I am looking to volunteer some of my time and was thinking that maybe my dog can be a helping dog. Ideally, if I can bring him to hospitals for kids I would be stoked.
Has anyone done this before?
Full Version: Helping Dogs
QUOTE (2Ds @ Jul 9 2010, 09:01 AM) 
I am looking to volunteer some of my time and was thinking that maybe my dog can be a helping dog. Ideally, if I can bring him to hospitals for kids I would be stoked.
Has anyone done this before?
Has anyone done this before?
PM D.O.N.E. she has been thru this /w/ Scrappy it's not simple it takes time and patience on your part as well as a well trained dog.
She is on Vaction right now and probaly won't get back to you for a few days
QUOTE (MWBbanshee @ Jul 9 2010, 11:08 AM)
QUOTE (2Ds @ Jul 9 2010, 09:01 AM)
I am looking to volunteer some of my time and was thinking that maybe my dog can be a helping dog. Ideally, if I can bring him to hospitals for kids I would be stoked.
Has anyone done this before?
Has anyone done this before?
PM D.O.N.E. she has been thru this /w/ Scrappy it's not simple it takes time and patience on your part as well as a well trained dog.
She is on Vaction right now and probaly won't get back to you for a few days
Thanks!
One quick question.
Does the dog have to be fixed? My guy is intack and remaining that way.
2D's
OK Hopefully this doesn't overwhelm you. It's some of the most rewarding time I've ever spent, but it does take time.
1 - make sure your dog understands basic obedience. Usually if your dog could pass the Canine Good Citizen (Google for requirements) test he's good to go. This depends on the group you decide to join though. Scrappy is such a treat fiend it's been extremely easy to train him at home, but sometimes an obedience class might be a good idea.
2 - Usually not required but based on how much it is apprecieted - consider training the dog to do silly stuff. Scrappy jumps through hoops, or over a dowel I hold out. He can wave like he's saying Hi or Bye. Play dead, even dance. People LOVE it and it helps a lot with breaking the ice with shy folks. Maybe I sound biased, but Scrappy is usually the favorite at most places we visit. The group has about 15 dogs and I think his 'circus' tricks has a lot to do with that.
3 - Start deciding where you want to visit. Injured vets, hospitals, adults, nursing homes, schools. Get your dog into as similar a location as you can. socialize like crazy. Walk him around petsmart and ask people to pet him. Take him to home depot (great to help with fear of loud sudden noises too), take him to the park. ask everyone you know to pet him. Here's what you want the dog to do though when people pet. NO JUMPING period. He'll never pass if he tries to jump on people. Keep front paws on the floor unless commanded otherwise. IGNORE any sites that talk about a "Paws up" command unless it is required for your dog to know. This usually leads to confusion and the dog tries to "paws up" without a command. I instead tweaked this to an on mark type command. I point say "paws" he puts his front paws where I tell him too. I can point to the floor, to an arm rest, to my legs. This keeps him from thinking to stand up is ok. Its more along the lines of put your paws where I tell you too.
More coming....
OK Hopefully this doesn't overwhelm you. It's some of the most rewarding time I've ever spent, but it does take time.
1 - make sure your dog understands basic obedience. Usually if your dog could pass the Canine Good Citizen (Google for requirements) test he's good to go. This depends on the group you decide to join though. Scrappy is such a treat fiend it's been extremely easy to train him at home, but sometimes an obedience class might be a good idea.
2 - Usually not required but based on how much it is apprecieted - consider training the dog to do silly stuff. Scrappy jumps through hoops, or over a dowel I hold out. He can wave like he's saying Hi or Bye. Play dead, even dance. People LOVE it and it helps a lot with breaking the ice with shy folks. Maybe I sound biased, but Scrappy is usually the favorite at most places we visit. The group has about 15 dogs and I think his 'circus' tricks has a lot to do with that.
3 - Start deciding where you want to visit. Injured vets, hospitals, adults, nursing homes, schools. Get your dog into as similar a location as you can. socialize like crazy. Walk him around petsmart and ask people to pet him. Take him to home depot (great to help with fear of loud sudden noises too), take him to the park. ask everyone you know to pet him. Here's what you want the dog to do though when people pet. NO JUMPING period. He'll never pass if he tries to jump on people. Keep front paws on the floor unless commanded otherwise. IGNORE any sites that talk about a "Paws up" command unless it is required for your dog to know. This usually leads to confusion and the dog tries to "paws up" without a command. I instead tweaked this to an on mark type command. I point say "paws" he puts his front paws where I tell him too. I can point to the floor, to an arm rest, to my legs. This keeps him from thinking to stand up is ok. Its more along the lines of put your paws where I tell you too.
More coming....
