Doing Therapy dog work

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Postby Patch O' Pits » January 15th, 2007, 9:29 am

Why do therapy dog work????

Well besides the fact that it is good PR for the breed,
it is good for the people you visit, and reduces stress and blood pressure.....

The dog and handler are both rewarded over and over by the love and smiles they get in return.

Steel and I just got back from visiting the cancer floor at our local hospital. A patient actually picked Steel up and stuck him on the bed. He got a massage from one of the visitors. and got to lick and be pet by at least 50 different people within a 2 hr period.

All that and not one negative PIT BULL comment or strange look from some ignorant boob. LOL


How to pick a therapy dog


I recently was asked a question and wanted to bring it up and get others opinions on it.

If you are looking at puppies/dogs with the specific goal in mind of having a therapy dog what would you look for?

I personally didn't specifically get my dogs to do therapy work, but thought of a couple of things I feel would be important with that goal in mind.

If I were to adopt or purchase one for that specific reason this is what I'd look for:

- first off he/she would have to have awesome stable temperament

-whether it was an adult or pup really wouldn't be an issue
(adults can be easier in some ways and harder in others)

-isn't shy, yet isn't overly dominating of the other dogs/pups

- is very confident

- shows no fear issues

-is outgoing and affectionate

- a little more on the laid back side, but a high energy dog that can be brought down for working is also fine. A totally non stop hyper, dog is usually not the best candidate unless you are a very experienced trainer

- I'd definitely test for noise sensitivity and food toy drive

- I find dogs with at least some sort of drive easier to work with and train, but I'm sure not everyone will agree as dogs with drive can also sometimes present other challenges LOL

- dogs with major health issues, or pain concerns due to structural problems are usually not good candidates but there are exceptions. I've known some three legged dogs and dogs with cancer who did a wonderful job , but they were exceptions to the rule not the norm

This is not saying that dogs not fitting exactly what I listed can't be therapy dogs, just if that was the specific goal, I think a dog with the above qualities would be well suited for the job.

So what type of pup do you think makes the best therapy dog? Please add anything I left out and your opinions on this!
Last edited by Patch O' Pits on January 15th, 2007, 9:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Patch O' Pits » January 15th, 2007, 9:31 am

Below are the main requirements for becoming a therapy dog

Therapy dogs requirements:

The dog must be at least 1 year of age

Will have to pass a Therapy Dog test

Some require a CGC be given also, and some don't

Must be kept totally under control during visits at all times

Must have a yearly physical exam
Must be current on all shots and have a rabies certificate
Must have yearly heartworm and stool checks
(The therapy organization you go through will require you to show proof each year.)

Must be well groomed with nails trimmed

Can not have fleas, ticks or other infestations

Females can not visit while in heat

Should be wearing a tag that identifies them as a Therapy Dog


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
ON THERAPY DOGS

http://deltasociety.org/ Delta

http://www.golden-dogs.org/ Bright and Beautiful

http://www.tdi-dog.org/ Therapy dogs Int

http://therapydogs.com/ Therapy dogs
Patch O' Pits Pursuit-O-Perfection

Run Hard at the Rainbow Bridge My Angel Sock-M! I Love You Baby Girl! Now that your Mom Starlit is up there too, please help her learn the ropes, love and keep her company until I can see you both again. Starlit I love you!
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Postby pitbullmamaliz » January 15th, 2007, 10:59 am

Thanks for posting that! I really want to get Inara involved in therapy work, but she's still so hyper. I'm hoping she'll calm down (she'd only 14 months old), otherwise I don't think she'll be appropriate.
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