Assisted Therapy Dogs - Training, Experiences, Questions

[Karina]

Our dog Rosie and us went through an assisted therapy course and passed it. The head of dog placement for assisten therapy in our old neighbourhood said that if she jumps even once she is out of the program. Rosie is 2 years + and sometimes still jumps to kiss a person. She really does is rarely but sometimes for a very special person she can't help herself. I get her under control quickly but this would get us thrown out. I am also wondering if a backpack lightly weighted down would make her more mellow. I know she will be an adult at 3 and will mellow out, but I wonder. Rosie has a passion for people. She loves everyone and wants to say hello and gives kisses on que. I am curious to find out what your experiences with Assisted Therapy programs, training, tips, funny moments, etc. 

 

Thank you in advance.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Have you checked out the therapy group yet? I'm sure that they'd be lots of help and have good stories to share as well. :-)

 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/therapy

 

Congrats to you and your doodle for passing the course!

[Jennifer and Jack]

I don't have any advice but I think it is great that you did that with your dog!!

[Adina P]

When you say Assisted Therapy are you referring to a therapy dog that goes to visit others in hospitals, nursing homes, etc?  OR is she trained to assist YOU, her owner, in a service dog capacity?  I've just never heard the term 'assistance' except as connected to service dogs.

[Karina]

sorry, i mixed terms. we finished assisted therapy...going to hospitals, assisted living homes...etc.

Once I saw the power that a dog has on a lady that I didn't think had the spark of life in her. Rosie came up to her and she came alive. Tears rushed in and I was stunned. I hope to get Rosie better trainer so she can cheer people up on a regular basis.

[Adina P]

Sorry I take that back.  I have heard of Animal Assisted Therapy...d'oh!  I just didn't connect the terms.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Congrats on completing the course and kudos for your interest in becoming involved in this most worthwhile process.  The jumping can be a problem.  I would almost rather have a dog that jumps every time rather than one who only jumps occasionally.  That way you would know it was going to happen and you could anticipate it and stop it before it happens.  It can be a real problem in a hospital or nursing home environment.  Problem being the people are looking down at the dog and then the dog jumps and you can have a black eye .... the older people aren't quick enough to get out of the way.  That being say, with some hard work and lots of practice you can get this under control.  Do you take Rosie out to public places to meet and greet people.  Both of our girls (one of which is registered as a Therapy Dog) were jumpers on greeting as puppies.  They were probably 1.5 before I got it somewhat under control.  We took them as many places as we could to practice.  Every time they were to greet someone they had to be in a set and stay in a sit.  We have been to all sorts of places like Lowes, outdoor restaurants, shopping centers, outlet centers, county fairs, festivals, parades.  We spent a minimum of one day each week end finding a place to go that we could practice.  Many week-ends we spent both days. 

 

Also, as Camilla said check out the Therapy group.  There is lots of good info there.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me.  I'm happy to talk about my experiences.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

As others have said, please join the Therapy Group.  I think you'll find lots of good information there.  The jumping can be a real problem in situations where you're working around older people.  I think working really hard on the "sit for greeting" should help her with this.  When Guinness and I are on Therapy visits, he knows that he won't get to greet anyone, unless he's sitting.  Congratulations on getting your certification...and have fun.

[Karina]

Thank you so much everyone for your feedback and ideas. Rosie is the most social girl in the world. She meets 10 - 20 new people every day and it makes her soooo happy. We go to stores, shopping malls, new places she has never been and of course she grew up in the city so not much scares her. We tried the siting thing when meeting people but with some people its like a rocket gets activated and she just gets so excited she can't control herself. She is 2 and I do see a ton of progress but not perfect yet. Will keep working on this with her. We also joined the Therapy Group - Thanks everyone!