Once you start getting the behavior and commands where they need to be
4- Start looking at groups in your area. Most places especially hospitals, nursing homes, etc aren't interested in a dog without an insurance policy. You get the insurance policy by joining a pet therapy group. Google "Pet Therapy" + the name of your city. Talk to vets or dog trainers in your area. Things to look for in a pet therapy group - size of the insurance policy. Where do they already visit. Notoriety (help you open doors to places they don't already visit) Membership fees (usually very minimal, especially considering the insurance policy you'll receive!). If they have a presence in your city I would strongly suggest Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org) or Therapy Dogs, Inc (www.therapydogs.com) They have a lot of notoriety and a large insurance policy.
5-Once you've decided which group to join, look at the requirements. Usually there will be an obedience test. They'll make sure your dog doesn't jump at loud noises or act uncomfortable or too interested in other dogs. They'll probably give his ear or paw a tug to see his reaction. The dog shouldn't nip or over-react to that. Then comes what I call the probation period. You'll have to pair up with a member and go on supervised visits. This usually is for at least 10 hours, of sessions no more than an hour long at a time. This may take awhile, but stick with it. I think Scrappy took a few months to get his 10 hours in. there may be one final obedience/temperment test and then if your dog passes - Congrats you made it!
Tips - before any visit or testing, walk your dog! For Scrappy before he 'goes to work' we make a trip to the dog park. I walk around 2x keeping him beside me then he gets free time. I call it getting his wiggles out. Then when we show up he's not all revved up about getting out of the house, he's already been out of the house for at least 40 minutes. He's also not all excited about seeing new dogs, he gets that out of his system at the dog park. If I'm short on time we just go for a brisk walk around the block at home.
I already said it but socialize like crazy. Get the dog used to new people, new sounds, new scents, new everything. He should take it in stride. Make sure he isn't jumpy about loud noises or sudden movement. What the person testing and supervising is looking for is this. The dog is eager to be pet, without being pushy. Scrappy walks towards people and pauses. Either they will reach out to touch or I'll call him away. If they reach out he'll go in for a closer snuggle. They don't want to see your dog lowering his head if someone reaches out, or rolling over.
Know your dogs limits. For instance, I know from experience some people that don't have a lot of control over their movement. One lady LOVES the dogs, she just beams when they come in but she shakes quite a bit. Some people don't visit with her, their dogs don't appreciate the occasional thump she might accidentally hand out. Scrappy sees her and starts wagging his whole tail so hard the whole back end goes to and fro. For whatever reason he understands, I just try and have her pet along his back so she isn't thumping his head. With kids Scrappy can get too revved up, I just excuse myself take him aside and calm him down again. When he starts to relax we go back to work. An hour is most dogs limit. After that they want a potty break, water and a nap
You'll be surprised how much visiting can wear you both out.
Be prepared! I wear a bag that is stocked with essentials and yes I have used everything I've packed in there. I keep poop bags on hand - thankfully Scrappy hasn't made this mistake yet but in the year I've been doing this I've seen 2 other dogs have an oops moment. Wet wipes - especially with kids who may have messy hands. A towel - good for wiping his feet off when we first go in. TREATS. Hand out liberally especially during your first few visits, make it an extremely positive experience. Vet records, when visiting places like a hospital they'll want to make a copy. And now I can carry his certification paperwork, and our official badges. Then a few other things I keep on hand for his circus tricks.
4- Start looking at groups in your area. Most places especially hospitals, nursing homes, etc aren't interested in a dog without an insurance policy. You get the insurance policy by joining a pet therapy group. Google "Pet Therapy" + the name of your city. Talk to vets or dog trainers in your area. Things to look for in a pet therapy group - size of the insurance policy. Where do they already visit. Notoriety (help you open doors to places they don't already visit) Membership fees (usually very minimal, especially considering the insurance policy you'll receive!). If they have a presence in your city I would strongly suggest Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org) or Therapy Dogs, Inc (www.therapydogs.com) They have a lot of notoriety and a large insurance policy.
5-Once you've decided which group to join, look at the requirements. Usually there will be an obedience test. They'll make sure your dog doesn't jump at loud noises or act uncomfortable or too interested in other dogs. They'll probably give his ear or paw a tug to see his reaction. The dog shouldn't nip or over-react to that. Then comes what I call the probation period. You'll have to pair up with a member and go on supervised visits. This usually is for at least 10 hours, of sessions no more than an hour long at a time. This may take awhile, but stick with it. I think Scrappy took a few months to get his 10 hours in. there may be one final obedience/temperment test and then if your dog passes - Congrats you made it!
Tips - before any visit or testing, walk your dog! For Scrappy before he 'goes to work' we make a trip to the dog park. I walk around 2x keeping him beside me then he gets free time. I call it getting his wiggles out. Then when we show up he's not all revved up about getting out of the house, he's already been out of the house for at least 40 minutes. He's also not all excited about seeing new dogs, he gets that out of his system at the dog park. If I'm short on time we just go for a brisk walk around the block at home.
