Researching a Place for your Therapy Dog

THERAPY DOGS INTERNATIONAL, INC

My first Internet search to find a place to learn more about starting CoCo in a career in Therapy Dog work was the official AKC website. From here I was directed to Therapy Dogs International's (TDI)website. The organization was founded in 1976 by a RN who observed the benefits of pets interacting with patients when the chaplain and his Golden Retriever would visit the patients.

Therapy Dogs International (TDI) was formed so dogs could be certified, insured and registered as volunteer Therapy Dogs. Therapy Dogs registered by TDI provide emotional services only and aren't the same as assistance dogs. The American Kennel Club( AKC) was developing a Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) at the same time TDI was deciding that a more formal test was needed. Before certification to serve as a potential Therapy Dog, dogs and handlers must pass the CGC test. In addition each dog must pass a temperament evaluation to include the dogs behavior around people with the use of service equipment.

Here is a paragraph from TDI website that exemplifies my first experience in taking CoCo to the Hospital as volunteers.

' The first time a dog prances into a care facility, most people do a double take. A split second later broad smiles stretch across faces. Regardless of how residents look or how they feel,the animals are happy to see them. Typically, there is an immediate response to the tail wagging greetings and warm paws. Four-footed therapist give something special to enhance the health and well-being of others. It has been clinically proven that through petting, touching and talking with the animals, patients' blood pressure is lowered, stress is relieved and depression is eased. Each volunteer as an individual has made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many, by sharing their canine companion with those who no longer are able to have a dog of their own. Just think! How sad it would be if you never could touch a dog again.'

Next Blog- Delta Society

CoCo First Halloween

CoCo's First Halloween- October 31st, 2007

CoCo had just turned 5 months old on October 29th and had only been with us for two week when Halloween came around. She had been such a doll in puppy class the night before, I thought it would be a good test to see how she handled the activity of kids ringing the door bell at night in costumes.

Smokey, our miniature Schnauzer had become a basket case when anyone came in the front gates, let alone rang the door bell. Smokey also bolted out the door and front yard given the opportunity. I was told that terriers were the worst off leash dogs to control, but had found CoCo to be uninterested in running free.

I was told that Sealyham's were know to be the calmest terriers and barked infrequently. So far that was the indication that CoCo had given us. I put Smokey in a back room so he wouldn't upset the kids, dressed CoCo up in a jester collar and tested her temperament at the front door.

I had a number of friends from the neighborhood come by with their kids and asked it they would like to meet my new puppy. CoCo just calmly walked out the front door to see what was going on. We had scary music, a fog machine, spider webs and decorations and the large group of adults and kids all at the front door, none of which phased CoCo. CoCo let the kids pet her while staying within a few feet of the door.

Now I truly realized CoCo's temperament was special and the next day started my Internet search on Therapy Dog Organizations.

Next Blog- Therapy Dogs International

CoCo at Puppy Class

What was different about CoCo in

Puppy Class?

We started Puppy Class when CoCo was 5 months old. She had been with us for only two weeks at the time but was already integrated into the family.

I took her to the San Lorenzo Dog Training Club as we had our last dog Smokey. The training club was very professional and in a good indoor building.

I arrived early and got CoCo accustomed to the room. CoCo just sat and observed as the other owners were mostly pulled into the room by their puppies. This was very different then Smokey our Schnauzer who screeched for the first five minutes of the class.

I had already identified CoCo's calmness and seen her socialize well at the dog park a few times, but was impressed with her inquisitive and observant manner. CoCo wasn't the quickest to respond to training commands but she easily learned what was asked of her. As it turned out CoCo was the only dog in the class that was trained on a regular street collar. CoCo needs a firm handling but didn't need a choke, gentle leader or prong collar to get her to follow the lead and commands.

This was a clear indication that CoCo was a good candidate for Therapy Work. CoCo showed at this young age that she is calm, comfortable in new situations, has fun being out in public, likes to meet other dog and people alike and has a confident but not over assertive nature.

(next Blog) CoCo's First Halloween

Dog Therapy- Being a Pet Hug Pack Member

How Do You Identify a Good Candidate for Dog Therapy Work?

CoCo is now 14 months old and has been doing organized therapy work for two months.

The need for more dog to visit hospitals, nursing facilities, hospice environments, day care centers, children's reading programs and numerous other interactions is vast.

I would like to share with others the great volunteer opportunity to work with your dog in these settings.

This photo is of Coco when she was 3 months old. What did I see in CoCo that started my research into Dog Therapy.

CoCo was a very loving puppy when she arrived at our home in mid-October. She was already 4 1/2 months old and adjusted in a few days to the routine of living with our other terrier Smokey. CoCo wasn't timid when she was a puppy, but was normally curious while being cautious. She came to us for affection but we didn't smother her. CoCo bonded fast with Smokey- playing and snuggling with him in the first week. CoCo is a very easy going and calm dog. CoCo calmness and her steady confidence are a great combinaiton for a dog to go out in the public in therapy work.

(next blogging) CoCo's Puppy Class Experiences