THERAPY DOG CLASS

Therapy Dogs function to help people primarily in emotional ways, though physical benefits can result.  Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activity are terms that describe the encounter between a therapy dog and a person being visited.

Animal Assisted Therapy is a goal-directed intervention in which a dog meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.  AAT is delivered and/or directed by a health/human service provider working within the scope of his/her profession.  It is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning.

Animal Assisted Activities provide opportunities for motivational, educational, and/or recreational benefits to enhance quality of life.  AAA are delivered in a variety of environments by a specially trained professional, paraprofessional and/or volunteers with dogs that meet specific criteria.

What Makes A Good Therapy Dog?

Temperament is the most important factor.  A dog that is friendly and well behaved is on the way to certification.  The dog who is trained to work around people who are bedridden or in wheelchairs, who is always under the handler's precise control, who can perhaps perform a few entertaining tricks is half way there.  Obedience training is important, but unless the dog is friendly, all the training in the world will not make a Therapy Dog.

In addition to the evaluation testing, the dog:

Must be at least one year old.

Pass a general physical exam.

Have a rabies vaccination as required by state law.

Be current on other immunizations.

Be free from internal and external parasites.