Carmen Wille & Sue Montgomery The History and Training of
the Therapy Dog for School Personnel
Slide 3
Session 1 Introduction of people and dogs How participants
became interested in dog therapy Brief history Benefits Concerns
Discuss therapy dog organizations Demonstration of heel, sit, and
down Training
Slide 4
Introductions Presenters: Carmen Wille and Sue Montgomery How
did you become interested in training a therapy dog? Our demo dogs:
Macy Rou, a Jack Russell Terrier; Ryker, a Border Collie, and Zoey,
a Mixed Breed
Slide 5
Dog-assisted Therapy Dogs used to help alleviate physical,
emotional, and social difficulties in children The Delta Society
created the titles Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT) and
Animal-assisted Activity (AAA). We are using the title Dog-assisted
Therapy. Our project will provide professionals with important
information needed to create their own dog-assisted therapy program
at their schools.
Slide 6
Types of Animal-Assisted Therapy The following animal therapies
will be introduced: Reading-to-dogs- programs Therapeutic horse
riding programs Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) Individual
and group counseling with animal-assisted therapy Visiting nursing
homes and hospitals Dolphin assisted therapy, Assistance/service
dogs Dog-assisted therapy
Slide 7
Readingto-Dogs-Program Reading-to-dogs- programs involve having
a child read out loud to a dog generally in a library or school
setting Research by University of California, Davis (UCD) who
teamed up with All Ears Reading Program found that reading fluency
increased by 12% for those students who read to a dog in a public
school and increased by 30% for homeschoolers Benefits include:
increased reading enjoyment for children, improved social skills
and self-confidence, decreased absenteeism from school, and
increased homework completion
Slide 8
Therapeutic Horse Riding Programs Therapeutic horse riding
generally refers to mounted activities with people with
disabilities learning traditional or adaptive equestrian skills
(Smith Osborne & Selby, 2010, p. 293) Benefits include:
increased flexibility, balance, motor coordination, and
cardio-respiratory function, increased speech and language
abilities (Granger and Kogan 2006, citing Biery 1985; Macauley and
Gutierrez 2004) Disadvantages include: the expense of housing,
feeding, and caring for a large animal, transporting children to
and from the stable often in a rural area, and safety issues if an
inappropriate horse is used for therapy (Friesen, 2010, citing
McCowan 1987)
Slide 9
Animal Assisted Crisis Response Provides trained professionals
with a means to reach out and help people affected by a crisis,
generally through the use of a dog AACR teams are not first
responders, and they do not search for the injured or dead, instead
they provide support and comfort to the victims, friends and family
of the victims, and emergency workers (Greenbaum, 2006)
Qualifications for becoming a dog and handler team with the
National Animal Assisted Crisis Response are quite involved.
Slide 10
Individual and Group Counseling with Animal-Assisted Therapy
Minatrea and Wesley (2008) found that group participants who were
addicted to drugs and received AAT had positive benefits Improved
level of functioning in patients with mood disorders Animals
presence created a warm, friendly, safe environment, providing
unconditional acceptance, empathy and enhanced creativity during
sessions
Slide 11
Visiting Nursing Homes and Hospitals Different types of animals
such as, dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds are taken to nursing homes,
whereas generally only certified therapy dogs are taken to
hospitals. Overall research suggests that animals, particularly
dogs, seem to have positive benefits on both hospital patients and
nursing home residents Benefits include: decreased tension,
depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and increased vigor
Slide 12
Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Involves having the client go into the
water and interact with the dolphin and its trainer. Can involve
playing, swimming, taking care of the dolphin, watching the dolphin
perform tricks, touching the dolphin, and snorkeling with the
dolphin (Antonioli & Reveley, 2005) Research finds that
dolphin-assisted therapy can be an effective treatment for mild to
moderate depression Can help children with severe disabilities
improve their level of functioning in a shorter period of time than
conventional therapies Disadvantages: high cost of maintaining
dolphins, risk of transmitting infections, limited research on the
effectiveness of this therapy, risks to the welfare and survival of
the dolphin, (Friesen, 2009; Fine, 2006)
Slide 13
Assistance/Service Dogs A generic term for guide, hearing, or
service dog specifically trained to help mitigate the effects of an
individuals disability (Assistance Dogs International, Inc., 2010)
Types of assistance dogs: guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service
dogs A person must have a disability to qualify for an assistance
dog and is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(Assistance Dogs of North America, 2010)
Slide 14
Dog-Assisted Therapy Dog-assisted therapy for the purpose of
this paper entails having a certified therapy dog that interacts
with students at schools and juvenile facilities Certified therapy
dogs are not legally protected by federal law, and do not have the
same protection and rights as a service dog The therapy dog is
usually a family pet, and works with its owner to provide service
to others
Slide 15
Benefits of Dog-assisted Therapy Physiological Benefits
Reduction in Blood Pressure Freidmann, Katcher, Thomas, Lynch, and
Messent (1983) conducted an experiment to examine the effect that
exposure to a dog had on blood pressure and heart rate. First,
researchers introduced half of the participants to a friendly dog.
