THERAPY DOGS

[ruth m tuccio]

Hello Everyone,

Penny has asked me to post a "few" words on what it takes to become a therapy dog. I evaluate dogs for Therapy Dogs Incorporated. WWW.THERAPYDOGS.COM. I do the testing at Griffin hospital in Derby. The testing consists of three seperate visits, the first being the initial test. This is where I am checking for the temperment of the dogs and how well it is bonded and able to take direction from his/her guardian. I do a hand test by running my hands over the head, down the back and picking up each paw and pulling slightly on the ears and tail. This is to test for any issues the dog may have with being touched anywhere on its body. If all goes well, I then introduce the testing dog with a therapy dog. I am looking for any signs of aggresion, excessive barking or straining on the leash. Once that test is over and all is well, we do what we call an observation. We go inside the hospital where I observe the team together visiting. I'm looking for a calm dog walking next to it's handler, no pulling out it front or jumping. I'm also looking to be sure this is a positive experience for everyone. We don't ever want to force a dog to do something it does not enjoy or is fearful of. We can offer advice but we do not do the training. The best advice I can offer is to have a friendly well socialized dog who enjoys being around people and other dogs. If you haven't had your dog for long, wait awhile, let him/her enjoy pet life first. Do lots of socailizing, walk you dog where there's foot traffic and other dogs. Keep it safe, take your dog to a place where the other dogs are leashed and practice walking past people w/o stopping, practice keeping your dogs focus on you, and reward for positvie behavior. The testing is free and if your dog passes you pay an annual fee to Therapy Dogs Inc for your insuracne. $35 the first year and $25 thereafter. A bargain for $5 million dollars worth of insurance.
Hope this info helps.

Ruth

[Sandy]

Hi Ruth.. I'd love to see if one of my boys would be suited for therapy dog work, do I need to fill out the application on the website first, or do you test him first? I look forward to more info.

[ruth m tuccio]

Hi Sandy,
When we meet, you will need to bring the filled out application along with proof of rabies and proof of neg stool sample from your vet. You can print the application off the therapy dog website. www.therapydogs.com. Also, you will need to bring a 4ft leash. No flexis, no harnesses. I test on Sunday mornings at Griffin Hospital at 10am. We stay no more than an hour. You can call me, my # is on the website where it gives the tester/observer names and numbers. Just click on Ct. I'm listed as the Waterbury rep. I'm home most evenings after 4pm.

[bonnie baron]

okay, i'm in los angeles, you're in derby . . . . . . i'm not quite ready to work therapy dogs yet but really would like to do so when i retire (another six years to go) . . . . . is there a local chapter of tdi out here ?

[ruth m tuccio]

THERAPY DOGS INC. is a national organization. Go to the website click on how to become a member and you can type in your state and see who the testers are. WWW.THERAPYDOGS.COM It's never to early to get prepared! Good luck.