Posted by KDiamondDavis on February 27, 2003 at 14:14:23:
In Reply to: What types of things do you let your dog(s) do on visits? posted by PHHotdog on February 26, 2003 at 13:48:55:
:We haven't yet started, (Still in the midst of training) but are their certain things you do or don't do .
:PHHotdog -Trainee/Host>>>
well, some thoughts...
I do encourage my dog to greet people who have shown an interest in having the dog approach them. I don't let the dog jump up on anyone, even if they ask the dog to do so, or lick anyone on the mouth, or go up to anyone who expresses that they don't want the dog near. I don't let the dog put weight on anyone, or paw them. I would place a lightweight dog on certain people for petting, with precautions, but I don't have a dog that size right now.
I don't let the dog jump on a bed or other furniture without my direction. Unless the height and footing look pretty perfect, I don't let the dog jump up--I help the dog down instead.
You know, though, most of the do's and don't's actually fall on me as the handler rather than on the dog. I teach my dogs to take direction from me, and then I do my utmost to be paying attention to all the things I need to take into consideration, and to give the dog the right directions!
So, as far as what I do or don't do...
I don't enter a room unless I have some sort of indication they want me in there. I don't let the dog approach a person unless I see some indication the dog is wanted there. I do back the dog away immediately if there is an indication the person doesn't want the dog near. I don't take the dog into someone's room if they are eating, even if they ask me to.
I don't push wheelchairs, assist people in standing up or sitting down, pick up a person who has fallen, give them anything to eat or drink, or otherwise provide physical care--if that is needed, I get the proper help for that person. There are some really good reasons for this, mainly that 1) I'm not trained in patient care and the facility has not taught me their procedures and rules 2) I would not be paying proper attention to my dog if I were providing patient care while trying to also be a therapy dog handler and 3) I do not know any patient's medical circumstances, doctor orders, etc.
If I move a wheelchair, walker, bed table or anything else in order to get the dog where someone can see/reach the dog, I move that item back before I leave the room.
If I see or hear warning indicators that a person would touch my dog abusively, I keep the dog beyond that person's reach.
If anything wet hits a slick floor from my dog or me, I wipe it up before leaving the area.
At any point before or during a visit that my dog seems unwell, I call off the visit and get the dog to proper care.
Anyhow, that's a partial list!
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinarypartner.com