Then the researchers created three different experiment groups with
the first group of children exposed to the dog twice, the second
group exposed once, and the third group never exposed. Immediately
after each group, the researchers measured the childrens blood
pressure and heart rate. The children who were exposed to the dog
had a greater reduction in blood pressure than the children who
were not; with an even greater reduction in blood pressure in
children who were exposed twice.
Slide 16
Reduction in Pain Braun, Stangler, Narveson and Pettingell
(2009) conducted an experiment that examined the effect that
handling a dog had on pain intensity. Researchers created two
groups: group one monitored pain levels in children between the
ages of 3-17 who were exposed to a dog, and group two monitored
pain levels in children who were not exposed. Results of the
experiment revealed that for children who were in pain, handling a
dog reduced pain levels. For children suffering from pain,
respiratory rates also increased.
Slide 17
Reduction in Anxiety Nagengast, Baun, Megel and Leibowitz
(1997) researched the outcome of exposing children to a dog during
a physical examination. Children between the ages of 3 and 6 were
divided into two groups: In group one, children were exposed to a
dog during a physical examination and in group two, children were
not exposed. Researchers determined that in the presence of a dog,
children had lower levels of anxiety.
Slide 18
Reduction in Depression Sockalingam, Li, Krishnadev, Hanson and
Balaban (2008) investigated the effect that dog exposure had on
individuals with depression. A 43-year-old male with a prior
diagnosis of bipolar disorder was used. This individual had
recently been assaulted and was experiencing depression, lack of
motivation, low self esteem, and somatic complaints. The man was
given a dog to care for on a daily basis. Results included improved
self esteem, increased mood and outlook, decreased anxiety, and
improved overall health.
Slide 19
Fewer Illnesses and Increased Health Charnetski, Riggers, and
Brennan (2004) questioned the effect that dog exposure had on
overall health. 58 college students were randomly assigned to one
of three groups: group one sat for 18 minutes and petted a dog,
group two sat for 18 minutes without a dog, and group three sat for
18 minutes and petted a stuffed animal. Saliva secretions were
collected before and after each group. Participants who petted the
real dog had higher levels of IgA in their saliva. Higher levels of
IgA in the body are correlated with a reduction in upper
respiratory infections.
Slide 20
Social Skills Benefits Increased Social Integration and
Relationships Lanea, McNicholasb, and Collisb (1998) investigated
the benefits of dog exposure and increased social integration.
Fifty-seven physically disabled individuals who received dogs from
Dog for the Disabled program were used in this study.
Questionnaires were used to assess the changes in their lives since
obtaining the dogs. Subjects had an increase in social integration
and increased health improvement.
