Does anyone have a P.A.T dog?

Mince Pie

Mince Pie

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 June 2011
Messages
9,756
Visit site
I am thinking of putting Tan-dog through P.A.T training, he is very friendly and loves a fuss and I think he would be a good therapy dog.
Could you tell me what the test involves and what sort of things I should be focusing on in his training?
 
I'm pretty sure Annette's Jack is a PAT dog, hopefully she will see this, or you could pm her. One of mine was one years ago but there was no real test then, the trainer from my agility club just had to sign a form saying she had a good temperament .
 
This is the website, I've looked at it before as I had thought about it for 2 dogs, but my problem is time, maybe one day when I don't have to work 2 jobs!!!
http://www.petsastherapy.org/
Looks fairly simple they seem to just do a brief assesment on the dog just to make sure they are calm etc, there is also a £19 annual subscription.
If I had the time I think it would be really satisfying to do.
 
MurphysMinder said:
I'm pretty sure Annette's Jack is a PAT dog, hopefully she will see this, or you could pm her. One of mine was one years ago but there was no real test then, the trainer from my agility club just had to sign a form saying she had a good temperament .
Click to expand...

I did too. Nikki used to visit hospitals and special schools.

I fell out with the organisation when the newsletter (long before the internet) extolled their latest recruit which was only a few weeks out of a pound.
 
MEEEE!!!

I haven't been out since my accident though as I can't get Jack in and out of the car on my own until very recently.

It varies from area to area as to the support and help you get etc. My area lady is amazing! She was very friendly and helpful from the word go.

The assessment is simple enough, walking, them handling and brushing your dog, touching paws etc. Seeing how they react to a loud noise (they threw a plastic food bowl on concrete for ours.....Jack tried to dive at the bowl :o) and demonstrating how you would immobilise your dog in an emergency (stop and sit/lie down suddenly with me holding his collar).

I went out with my area lady round a few different types of venues including nursing homes, a hospital etc before I decided where I would like to do set visits with and she had set something up and arranged to come to my first visit when I broke my back. Jack also did a fundraiser and managed to calm down a very upset little boy with downes syndrome.

We'll be getting back into it very soon.
 
Brilliant, thank you. I think he would jump at the loud noise but wouldn't do anything else, would that mark us down? Also with the "stop in an emergency situation" would I be holding him or would it be from a distance? With the walking on a lead does it have to be a close heel or will a loose one be ok?
 
broke_but_happy said:
Brilliant, thank you. I think he would jump at the loud noise but wouldn't do anything else, would that mark us down? Also with the "stop in an emergency situation" would I be holding him or would it be from a distance? With the walking on a lead does it have to be a close heel or will a loose one be ok?
Click to expand...

From the charity website the jumping at the loud noise is acceptable, they are looking to see if they will approach it condifently after it's made the noise (think they go on walking sticks falling and making a noise, they probably don't want really timid dogs)
Again from the charity website dogs have to be on a leash when they are on site to avoid accidents, they want to dog to walk to heel on a loose lead without any training aids (halti's etc).
 
broke_but_happy said:
He will walk calmly on a loose lead but not in the 'classical' heel position iyswim?
Click to expand...

Q. What does the assessment involve? Top
A. The person carrying out the assessment will check that your dog is sociable and friendly without being over-boisterous. Your dog should be calm and gentle when being groomed or stroked, without mouthing you or the grooming equipment. The examiner will also want to see how your dog reacts to a sudden noise – such as a walking stick falling to the floor. It is normal for a dog to back away, but is he confident enough to approach again readily if asked to do so?

Q. Will my dog need any special training? Top
A. No, although you must always keep your dog under control and on a lead. You yourself will be sent some helpful notes by the P.A.T. Dog office to assist you when you start visiting.

Q. Why can�t I use a halti, my dog always walks on one of these? Top
A. Part of our assessment is to ensure that the dog walks on a loose lead without any training aids.

From this, they don't have to walk 'to heel' just walk calm on a loose lead.
 
Jack doesn't walk in a classic healwork 'heal' position but walks by my side and doesn't pull and that's the most important bit.

Being over friendly isn't actually as good as someone who will sit quietly and enjoy a fuss is perfect. Quila is actually too friendly to do it.

Stop in an emergency is on a lead.... literally she said 'stop' and I had to get him 'down' and just have hold of his collar.

It's so sooooo rewarding and I love it.
 
He isn't boisterously over-friendly, but he is a 'leaner'. Besides I would take him for a very good run first :D
 
If you can....it helps if they 'toilet' on command...Jack does so I can make sure he's emptied his bladder before we go into a visit, just puts my mind at rest ;)
 
I think a walk beforehand would be essential! He's a welsh sheepdog so very energetic! :eek:
Will give them a ring in the morning and see where we go from here!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top