Dog International http://www.tdi-dog.org/ and there's a lot of great info on what you have to do to get into the program. I know there are people and/or groups that claim to do therapy dog work but aren't certified in anything. Be careful about those because legally they can get you in trouble. Therapy dogs are allowed in many places the average dog isn't (schools, hospitals, nursing homes and hospices) and if you claim to be a "therapy team" and aren't you can be charged.

If you can do this I would encourage it. There's nothing like seeing the face of a child/older person or patient when they're greated by a well behaved dog. There are also programs that at side projects to therapy work. The group I work with (they train assistance dogs and also test therapy dogs) works with a few local schools. The program's name is D.E.A.R and they take the dogs into the classroom once a week. You are paired with a student who is not up to par with their reading and also might have a shyness issue etc. The child reads to the DOG!

It's really cute and I know it sounds silly but you'd be amaed at how these kids react. You can have a known bully who is embarressed about their reading level therefore defensive.... at first they think it's silly "you want me to read to a dog????" but soon they get into because the dog doesn't judge and it's theraputic for the child because of the warm fuzzy body beside them that they can stroke and pet as they go. Good luck and if you have any more questions I'd be happy to help!

ETA: You DON'T have to register through Therapy Dogs International. There are many organizations in many countries world wide who will help you do this. I just attached that link as an example of a legit group and also because that is the one we are associated with.

**Range** · 11-01-2007, 11:08 AM

Delta Society is another good organization.

I've brought my dogs to school with me for several years for animal assisted activities. The kids absolutely love it and we see all sorts of progress with it.

nrhareiner · 11-03-2007, 06:57 PM

Abby is going in first part of Dec for her TDI. THe dog has to be a year old and she does not turn a year until Nov 28 or she would already have it.

Abby already gose to nursing homes and all that fun stuff so she will have no problem passing the test.

I highly recomend doing it if your dog enjoys that type of thing as residents of nursing homes and hospitals and other facilities really do enjoy it. Although most do not requier you to have the TDI certificate.

Heidi

**Range** · 11-03-2007, 07:15 PM

I will say this about the certificate, though, from whatever organization you choose - it will protect you in case of problems!

HorseMomToSage · 11-03-2007, 08:13 PM

I visit via Therapy Pet Pals of Texas with my Great Dane Marshall. Your Border Collie sounds like a good candidate. The testing is fairly easy (or was for us-he's very laid back like your dog) The first part was an information session but what we did not know was that from the moment you walk in you are being evaluated. There is a brief break and then you walk through a line of people, some in wheelchairs, one with a walker, one on crutches, all things you'd see in a hospital setting. They are looking for something that makes your dog react. My first dog tried out for Delta Society and failed when a lady in a walker walked toward her wearing a moo-moo and "moaning" she growled which is an automatic out. I bawled like a baby and the lady hugged me and said "it does not mean she is a bad dog" It did not-we went on to take agility which we loved-until I lost her at 5 to cancer.

paso_lover · 11-04-2007, 05:50 PM

I spoke to the coordinator the other day and when I told her he was part BC she got all iffy sounding. Guess they've had experiences with them and they were all too rambunctious. After telling her abou Rexy she was a lot better with it. My interview isn't until Dec 8th, as they just had one last week, then I think the following week I get to bring him. Fingers crossed

.

nrhareiner · 11-04-2007, 06:56 PM

I am not sure about some but the one I am taking in Dec requiers the dog to have their CGC first before you can take the TDI. It is a good place to start and you will learn how your dog will react in certain situations. Both pups I had tested got their CGC the first try.

Heidi

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11-01-2007, 09:19 AM
paso_lover Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sudbury Ontario Canada Posts: 4,848	pet therapy Anyone here do this, have had it done or has any information about this program? This is something I have always wanted to do (or search and rescue) but my dogs were always too stupid or hyper. Now that I have decided to keep the boarder collie x that was droped off 2 months ago, I know he'd be perfect. If he were anymore laid back he'd be dead. I took him to Pets Mart a while back and all he did was lay around while I shoped and at one time he gently grabed a snack out of the bin. I called St-Johns Ambulance and hopefully I can do this with him over the winter. __________________ "I wish I was half the rider she thinks she is" \"Some people feel compelled to cut off the heads of others in order to make themselves appear taller\" ---Paramahansa Yoginanda

