Could My Dog Be A Therapy Dog?

    Your dog could be qualified to be a therapy dog!  Therapy dogs must be well socialized to people and other dogs.  They need to be friendly and well-mannered.  You dog should be leash trained, show absolutely no indications of biting people or other dogs, keep all four feet on the ground unless invited to do otherwise, and demonstrate a reasonable level of control even in stimulating situations.  

    Therapy dogs first and foremost must be controllable, it is important that your dog respect the personal space of other people and dogs.  The people we visit with have fragile skin and  are often unsteady on their feet.  Barking is acceptable but can disrupt a visit if it is prolonged, your dog should accept new people and dogs without excessive barking.  Your dog must be  well house broken and may not 'mark' territory inside the homes!   

    Your dog does not have to be perfectly obedience trained!  Sit, Stay and Heel are not necessary for a safe and enjoyable therapy dog visit.  Overall attitude is more important than these skills.

    Your dog's breed does not matter!  Dogs of all sizes strike the hearts of home residents.  Big dogs may frighten some people, but for others their strength and size is inspiring.  Little dogs are fun to hold on laps and are often invited up onto beds.  But big and medium dogs are just the right height to pet from a wheel chair or bed.  The folks we are visiting have fond memories of all different sorts of dogs, by bringing a variety of dog types to visit we appeal to all of these memories.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A THERAPY DOG   

1. One year of age or over.

2. Healthy and well-mannered.

3. Enjoys human contact.

4. Must be able to withstand loud noises and distractions.

5. Must be under the handler's control and know some obedience.

6. Must pass a series of tests which include encounters with wheel chairs, walkers and canes.

7. Must be stable with petting all over them.

8. Aggression of any type is not acceptable during a Therapy Dog visit.




           Steps to become a Therapy Dogs Inc. and Paws with Patience member.

Contact Joyce Papciak, President Paws with Patience.   610-282-4465
 

Therapy Dogs Inc. Member Guidelines

" Vaccinations must be current and a copy given to the Paws with Patience  secretary.

" Dogs must be one year old to be certified.

" Dogs must have an annual physical exam and stool check.

" Female dogs which are "in season" should not attend therapy visits.

" Dog-handler teams must be clean and well groomed.

" A parent or guardian must accompany handlers under 16 while on therapy visits.

" Dogs must be on leash at all times, except when doing certain tricks.  A 4 foot lead is required.  Flexi leads are not allowed.

" One dog per handler during visits unless approved by Therapy Dogs, Inc. exception committee.

" Only slip or buckle (chain, nylon or leather) or a head halter are accepted.  No "pinch" collars may be used.

" While participating in a Therapy Dog visit, handlers must carry a Therapy Dog, Inc. membership card.  Dogs should wear their heart TDInc. tags.

" Handlers should follow the rules of each facility.

" At no time is a dog allowed to jump into a bed unless given permission.

" Your renewal date for TDI Inc. is your responsibility.

" Handlers must not make or receive calls using a cell phone inside a facility.  Pagers and cell phones must be set on vibrate while inside a facility.  If it is necessary to take the call, please do so outside the facility.

" Never do any pet therapy visit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may impair judgement.

" Always check in at the nurses station so everyone is aware of you and your s[ecial therapy dog. 

" Always clean up after your dog.