I already said it but socialize like crazy. Get the dog used to new people, new sounds, new scents, new everything. He should take it in stride. Make sure he isn't jumpy about loud noises or sudden movement. What the person testing and supervising is looking for is this. The dog is eager to be pet, without being pushy. Scrappy walks towards people and pauses. Either they will reach out to touch or I'll call him away. If they reach out he'll go in for a closer snuggle. They don't want to see your dog lowering his head if someone reaches out, or rolling over.
Know your dogs limits. For instance, I know from experience some people that don't have a lot of control over their movement. One lady LOVES the dogs, she just beams when they come in but she shakes quite a bit. Some people don't visit with her, their dogs don't appreciate the occasional thump she might accidentally hand out. Scrappy sees her and starts wagging his whole tail so hard the whole back end goes to and fro. For whatever reason he understands, I just try and have her pet along his back so she isn't thumping his head. With kids Scrappy can get too revved up, I just excuse myself take him aside and calm him down again. When he starts to relax we go back to work. An hour is most dogs limit. After that they want a potty break, water and a nap
You'll be surprised how much visiting can wear you both out.Be prepared! I wear a bag that is stocked with essentials and yes I have used everything I've packed in there. I keep poop bags on hand - thankfully Scrappy hasn't made this mistake yet but in the year I've been doing this I've seen 2 other dogs have an oops moment. Wet wipes - especially with kids who may have messy hands. A towel - good for wiping his feet off when we first go in. TREATS. Hand out liberally especially during your first few visits, make it an extremely positive experience. Vet records, when visiting places like a hospital they'll want to make a copy. And now I can carry his certification paperwork, and our official badges. Then a few other things I keep on hand for his circus tricks.
The question regarding being fixed - depends on the group. They should say it on their website, or you can contact them. Some require it some don't.
In helping to decide which group to join, you might call and ask if you could watch someone during a visit. Some people go solo some go in a group. Scrappy and I do a mix of both. If we find someone that really enjoys a visit I might come back for more one on one time.
Getting certified requires patience but it is so rewarding. Scrappy see's me get his therapy bag out and he starts dancing, he can't get out the door fast enough. He really enjoys being a therapy dog. He slips right into his little visiting mode.
Not to toot my horn - more to give you an idea of the joy you can bring
-One visit I came into a room with a very sickly looking older gentleman. He was hooked up to all sorts of stuff, I asked if he wanted a visit and he nodded. Then he asked if Scrappy could just lie down next to him, since he didn't have much energy So I made sure it was ok, and put Scrappy on his bed. I had him 'down' next to the gentleman, who then placed his hand on Scrappy. He just smiled, and I let him stay like that for awhile.
-One lady at an assisted living center we visit is almost comatose. She doesn't acknowledge other people, or therapy dogs. She only acknowledges the nurses by doing what they ask, like taking her medicines, she doesn't ever look directly at the nurses. Just sits there. One day I caught her glance at Scrappy. So I brought him nearby but still continued to visit with other residents. I had him do a few tricks and I caught her smile (big news!). So I put him right next to her. At first she ignored him but then he gave her his goofy pet me grin and it was over after that. She smiled and pet him. Now I make it a point to visit with her, she'll pet him right away and our last visit she even reached out and touched my arm and smiled. I think she was thanking me.
Bringing a smile to someone in an otherwise bad or lonely situation is a wonderful gift to give. I even visit with the staff. They walk away with a smile, and I know I've just paid it forward to the next person or three they will treat. GOOD LUCK and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or want help selecting a group.
In helping to decide which group to join, you might call and ask if you could watch someone during a visit. Some people go solo some go in a group. Scrappy and I do a mix of both. If we find someone that really enjoys a visit I might come back for more one on one time.
Getting certified requires patience but it is so rewarding. Scrappy see's me get his therapy bag out and he starts dancing, he can't get out the door fast enough. He really enjoys being a therapy dog. He slips right into his little visiting mode.
Not to toot my horn - more to give you an idea of the joy you can bring
-One visit I came into a room with a very sickly looking older gentleman. He was hooked up to all sorts of stuff, I asked if he wanted a visit and he nodded. Then he asked if Scrappy could just lie down next to him, since he didn't have much energy So I made sure it was ok, and put Scrappy on his bed. I had him 'down' next to the gentleman, who then placed his hand on Scrappy. He just smiled, and I let him stay like that for awhile.
-One lady at an assisted living center we visit is almost comatose. She doesn't acknowledge other people, or therapy dogs. She only acknowledges the nurses by doing what they ask, like taking her medicines, she doesn't ever look directly at the nurses. Just sits there. One day I caught her glance at Scrappy. So I brought him nearby but still continued to visit with other residents. I had him do a few tricks and I caught her smile (big news!). So I put him right next to her. At first she ignored him but then he gave her his goofy pet me grin and it was over after that. She smiled and pet him. Now I make it a point to visit with her, she'll pet him right away and our last visit she even reached out and touched my arm and smiled. I think she was thanking me.
