Riker, my now ten year old Aussie, is a warm, loving, affectionate, but energetic soul. He visits an after school day care for kids in the foster system. They are usually psychologically wounded, don't always trust people, and often act out. But Riker loves them with abandon and they love him back.
One day when Riker and I arrived for a visit, the director met me in the parking lot and I though, "Uh oh." But she spoke to Riker - so I could hear, of course - "We have a new little girl for you to meet, Riker. She needs you." Grace (fake name) was a fetal alcohol baby, blind and deaf, although apparently quite bright. I was scared to death. Riker loves to give kisses and I was afraid he would try to slurp her and scare her. So I had a death grib on his ruff at the front of his neck while the director placed Grace's hand on Riker's coat. Grace laughed and at her laugh I must have relaxed because Riker turned around and slurped her a good one. Thankfully she continued to laugh.
Within five minutes, she had Riker's leash and they were wandering around the play ground, Riker walking quite calmly, turning every once in a while to give her kisses!
Sigh.
Another time, I'll share Riker's experiences with my Dad as my Dad was dying. But it's still too fresh right now.
Riker is my eighth therapy dog. Bashir, my 4 year old, doesn't like strangers to pet him so he doesn't do the therapy dog work. But Archer, my 1 year old, has just started therapy dog training and I think he's going to enjoy it.
I am the founder of Love on a Leash. You can see it at www.loveonaleash.org.
Liz
Monday, February 23, 2009
Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs
At Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center in Vista, CA, along with family pet training, we also provide training for both therapy dogs and for service dogs. When we get calls from dog owners seeking assitance with their dog's training, we find that many people are confused as to which is which.
An easy to remember definition is: a therapy dog is a privately owned pet who, with his owner, provides warmth and affection to other people. A service dog provides assitance to his owner.
Therapy dogs and their owners may visit nursing homes, senior centers, assisted living facilities, day care centers for seniors or for children, schools, and even libraries. On these visits, the dog's owner will be a part of the visit, initiating conversations and introducing the dog, while the dog may solicit petting, may perform tricks, or may just snuggle close to provide some affection. Therapy dogs must be well trained, with a good understanding of the basic obedience commands. They also need to be well socialized to people of all ages, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds, as well to and of the sights, sounds and smells that they may encounter on a visit. Therapy dogs cannot jump on people, paw or scratch, or put their mouth on people. They should also be introduced to wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.Therapy dogs should be provided access to any buildings or public transportation while going to, from and during a therapy dog visit. Therapy dogs do not, however, have unlimited access as do service dogs.
Service dogs provide assistance to their owners, but that service can vary tremendously according to the owner's individual needs. Dogs can now notify their owners of immending seizures, or of low or high blood sugar. Dogs can pick up dropped items, can provide balance assistance, can open or close doors, cupboards and drawers, and can even turn levers on the faucet. Dogs also provide assistance to those people suffering from emotional or mental disabilities, including Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Service dogs can be thought of a medical tool that must accompany the user at all times. These dogs may go anywhere their owner goes and the dog and owner may not be discriminated against because of the dog's presence. For more on service dogs and therapy dogs. check out our podcast on the subject!
Liz
An easy to remember definition is: a therapy dog is a privately owned pet who, with his owner, provides warmth and affection to other people. A service dog provides assitance to his owner.
Therapy dogs and their owners may visit nursing homes, senior centers, assisted living facilities, day care centers for seniors or for children, schools, and even libraries. On these visits, the dog's owner will be a part of the visit, initiating conversations and introducing the dog, while the dog may solicit petting, may perform tricks, or may just snuggle close to provide some affection. Therapy dogs must be well trained, with a good understanding of the basic obedience commands. They also need to be well socialized to people of all ages, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds, as well to and of the sights, sounds and smells that they may encounter on a visit. Therapy dogs cannot jump on people, paw or scratch, or put their mouth on people. They should also be introduced to wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.Therapy dogs should be provided access to any buildings or public transportation while going to, from and during a therapy dog visit. Therapy dogs do not, however, have unlimited access as do service dogs.
Service dogs provide assistance to their owners, but that service can vary tremendously according to the owner's individual needs. Dogs can now notify their owners of immending seizures, or of low or high blood sugar. Dogs can pick up dropped items, can provide balance assistance, can open or close doors, cupboards and drawers, and can even turn levers on the faucet. Dogs also provide assistance to those people suffering from emotional or mental disabilities, including Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Service dogs can be thought of a medical tool that must accompany the user at all times. These dogs may go anywhere their owner goes and the dog and owner may not be discriminated against because of the dog's presence. For more on service dogs and therapy dogs. check out our podcast on the subject!
Liz
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