PAT Dogs

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pink_princess

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Im looking at registering my dog and becoming a volunteer, she is only 8 months so not quite ready yet and a little bit more training on lead - so she doesnt pull when another dog comes near etc. But I dont have that much time to offer only a few hours a month. Would this be exceptable and is anyone thats registered tell me some more about what is expected of a olunteer.
 
ive got a PAT dog , i work in a nursing home so she comes to work with me once a week to visit the residents .
the PAT people were really helpful , you have to take your dog to a vet on their list to have them assessed , if they pass the assessment then you can register them as PAT dog , you have to provide proof of up to date inoculations and the care home/hospital/school that you visit has to fax PAT a document to say you visit them so you are covered by PAT's insurance
hope that helps
 
I think it depends entirely on what you can offer and what they need. When I was returning to work and only part time (following a serious accident) I could do a lot more so did quite a few visits and ones who wanted very regular visits, once I was back at work full time and could offer less I changed to a place where they didn't want quite as regular visits which was fitted in well with work and what I could offer. Your regional coordinator will be able to help on that front. I only fun raise now as I don't have a suitable dog (Jack has retired) but I do as much as I can.
 
Just wanted to say that it is such a worthwhile thing to do, when I was visiting Mum in nursing home today, a lady visiting her relative with a lovely little dog popped into the lounge and all the patients responded and were interested.

My Mum responds to very little now, but put a dog beside her and she talks and makes a fuss in a way she does not respond to humans.
 
What sort of temperament does the dog need to have? I've been thinking about doing this with my lad but being a collie he can be a bit...enthusiastic! He tends to lean quite heavily into people when they are giving him a fuss, would this be a bad thing?
 
It depends on where you are visiting but my old coordinator said it is better when they accept and enjoy attention without seeking or getting excited if that makes sense? Jack comes across as aloof but I can tell when he is quietly enjoying attention vs not being bothered.
 
Yes makes sense, he does love a fuss and he doesn't jump up etc, just leans - to the point that if he's leaning against me and I step back he nearly falls over!!
 
Many thanks for all your response, she is a little bichon so loves people and kids, the kids can pull her around and play with her and she never gets upset or distressed. She gets excited by people - she will wag her bum then roll over on her back as soon as someone makes a fuss of her she wont jump up or on anything uninvited but if you pat you legs or anything else she will jump up or on to it. But she does want to say hi to everyone so is still learning not to oprach someone unless she is told she can - so when on a lead she will sometimes pull to people. I think I will contact PAT then and see how we get on :-)
 
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