We all know that dogs are incredible animals and a welcome addition to any home. There is nothing better than having a furry four-legged member of the family who will show you nothing but love and affection.
So, considering the benefits that dogs can bring to the family home, is it any wonder that they are used as a form of therapy?
What is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas and to people with autism. They go, on a voluntary basis, with their owner to improve the lives of other people. This could be anything from working with a child who is learning to read, visiting a senior in assisted living, or like this dog – comforting nervous patients when they attend the dentist. They help to provide a calming presence and put the person they are visiting, at ease.
They are not the same as service dogs!
Therapy dogs are not service dogs – service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks to help a person with a disability. A service dog is a guide dog, for example – trained to assist a blind owner or a dog that assists someone with a physical disability.
‘Pets as Therapy’
Pets as Therapy launched in 1983 and has seen more than 30,000 dogs enrolled into its scheme, with thousands making therapeutic visits to homes, hospitals and schools every week. They, ‘enhance the health and wellbeing in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their behaviourally assessed animals.’
What breeds are used as therapy dogs?
Most breeds can become therapy dogs – it doesn’t really come down to breed or size, it really depends on their age, temperament, health and training. A calm, friendly manner that is not too boisterous is important for therapeutic activities.
What happens during a therapy visit?
Patients are able to interact with the animal in any way they feel comfortable – this could be stroking and cuddling him or her or they may just want to watch the animal play.
Therapy dog of the year: Cockapoo
Bilbo Baggins, a six-year-old Cockapoo from Surrey was named the HiLife Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog of the Year at Crufts this year. So why did he win? For the last six years Bilbo and his human Philippa have been visiting Cherry Trees in East Clandon, which runs respite for children with disabilities. Alongside this they also visit the Furze Hill Lodge Care Home in Kingswood.
Do you want to train your own dog to be a therapy dog?
Cockapoos are ideal therapy dogs due to their sweet and gentle temperament. But before you start searching through the Cockapoo puppies for sale listings online, you need to know fully what’s involved!
It requires some training on your part – and this should start with ensuring that your pet is happy and comfortable in a variety of situations. You also need to train them in the basics of obedience – sit, lie down and stay, and they must also be comfortable taking commands from others and happy being brushed and petted by strangers. They must not pull on the lead or jump up, bark or growl.
If you think your dog has what it takes, then they too can make a difference to the lives of others!
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