Slide 21
Increased Verbal Communication Lewis (2003), a speech-language
pathologist, collected data examining the effects that
animal-assisted therapy had on communicative skills. Five preschool
children, each lacking in communication skills, were used in this
investigation. Lewis collected data during a six-month interval;
three months with a therapy dog and three months without. Unlike
original therapy where only speech services were provided, during
the three months that a therapy dog was used, the childrens
communicative and receptive skills increased.
Slide 22
Increase Self-esteem Camp (1997) conducted interviews and
observations with five physically disabled individuals who worked
with therapy dogs. She discovered that individuals experience an
increase in self- esteem They also experienced increased
independence and security.
Slide 23
Reduction in Behavioral Issues Emotional Disturbance (ED)
Kogan, Granger, Fitchett, Helmer, and Young (1999) researched the
effect that Animalassisted therapy (AAT) dogs had on children who
displayed aggressive, negative behaviors. Once a week for four
months two children diagnosed with ED were given the tasks of
brushing and teaching various training methods to therapy dogs.
Through these tasks, the boys learned how to use their vocal tones
and positive reinforcement to obtain desired results from the dogs.
Both boys displayed a decrease in behavioral problems and angry
intonations while displaying more positive relationships with their
peers The first boy also exhibited less distractibility and
increased eye contact. The second boy also exhibited less learned
helplessness and temper tantrums.
Slide 24
Autism Barol (2006) conducted a single-case study to examine
the effect that dog exposure had on social skills in a child with
autism. Once a week for 15 weeks, a five-year-old boy interacted
with an eight-year-old dog. Prior to exposure, the boy was
noncompliant and lost interest when asked to play with other
children, cut paper using scissors, and play ball with a teacher.
By the third week, Zachary was able to remain intrigued for over
twenty minutes while playing ball with Henry, cut dog treats
without complaint, and initiate interactions with the dog.
Slide 25
Concerns There are a number of concerns regarding the use of
dogs that need to be addressed before the handler starts working
with the therapy dog. These concerns include zoonotic diseases,
allergies, fear of dogs, animal-induced accidents (bites), cultural
differences, and the welfare of the dog
Slide 26
Zoonotic Diseases Diseases and infections naturally transmitted
between animals and man. Waltner-Toews (1993) sent questionnaires
to employees at hospitals to determine which zoonotic diseases were
of greatest concern. Rabies, ringworm, and external parasites
topped the list. Even though dogs have the potential to transmit
zoonotic diseases, the risk is minimal when safety measures are
observed.
Slide 27
Allergies 5.3 percent of the United States population has an
allergy to animal dander. Higher percentages for people with a
history of asthma. Symptoms of allergies include: nocturnal wheezy
cough, asthma, stuffy nose, and pink eye. To help reduce allergies,
the dog should be bathed and well- groomed. It is important to know
which students have allergies to minimize their contact with the
therapy dog.
Slide 28
Fear of Dogs Children may be afraid of dogs through association
and bad experiences such as being chased or bitten by a dog. Allow
children to watch others interacting with the therapy dog, and
allow them plenty of time to become comfortable around the dog.
Give them plenty of room so they may avoid the dog if they choose.
Never insist that children visit with the therapy dog.
Slide 29
Animal Induced Accidents (Bites) Approximately 400,000 children
in the United States seek medical attention for dog bites each
year. When initially bringing the therapy dog to a school, it is a
good idea to first go over safety rules with the students.
Currently there are no figures that provide the number of dog bites
arising from the use of dogs in therapy. It is believed to be
minimal.
Slide 30
Cultural Differences Brodie et al., 2002) maintain that some
cultures regard dogs as unclean, others view dogs as nuisances,
while others believe that spirits may appear as animals. There are
populations who may be uncomfortable being around specific breeds
of dogs. Greenbaum (2006) found that some inner city children do
not work well with Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers,
but work well with other breeds, such as a Poodles or Cocker
Spaniels. Care must be taken to respect cultural sensitivities so
the therapy dog can be a positive addition to the educational
environment.
