How to Use Your Dog for Therapy

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Ensure your dog is well socialized and friendly with other people: men

   One way you can do this is you can take your dog to a place like Starbucks, Coldstone, or a place that has an outdoor sitting area that allows dogs.
   
   You want to do this because it will make your dog more friendly.
2. 2

   Step 2: women and children

   ,, They should also be able to stay still and calm when these objects are moved around them. ,,,, This is a safety issue.
   
   Should a facility refuse to allow this, do not visit there. , Ask to be shown the areas you would visit and take note of anything that could create a problem with a visiting animal such as slippery floors etc. ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: people with hats

4. 4

   Step 4: umbrellas

5. 5

   Step 5: loud voices

6. 6

   Step 6: loud laughing

7. 7

   Step 7: excited squealing etc.

8. 8

   Step 8: Train your dog to the level of basic obedience: come

9. 9

   Step 9: down (or drop).

10. 10

    Step 10: Familiarise your dog with stairs

11. 11

    Step 11: elevators

12. 12

    Step 12: walkways

13. 13

    Step 13: automatic doors and tight spaces.

14. 14

    Step 14: Ensure your dog is comfortable around wheelchairs

15. 15

    Step 15: walking frames

16. 16

    Step 16: walking sticks

17. 17

    Step 17: crutches

18. 18

    Step 18: beds and chairs.

19. 19

    Step 19: Contact a Pets as Therapy group for detailed information on the training required.

20. 20

    Step 20: Contact local nursing home facilities and hospitals to gauge their level of interest.

21. 21

    Step 21: Keep visits to an hour's duration to avoid tiring the dog.

22. 22

    Step 22: Insist on being accompanied by a staff member at all times.

23. 23

    Step 23: Arrange for an inspection of the facility without your pet present.

24. 24

    Step 24: Book visits ahead and always confirm visits a few days ahead.

25. 25

    Step 25: Ensure your dog is well groomed

26. 26

    Step 26: treated for fleas and worms

27. 27

    Step 27: nails clipped

28. 28

    Step 28: bathed and brushed with all shots up to date.

Detailed Guide

About the Author