Bringing a smile to someone in an otherwise bad or lonely situation is a wonderful gift to give. I even visit with the staff. They walk away with a smile, and I know I've just paid it forward to the next person or three they will treat. GOOD LUCK and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or want help selecting a group.
QUOTE (D.O.N.E. @ Jul 13 2010, 03:57 PM)
The question regarding being fixed - depends on the group. They should say it on their website, or you can contact them. Some require it some don't.
In helping to decide which group to join, you might call and ask if you could watch someone during a visit. Some people go solo some go in a group. Scrappy and I do a mix of both. If we find someone that really enjoys a visit I might come back for more one on one time.
Getting certified requires patience but it is so rewarding. Scrappy see's me get his therapy bag out and he starts dancing, he can't get out the door fast enough. He really enjoys being a therapy dog. He slips right into his little visiting mode.
Not to toot my horn - more to give you an idea of the joy you can bring
-One visit I came into a room with a very sickly looking older gentleman. He was hooked up to all sorts of stuff, I asked if he wanted a visit and he nodded. Then he asked if Scrappy could just lie down next to him, since he didn't have much energy So I made sure it was ok, and put Scrappy on his bed. I had him 'down' next to the gentleman, who then placed his hand on Scrappy. He just smiled, and I let him stay like that for awhile.
-One lady at an assisted living center we visit is almost comatose. She doesn't acknowledge other people, or therapy dogs. She only acknowledges the nurses by doing what they ask, like taking her medicines, she doesn't ever look directly at the nurses. Just sits there. One day I caught her glance at Scrappy. So I brought him nearby but still continued to visit with other residents. I had him do a few tricks and I caught her smile (big news!). So I put him right next to her. At first she ignored him but then he gave her his goofy pet me grin and it was over after that. She smiled and pet him. Now I make it a point to visit with her, she'll pet him right away and our last visit she even reached out and touched my arm and smiled. I think she was thanking me.
Bringing a smile to someone in an otherwise bad or lonely situation is a wonderful gift to give. I even visit with the staff. They walk away with a smile, and I know I've just paid it forward to the next person or three they will treat. GOOD LUCK and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or want help selecting a group.
In helping to decide which group to join, you might call and ask if you could watch someone during a visit. Some people go solo some go in a group. Scrappy and I do a mix of both. If we find someone that really enjoys a visit I might come back for more one on one time.
Getting certified requires patience but it is so rewarding. Scrappy see's me get his therapy bag out and he starts dancing, he can't get out the door fast enough. He really enjoys being a therapy dog. He slips right into his little visiting mode.
Not to toot my horn - more to give you an idea of the joy you can bring
-One visit I came into a room with a very sickly looking older gentleman. He was hooked up to all sorts of stuff, I asked if he wanted a visit and he nodded. Then he asked if Scrappy could just lie down next to him, since he didn't have much energy So I made sure it was ok, and put Scrappy on his bed. I had him 'down' next to the gentleman, who then placed his hand on Scrappy. He just smiled, and I let him stay like that for awhile.
-One lady at an assisted living center we visit is almost comatose. She doesn't acknowledge other people, or therapy dogs. She only acknowledges the nurses by doing what they ask, like taking her medicines, she doesn't ever look directly at the nurses. Just sits there. One day I caught her glance at Scrappy. So I brought him nearby but still continued to visit with other residents. I had him do a few tricks and I caught her smile (big news!). So I put him right next to her. At first she ignored him but then he gave her his goofy pet me grin and it was over after that. She smiled and pet him. Now I make it a point to visit with her, she'll pet him right away and our last visit she even reached out and touched my arm and smiled. I think she was thanking me.
Bringing a smile to someone in an otherwise bad or lonely situation is a wonderful gift to give. I even visit with the staff. They walk away with a smile, and I know I've just paid it forward to the next person or three they will treat. GOOD LUCK and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or want help selecting a group.
WOW!
Thanks for all the info. I have some reading to do.
I apologize for not responding sooner.
Thanks again.
No problem! I'm always happy to help anyone interested in becoming a pet therapy team. Its a lot of info, I know, but certain things like the group you decide to join will make a big difference later on.
Great info DONE 
dang and i cant even get my dog to get in a kiddy pool with a inch of water in it lol.
Reading this, I want to get our Dane into it! she would be perfect.
John
John
Consider it WLD-OTZ! We have an Irish WolfHound in our local chapter. People love her just cuz she is so huge. Sometimes people that are scared of the other big dogs can't help but be curious and at least ask for Cleo to walk over by them for a better look. Plus Cleo is always within reach - whether the person is standing, sitting or lying down in bed.
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