Slide 31
Introduction to Therapy Dog Organizations Therapy Dogs
International (TDI) Delta Society
Slide 32
Therapy Dogs International (TDI) A volunteer organization
dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs
and their volunteer handlers Largest and oldest (1976) therapy dog
organization in the United States Visit: assisted living
communities, private homes, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes,
schools, shelters, and funereal homes
Slide 33
Therapy Dogs International Have: Childrens reading program
called Tail Waggin Tutor and a disaster stress relief program
Covered by the primary liability insurance policy and secondary
volunteer accident insurance if working as a volunteer
Slide 34
Delta Society National non-profit organization that helps
people live healthier and happier lives by incorporating therapy,
service and companion animals into their lives Offers Pet Partners
which trains and screens volunteers and their pets so they can
visit patients/clients in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and
physical therapy centers, schools, libraries, and other
facilities
Slide 35
Delta Society Offers resources in animal-assisted therapy for
professionals in fields such as healthcare and education National
Service Animal Resource Center provides information and resources
for people with disabilities
Slide 36
Time for Demo Dogs The exercises for today are: Heel Sit
Down
Slide 37
Heel The dog should be walking near the handler, but the dog
does not need to be in perfect heel position. The dog should not
pulling on the leash. The handler should not be dragging the dog
along.
Slide 38
Sit When the sit command is given, the dogs bottom should hit
the ground.
Slide 39
Down When the down command is given, the dogs entire body
should by on the ground, both front and back legs.
Slide 40
Training Time First, let take dogs out to potty and then lets
start training.
Slide 41
Session 2
Slide 42
Dog selection and temperament Questions/concerns with training
Practice heel, sit, and down Training equipment/what is allowed in
both organizations Teach stay and practice Practice heel, sit,
down, and stay Discussion of appearance and grooming If dogs are
ready we will add: accepting a friendly stranger, reaction to
distractions, leave-it, and sitting politely
Slide 43
Getting Started in Dog Therapy Choosing the Correct Dog Dog
Selection Temperament of Dog
Slide 44
Dog Selection When selecting a dog for therapy work, it can be
either a purebred or a mixed breed Little research on how to choose
a dog Crowley-Robinson and Blackshaw (1998) found that those who
worked near the AAT dog preferred a short-coated animal of medium
size that was gentle and placid Frequently chosen: Labrador
Retrievers and Golden Retrievers
Slide 45
Dog Selection Continued The Delta Society, (1996) a worldwide
animal therapy organization, states that the primary selection
criteria for therapy dogs are: Reliability- behavior can be
repeated in different situations and with different people
Predictability-Behavior in specific circumstances can be
anticipated in advance Controllability-behavior can be interrupted,
guided or managed Suitability-right animal selected for the right
job
Slide 46
Dog Selection Continued Weiss (2002) believes that dogs need to
be evaluated for: Submission Fear Dog aggression Energy level If
the dog evaluates too high in any of these areas it makes a poor
candidate for a therapy dog
Slide 47
Dog Selection Continued Qualities of a Great Therapy Dog Visits
people Friendly and confident in appearance Knows how to respect
personal boundaries Completely non-aggressive toward other animals,
dogs and people Initiates contact Stays engaged Makes eye contact
with people
Slide 48
Temperament of Dog One of the most important things to consider
when selecting a dog for therapy work is the dogs temperament. The
dog must be friendly, outgoing, tolerant of other dogs and not
aggressive toward other pets. A therapy dog is born not made.
Slide 49
Participant Training Questions/Concerns
Slide 50
Training Time Let take dogs out to potty and then lets practice
heel, sit, and down.
