Therapy dog

History and Background of Therapy Dogs
– Dogs used as therapeutic resource by medical professionals for centuries
– Florence Nightingale observed positive effects of small pets on anxiety and recovery in psychiatric institutions
– Sigmund Freud used his own pet dog to improve communication with psychiatric patients
– Elaine Smith established first therapy dog organization in 1976
– Assistance Dogs International formed in 1986
– Human-canine bond dates back thousands of years
– Dogs are perceived as compassionate and communicative, leading to feelings of intimacy and safety
– Dogs allow people to feel safe and accepted, benefiting those who are apprehensive about talking to others
– Pets are an addition to therapy, helping people feel understood

Certification and Classification of Therapy Dogs
– Therapy dogs should be calm and social with strangers
– Dogs need to adjust to loud noises and fast movements
– Steps for certification include socializing the dog with other animals and people
– Dogs are tested on behaviors like not jumping on people and walking on a loose leash
– Therapy dog certification requirements vary among organizations
– Therapy dogs are usually not assistance or service dogs
– Organizations provide evaluation and registration for therapy dogs
– Tests ensure dogs can handle loud noises, walk on unfamiliar surfaces, and interact well with different people
– Some institutions may have specific requirements for therapy dogs
– Service dogs have legal rights to accompany their owners in most areas

Types and Benefits of Therapy Dogs
– Therapeutic visitation dogs visit hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities
– Animal-assisted therapy dogs help patients gain skills and reach recovery goals in rehabilitation facilities
– Facility therapy dogs work in nursing homes and assist patients with cognitive and mental illnesses
– Grief therapy dogs assist people in overcoming grief and can be found in various locations
– Popular breeds for therapy dogs include Portuguese Water Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, and Golden Retrievers
– Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) improves psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social skills
– Therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship, and diversion in educational settings
– Animals offer relief and serenity to vulnerable people with emotional issues
– Children find more comfort in sharing secrets or scary situations with their pets
– Animals provide non-judgmental and unrestricted emotional support
– Interaction with therapy dogs improves cardiovascular health and reduces medication needs
– Petting animals releases hormones that elevate moods
– Animal-assisted interventions benefit patients’ pain, blood pressure, stress, and depression
– Therapy dogs improve fine motor skills in patients receiving occupational therapy
– Petting therapy dogs increases socialization with staff and families

Use of Therapy Dogs in Specific Settings
– Therapy dogs are used in universities during stressful situations like finals week
– Some colleges bring therapy dogs to campus events to help students de-stress
– UC San Diego pioneered the Therapy Fluffies event
– Therapy-certified dogs visit campuses during mid-term and final exams
– Concordia University in Wisconsin adopted a full-time therapy dog
– Therapy dogs provided comfort following the Virginia Tech shooting
– Dogs were brought to Sandy Hook Elementary School after the shooting
– King County court system uses a comfort dog with crime victims
– The Comfort Dog Project in Uganda pairs dogs with war-traumatized individuals
– Dogs assist with recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder
– Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program promotes literacy and communication skills
– Therapy dogs increase academic performance and enthusiasm for reading
– Canine-assisted reading programs increase reading fluency and motivation
– Therapy dogs have been used in educational settings internationally
– Dogs help residents with dementia be involved in special activities and improve recall of memories

Concerns and Guidelines for Therapy Dogs
– Therapy dogs are not covered or protected under the Federal Housing Act or Americans with Disabilities Act
– Only dogs individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities have legal protection as service animals
– Therapy dogs do not have public access rights except in specific places they visit and work
– Individual facilities grant rights to therapy dogs
– Therapy dogs undergo tests to ensure they are fit for the job
– Hygiene concerns, including allergies and cross-cultural expectations, with using therapy dogs in public facilities
– Safety concerns for participants and animal welfare
– Lack of consistent training or certification process
– Liability issues and the need for insurance and background checks
– Guidelines for cleanliness and hygiene to alleviate concerns
– Liability release or parental permission forms for participants
– Insurance claims against trained dog teams are rare but preparation is advisedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapy_dog