Dogs as therapy?

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Annette4

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Hello,

I am about to google this but just wondered if anyone had any experience with dogs as therapy? I think Jack would be a good candidate but going to do some more research but personal experience is always better than what you're told by the group so thought I'd ask.
 
Years ago one of my GSDs was a PAT dog. She was assessed by a local dog trainer, and then approved (it might be more complicated now with H & S as it is). Sadly we did a few visits to a nursing home and that was it, I think her breed put people off
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Henry would be good at this - if he could do the calm bit...
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Mum's hospital has a deerhound that visits, she (and the patients!) are very taken
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The only thing that might work against us is his fear of sticks (no idea why, we'e never hit him and neither did his breeder, he has got better over the years but he's still wary).

I'm half hoping I'll be able to do it at work (good excuse to take you're dog to work
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). Only reason I thought of it was seeing him with a 20 month old little girl we know.....he's so gentle with everyone but me....she was taking him for a walk by herself and giving him a fuss no problem. He's equally good with my frail grandad who was dementia.

We'll see how far we get anyway....have requested an application pack. No harm in trying.
 
I'd love to be involved in this one day. Leah is not suitable for that kind of thing because she's so nervy and even though she hasn't shown any fear agression in years, I wouldn't want to risk it (besides, she'd hate it!). When I do one day have a suitable dog, I'll definitely do PAT - I think it's so wonderful to see someone else getting as much enjoyment out of your pets as you do.
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Both of mine are PAT dogs. Gimzo is even in the promo video, although only for a few seconds!!!

The assesment hasn't changed. As long as the dog is well socialised, can be handled all over and brushed. Not bothered by loud noises. A couple of personal references to say you are not a mad axe murderer, thats all they are after.

It is very rewarding, defiantely worth applying for.
 
When I applied to the PAT's organisation, They sent me out a information pack which included an application form .

My vet did an evaluation on Jazz . Just like miniskikai says .... as long as they can be handled all over, brushed etc and not bother by loud noises, obviously good with people and not too excitable .

I got to take Jazz to several nursing homes, The old folk loved seeing her coming
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Sadly jazz passed away 7/8 years ago . She was such a sweet little dog .

Would love to register Tikka to be a PATS dog but I doubt she would be eligible .


Col x
 
My collie used to be a PAT dog and was really good at it but she found it quite draining and eventually I decided it was too much for her. I visited a home every week but I have to say I didn't like a lot of what I saw there and I think that put me off too.
 
Funny this should be a topic as I just yesterday I rang them up to see what what involved.

The lady I spoke to, Mel, was lovely - sending out an appliacation form with phone number for assesor.

I have M.E so was worried about the length of vists / frequencey etc but was told visit no longer than an hour and I could go once a month if that is all I could manage. If I did not feel well enough on the day I could phone the centre and let them know.

Looking forward to starting (if dog passes of course) as would like to try and return to work eventually and see this as a good way of assessing my limitations without letting an employer down.

Hope you pursue with this, would be interested to hear how you get on
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