Slide 51
Training Equipment The collar should fit correctly, it should
not be too loose or too tight. If the dog is dragging the handler
around, it may be time to try a different type of collar. Buckle
collar Choke chain Prong collar Head harness Martingale Harness No
pull harness
Slide 52
Training Equipment Allowed by TDI and Delta Society TDI allows
only a plain buckle collar or harness to be used during the
evaluation and when making visits as a therapy dog. Delta Society
allows: Premier Gentle Leader Easy-Walk Harness Halti Harness
Freedom Harness Sense-ation Harness Sense-ible Harness Body or
step-in harnesses (leash clips to a ring on the back of the animal)
Buckle, snap, quick-release collars (leather or fabric) Limited
slip collars (Martingales), if they do not include metal links
Halters/head collars Leashes, no more than 6 feet in length, that
are all-leather or all-fabric Metal hardware, such as buckles, slip
rings, and D-rings
Slide 53
Lets teach Stay When a dog is placed in a sit or down and given
the stay command it will remain in that position until released by
the handler.
Slide 54
Training Time Let practice heel, sit, down, and stay.
Slide 55
Appearance and Grooming of Handler and Dog The handler should
always be neat and tidy. It is helpful to carry a lint brush to
remove dog hair from yourself and students. Always present yourself
in a professional and courteous manner. Realize that many students
and staff members will want to say Hi to the therapy dog. Allow
extra time for this. Always supervise the therapy dog. Even when
speaking to other students or staff members.
Slide 56
Appearance and Grooming of Handler and Dog Dogs hair should be
clean and dry. Any loose hair should be brushed out before a visit.
Dogs nails should be kept trimmed and not jagged or sharp. Wipe
away any eye discharge with a damp cloth. Also wipe dogs face to
remove any fine dirt and to freshen the appearance. Carry a cloth
to wipe dirty paws on rainy days before entering a building. The
dogs therapy bandanna or vest should be clean and dry. Always carry
doggy clean up supplies, if there should be an accident.
Slide 57
Training Time Lets try: Accepting a friendly stranger,
reactions to distractions, leave it, and sitting politely.
Slide 58
Accepting a Friendly Stranger This test demonstrates that the
dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the
handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator and handler
shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of
resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to
the evaluator.
Slide 59
Reactions to Distractions This test demonstrates that the dog
is confident at all times when faced with common distracting
situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger
running in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest
and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should not
panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.
Slide 60
Leave It! The handler with the dog on a loose leash walks over
food on the ground and, upon command, the dog should ignore the
food. This exercise tends to take considerable practice,
particularly for the chow hound, to become proficient at.
Slide 61
Sitting Politely for Petting This test demonstrates that the
dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with
its handler. The dog should sit at the handlers side as the
evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body
only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog must
not show shyness or resentment.
Slide 62
Session 3
Slide 63
Discussion of vet care and how that relates to certification of
the therapy dog Questions/concerns with training Review previous
exercises: sit, down, stay, heel, accepting a friendly stranger,
reaction to distractions, leave-it, and sitting politely Discussion
on registration of the therapy dog Teach with distractions, coming
when called, reaction to another dog, reaction to medical
equipment, and walking through a crowd Discussion on identifying
stress in the dog
Slide 64
Role of the Veterinarian The dog needs to be up-to-date on all
state required vaccinations, which will include the rabies shot.
The owner needs proof of current vaccinations. The dog needs to be
free of internal parasites, including heartworm. The dog should be
on a monthly heartworm medication. The dog needs to be free of
external parasites, such as fleas and ticks. The dog needs to pass
a vet exam indicating it is healthy.
Slide 65
Role of Veterinarian The veterinarian plays an important role.
They ensure the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and free of all
parasites and zoonotic diseases to humans. Delta Society and
Therapy Dogs International require paperwork signed by a
veterinarian indicating that the dog is healthy for initial
certification.
Slide 66
Participant Training Questions/Concerns
Slide 67
Training Time Lets review: sit, down, stay, heel, accepting a
friendly stranger, reactions to distractions, leave it, and sitting
politely.
