What are Therapy Dogs? Therapy pets willingly give of themselves and have an unconditional love and acceptance of the elderly and handicapped whether they are adults or children. They should be able to motivate people to talk, or reminisce on the past or to accomplish something they haven’t done or tried in years. It could be as simple as a smile or one spoken word, but it could be the first time this has happened in forever. Therapy animals often produce "miracles" by their mere presence.
They can be of any breed, mixed-breed, purebred, small, large, retired from showing, or active showing. Dogs should be familiar at least with Novice Obedience and, preferably, Advanced Obedience work, and should know or learn some tricks. Dogs are expected to get along with other dogs well, as they will be working in close surroundings with other pets. Dogs must get along with adults, children and comfortable in new and unusual environments.
Aggression on any pets part is not tolerated in this program for obvious reasons. No shyness, or nervousness around strangers or large crowds should be exhibited.
Read about how the U.S. Military is now using Therapy Dogs to help troops cope with their experiences and lift their spirits. Article in USA Today >>
Level 1, Regular Therapy Dogs: These dogs work with kids and adults to brighten their days. We have joint programs with places like libraries and schools. These activities include kids reading to dogs, K9 safety programs, career day, field days, life skills workshops in schools, visit nursing homes, visit hospitals, parades, and general public relations.
Level 2, K9 Teacher's Aide Dogs: These dogs work with special needs kids in the school systems or after school programs like the library. (We visit the Hearn School, West Ridge Elementary, Shelbyville Middle School East). K9 Teacher’s Aide dogs work with kids who have sight or hearing impairment, special needs children (Autism, ADD, Asperger's, Dravet's, psychiatric needs).
Level 3, Animal Assisted Therapy: Using dogs for psychiatric counseling, mobility therapy, create programs for troubled kids/teens. Some of our Service Dogs that assist disabled people also perform assisted therapy for their people. A Therapy Dog that is certified in Animal Assisted Therapy does things like help with physical therapy, interact with counseling sessions for adults, help teach people occupational skills and the handlers are able to help facilities develop these programs.
There is a 6 week course available to get certified as a Therapy Dog, if the dog qualifies in good temperament and obedience. Therapy Dogs can get certified at the additional levels through weekend workshops. Dogs with more than 50 hours working in a specific category are awarded special certificates.
| Guidelines for Therapy Dogs |
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- All Dogs must be spayed or neutered
- Dogs must keep "Four on the Floor" and not on the people. (Means no Jumping except thru hoops or trick jumps).
- Dog must have reliable Sit-Wait, Sit-Stay and Down-Stay, Down-Wait.
- No head shyness or hand shyness is allowed.
- Ability to accept strangers touching them.
- Adaptation to strange odors of rooms and patients.
- Adaptation to unusual noises (like breathing ventilator) or loud noises.
- Adaptation to different textures of flooring.
- Adaptation to sudden jerky movements.
- Absolutely no choke chains or prong collars, shock collars, pinch collars, slip collars, spike/stud collars will be permitted. A therapy dog should be trained to the point of being lose leash on a flat buckle collar. No Flexi-leash, no chain leash.
Grooming skills Keep your dogs clean. Bathe and groom them regularly. You may also use some of the alternative-bathing methods, like the non-sudsing product (much like what hospitals use to shampoo hair) available for dogs or the cleaning/ grooming "wipes" available in the pet section at Wal Mart. The wipes are great for your dog's head, topline and paws before and after each visit.
The Greyhound Foundation recommends a "spritzer" of Listerine for Greyhounds instead of a bath. I know it sounds weird but it makes hair just shine as well as disinfecting any germs. This method would not work for heavy coated breeds of course but rather for the breeds with very thin, almost "to the skin" coats such as the greyhound has. You can also use apple cider vinegar which does the same thing.
REMEMBER--it's important to have your dog clean going IN, but don't forget that you may want to clean your dog when you EXIT, as well as WASH YOUR OWN HANDS. We have always been at greater risk for taking germs OUT than for taking germs IN. That is especially true for ourselves as volunteers, more so than for the dogs.
| Requirements for Therapy Dogs |
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STEP 1: Obedience train your pet. If you need help with this step, goto our contact page. We offer classes in Frankfort, KY and have affiliate trainers throughout Kentucky.
Step 2: Complete the application (contact us to get an application) and schedule testing at our training facility or through one of our affiliates. Evaluations for therapy dogs are $35.
Step 3: If you pass the test, then turn in your paperwork to us via email (or send via U.S. mail to our headquarters) and pay membership dues of $35.00 for one dog for each year. Second dog is $10.00 more. The $35.00 donation covers your Identification Badge, Certificate of Achievement and liability insurance. Junior members accepted IF they have a parent or adult mentor. You will need to sign an Owner/Handler Agreement with Pawsibilities Unleashed Pet Therapy stating you agree with our policies and procedures.
Step 4: Complete 10 hours of supervised visits with a current member. Submit your completed time log to PUPT to receive your permanent ID Badge.
Step 5: Recertification yearly is required. You must renew your insurance with Pawsibilities Unleashed each year to be certified. Dogs must be retested each year.