I think my dog would be a great therapy dog. She's friendly, outgoing, loves other dogs and loves to be around people. She's a gentle, sweet girl. She's a 4 year old Cocker Spaniel mix that we got from the Humane Society. All we know is her age and that she's from Mississippi. She now lives in Florida.
Anyway....Can anyone give me advice on how to get the ball rolling? Who to call, where to go, etc. I know that she'll have to go through evaluations and some more training and we're ready for that.
Thanks!
2006-10-23 07:38:08 · 10 answers · asked by Melissa D 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks to everyone for all of your advice. I'll be making some phone calls in the very near future to get started.
I'm very excited about this and I know she can make others happy and that's all I want!
Thanks again everyone!
2006-10-23 07:51:50 · update #1
These are helpful sites> The How-to> http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/Therapy/certify.html
http://www.andreaarden.com/html/therapy.html
good links> http://www.cofc.edu/~huntc/service.html
Group discussion> http://www.43things.com/things/view/20738
2006-10-23 07:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
www.americankennelclub.com Just ask them if they have anybody from around your area to evaluate your dog for the canine good citizen award...if they do then you can have the evaluator tell you where to go for more training for your pet. Its tons of work I'm sure, but the extra training will always benefit you and your dog. So yeah, the dogs don't have to be a pure-bred to become a good citizen, or therepy dog.
Oh, you might try the library, there are some nice books in ours about what training you need to work with to get them there
2006-10-23 07:42:36 · answer #2 · answered by wyomingirlie16 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most therapy dog programs require that the dogs be Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certified. Go to www.akc.org for info on that.
Depending on what exactly you want to do, the Delta Society or Therapy Dogs International could help. What kind of facility do you want to go to? If a hospital or retirement home, check with them and see what organization they work with. Some humane societies have therapy dog programs, too.
2006-10-23 07:41:30 · answer #3 · answered by melissa k 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Any local ALF would LOVE to have you visit with a trained "therapy" dog. We have them come in where I work (In an ALF.) and you can see the residents eyes light up when they see the "puppies". It's quite touching to see a "res" who has a hard time moving, using what little strength they have to pet the dogs. They seem to actually "gain" strength when they do it! It's just an amazing thing to me. I say go for it.
2006-10-23 07:49:13 · answer #4 · answered by rifleman01@verizon.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my gf was just in the hospital for hear problems . we have dogs . ok go to youre local hospital and ask the front dest if they have therapy dogs there today . or when do they come . then ask the handler how to get youres trained . its simple from what i understand . they test them look how clean they are . look at vet records shots etc . its a very good program hope he or she dont mind wearing a little jacket and takeing a bath before you bring the dog to the hospital
2006-10-23 07:43:56 · answer #5 · answered by james w 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey, i'm from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I have a bernese mountain dog who is 5 years old, male. He is also very freindly, gentle, sweet and kind. He volunteers at an old age home were people walk aroud and pet him.
2006-10-23 07:40:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats great you want to help people like this. I would ask your vet if he knows of any type of local program like this. Also a petstore like petsmart always has local pet listings or maybe your newspaper or the internet.
Good luck!
2006-10-23 07:41:45 · answer #7 · answered by Hillary1034 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what organizations are in Florida.
HIP (Hand-In-Paw) is here in Birmingham, AL & does these type of evaluations & partner training.
http://www.handinpaw.org
Delta Society website would be a good place to see what you can find in your area
http://www.deltasociety.org
I am hoping the best inthe world to you :)
2006-10-23 07:46:37 · answer #8 · answered by Bama 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would start by contacting local nursing homes or even politicians. That's a wonderful idea- hope things work out for you.
Please give a big "Meow" to your dog from my cats Figaro & Rosina and have a great day!!!
2006-10-23 07:41:27 · answer #9 · answered by Coo coo achoo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can contact the Delta Society and they should be able to hellp you with that. Good Luck.
2006-10-23 12:03:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