Slide 68
Registration Requirements for TDI Have evaluation form showing
the 11 tests were passed Check-up within the past year Up-to-date
rabies vaccination given by a licensed veterinarian and initial
series of Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus vaccinations
Negative Heartworm test done within the past year unless the dog
has been on preventative medication or there is no heartworm
present in the area
Slide 69
Registration Requirements for TDI A negative fecal exam must
have been done within the last year A veterinarian must fill out
the health form and sign it Health form, evaluation form, picture
of the dog, and the fee to register the dog must be sent in to TDI
The current fee is $10 for 1 dog and 1 handler. The fee may be
higher if there is a fee for site use or the evaluator has to
travel a distance
Slide 70
Registration Requirements with Delta Society Dog must first
pass the skills and aptitude evaluation Seven forms need to be
filled out from the registration packet These forms are: Photo ID
form Application fee form Volunteer policies and procedures
agreement form Volunteer review Handlers questionnaire Animal
health screening forms Volunteer contract form
Slide 71
Registration Requirements with Delta Society Note: the
veterinarian needs to fill out and sign the health screening form
The dog must pass a physical exam Be up-to-date on state required
immunization and rabies shot Must be negative of internal and
external parasites Must have had a negative fecal exam within 6
months Currently a dog in the Pet Partners Program may not be fed a
raw diet
Slide 72
Registration Requirements with Delta Society Forms need to be
sent to Delta Society with the signed team evaluation form, a team
photo of the handler and dog, and the required fees within the 90
day expiration date (Delta Society, 2008, 2010). The current fee is
$75 for 1 dog and handler.
Slide 73
Training Time Lets work on: training with distractions
(bouncing ball, toy that walks, heeling with demo dog around dogs
on stay, etc.) coming when called, reaction to another dog,
reaction to medical equipment, and walk through a crowd
Slide 74
Training with Distractions While training an exercise the dog
is solidly able to do, slowly add distractions such as the
presenter bouncing a ball while the dogs are sit staying, or having
a toy that makes noise and walks or heeling the demo dogs around
the dogs on a down stay. Start with mild distractions and increase
the level with the dogs ability.
Slide 75
Coming When Called The dog will come when called by the
handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face
the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get
the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog stay or wait
or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as
the evaluator provides mild distraction (e.g., petting)
Slide 76
Reaction to Another Dog This test demonstrates that the dog can
behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs
approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake
hands, and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5
yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each
other.
Slide 77
Reaction to Medical Equipment The dog must be tested around
medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers,
or other devices which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to
judge the dogs reactions to common health care equipment.
Slide 78
Walking Through a Crowd This test demonstrates that a dog can
move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in
public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to
several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in
the strangers, without appearing overexuberant, shy or resentful.
The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog
throughout the test. The dog should not be straining at the
leash.
Slide 79
Welfare Considerations of the Dog The welfare of the therapy
dog should always be a consideration. Entering different settings
and schedules can be stressful to the dogs. The handler needs to
determine if the dog is coping comfortably to therapy by looking
for of stress. If excessive stress occurs, handlers should give
breaks from therapy work or stop altogether.
Slide 80
Identifying Stress in the Dog Indications of possible stress in
the dog Changes in posture, body movement, head movement, and eye
movement from what the dog normally exhibits. Sweating paws
Salivating Panting Yawning Shaking Sudden loss of hair
Restlessness
Slide 81
Indications of Stress in the Dog, Continued Withdrawal Muscle
tenseness Suspiciousness Aggression Hyperalertness Intensified
startle reflex Ducking behind handler Self-mutilation Change in
activity or appetite
Slide 82
Stress in the Dog In order to provide a safe environment for
the dog, children need to be taught how to correctly approach,
touch, and interact with the therapy dog (Jalongo et. al., 2004).
Always closely supervise children around the therapy dog to ensure
safety of all parties. Always monitor the well-being of the dog.
Make sure the dog receives enough exercise and free-time away from
therapy work.