11-01-2007, 09:51 AM
silverdog71 Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Martinsburg WV Posts: 269	Hi There, We breed Standard Poodles for show/performance/assistance dogs (they make wonderful assistance dogs because of their intelligence and hypoallergetic coat). We have a few that are therapy dogs and it is a great program. Because we're in the U.S. the rules might be a little different and depending on who you go through you might have to meet different requirements. Here is the link to Therapy Dog International http://www.tdi-dog.org/ and there's a lot of great info on what you have to do to get into the program. I know there are people and/or groups that claim to do therapy dog work but aren't certified in anything. Be careful about those because legally they can get you in trouble. Therapy dogs are allowed in many places the average dog isn't (schools, hospitals, nursing homes and hospices) and if you claim to be a "therapy team" and aren't you can be charged. If you can do this I would encourage it. There's nothing like seeing the face of a child/older person or patient when they're greated by a well behaved dog. There are also programs that at side projects to therapy work. The group I work with (they train assistance dogs and also test therapy dogs) works with a few local schools. The program's name is D.E.A.R and they take the dogs into the classroom once a week. You are paired with a student who is not up to par with their reading and also might have a shyness issue etc. The child reads to the DOG! It's really cute and I know it sounds silly but you'd be amaed at how these kids react. You can have a known bully who is embarressed about their reading level therefore defensive.... at first they think it's silly "you want me to read to a dog????" but soon they get into because the dog doesn't judge and it's theraputic for the child because of the warm fuzzy body beside them that they can stroke and pet as they go. Good luck and if you have any more questions I'd be happy to help! ETA: You DON'T have to register through Therapy Dogs International. There are many organizations in many countries world wide who will help you do this. I just attached that link as an example of a legit group and also because that is the one we are associated with. __________________ www.cedargrovesporthorses.homestead.com It's better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you're not. Last edited by silverdog71 : 11-01-2007 at 09:56 AM.

11-01-2007, 11:08 AM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	Delta Society is another good organization. I've brought my dogs to school with me for several years for animal assisted activities. The kids absolutely love it and we see all sorts of progress with it. __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

11-03-2007, 06:57 PM
nrhareiner Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 800	Abby is going in first part of Dec for her TDI. THe dog has to be a year old and she does not turn a year until Nov 28 or she would already have it. Abby already gose to nursing homes and all that fun stuff so she will have no problem passing the test. I highly recomend doing it if your dog enjoys that type of thing as residents of nursing homes and hospitals and other facilities really do enjoy it. Although most do not requier you to have the TDI certificate. Heidi __________________ Double Eagle Photography www.doubleeagleph.com Definision of Gun Control: Hiting what you aim at.

11-03-2007, 07:15 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	I will say this about the certificate, though, from whatever organization you choose - it will protect you in case of problems! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

11-03-2007, 08:13 PM
HorseMomToSage Coming two Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: A Whole Other Country-TX Of Course Posts: 1,501	I visit via Therapy Pet Pals of Texas with my Great Dane Marshall. Your Border Collie sounds like a good candidate. The testing is fairly easy (or was for us-he's very laid back like your dog) The first part was an information session but what we did not know was that from the moment you walk in you are being evaluated. There is a brief break and then you walk through a line of people, some in wheelchairs, one with a walker, one on crutches, all things you'd see in a hospital setting. They are looking for something that makes your dog react. My first dog tried out for Delta Society and failed when a lady in a walker walked toward her wearing a moo-moo and "moaning" she growled which is an automatic out. I bawled like a baby and the lady hugged me and said "it does not mean she is a bad dog" It did not-we went on to take agility which we loved-until I lost her at 5 to cancer.

11-04-2007, 05:50 PM
paso_lover Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sudbury Ontario Canada Posts: 4,848	I spoke to the coordinator the other day and when I told her he was part BC she got all iffy sounding. Guess they've had experiences with them and they were all too rambunctious. After telling her abou Rexy she was a lot better with it. My interview isn't until Dec 8th, as they just had one last week, then I think the following week I get to bring him. Fingers crossed . __________________ "I wish I was half the rider she thinks she is" \"Some people feel compelled to cut off the heads of others in order to make themselves appear taller\" ---Paramahansa Yoginanda

11-04-2007, 06:56 PM
nrhareiner Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 800	I am not sure about some but the one I am taking in Dec requiers the dog to have their CGC first before you can take the TDI. It is a good place to start and you will learn how your dog will react in certain situations. Both pups I had tested got their CGC the first try. Heidi __________________ Double Eagle Photography www.doubleeagleph.com Definision of Gun Control: Hiting what you aim at.