Slide 83
Session 4
Slide 84
Discussion of evaluation day Questions/concerns with training
Review previous exercises: sit, down, heel, stay, accepting a
friendly stranger, reaction to distractions, leave-it, sitting
politely, teach with distractions, come on a long line, reaction to
another dog, reaction to medical equipment, and walk through a
crowd Personal accounts of having a therapy dog in a school setting
Teach clumsy petting, staggering and gesturing, angry yelling and
appearance and grooming Talking to administrators about allowing
dog therapy at the school
Slide 85
Evaluation Requirements with TDI Present proof that the dog is
up-to-date on current state required vaccinations and licenses Dog
must be at least a year old and wear a plain collar or harness Dog
must pass the 11 testing requirements Tester must be certified by
TDI
Slide 86
Evaluation Requirements with TDI The handler must be of good
character. The dog cannot be deaf. The evaluation begins as soon as
the evaluator is able to observe you and your dog on the testing
site, well before you begin the evaluation requirements.
Slide 87
Evaluation Requirements with Delta Society There are four steps
to becoming a certified Pet Partners team: 1.Attend a Pet Partners
Team Training Course or complete a home-study course 2.Have the
health of the animal screened by a veterinarian. 3.Have the
handler/animal team evaluated for skills and aptitude (22 exercises
need to be passed) 4.Submit the registration application if the
animal has been screened as healthy, and the team has passed the
evaluation.
Slide 88
Evaluation Requirements with Delta Society The emphasis is that
the dog should be under control all the time. The training
equipment that the animal wears for evaluation, must be used during
all therapy dog visits. Only training equipment approved by Delta
Society may be used for the evaluation and later therapy dog
visits.
Slide 89
When to Wait Another Day to be Evaluated If your dog is in
season or is pregnant. Your dog has an infection, open sores,
wounds, or stitches. Wait until the animal is healed. Your dog is
on antibiotics and/or anti-fungal medications. Your dog shows
visible signs of not feeling well. A sick dog could pass on a virus
or parasite to other animals at the testing site. You know your dog
is not ready yet to pass the exercises.
Slide 90
Participant Training Questions/Concerns
Slide 91
Training Time Lets review: sit, down, stay, heel, accepting a
friendly stranger, reactions to distractions, leave it, sitting
politely, train with distractions, coming when called, reaction to
another dog, reaction to medical equipment, and walking through a
crowd.
Slide 92
Experiences with Therapy Dogs
Slide 93
Training Time Time to learn: clumsy petting, staggering and
gesturing, angry yelling, and appearance and grooming
Slide 94
Clumsy Petting The evaluator will approach the dog and
awkwardly pet the dog, in such as way that a young child or someone
with poor coordination might touch the dog. The dog should not
react negatively, but should tolerate the petting.
Slide 95
Staggering and Gesturing The assistant staggers, and then moves
to normally pet the dog. The dog may look, but should not react
negatively, such as barking or lunging towards the person. The dog
should calmly accept the petting.
Slide 96
Angry Yelling The assistant yells, then calms down and calls
the dog. The dog should remain calm during the yelling, and not
become overly reactive.
Slide 97
Appearance and Grooming The dog will welcome being groomed and
examined and will permit a stranger such as a veterinarian,
groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the
owners care, concern, and sense of responsibility. The evaluator
inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly
examines the ears and each front foot.
Slide 98
Getting Permission It is important to talk to administrators
and gain their buy-in for a therapy dog at school. Bring examples
of research that talk about the positive benefits of therapy dogs.
Bring proof that the dog is covered by insurance. Bring the therapy
dog ID card and a good picture of the dog. Ask if you can bring the
dog in to meet the administrator. Outline how the dog might be
used, for example, in a group for students who have emotional
disturbance.
Slide 99
Participant Training Questions/Concerns
Slide 100
The End Thank you for your participation. Good luck with
evaluation. Remember to keep practicing the exercises, particularly
ones that are more difficult for your dog. When you are ready for
evaluation, look on either of these websites for the nearest
testing site. http://tdi-dog.org/ http://www.deltasociety.org/