Therapy Dogs are NOT service dogs.  So what is the difference?

Legally therapy dogs are NOT "service dogs" and are therefore NOT entitled to the same benefits that service dogs are (entrance to any public building or transportation). As you read this, please keep in mind that according to the American Disabilities Act any dog assisting a person with a disability is considered a service dog (exclusive of therapy dogs). Service dogs are entitled to freely access buildings and transportation (buses, trains, planes). Proof or certification is not required although many organizations that train service dogs give their handlers some sort of ID for their dog. 

Many dogs provide services to both people with disabilities, individuals who are sick or in hospice as well physical and emotional support.  Others provide service to their country and communities through, search and rescue work, cadaver work, narcotics detection and other law enforcement support.  These dogs indeed all provide a valuable service and are often referred to as such but  it is important to remember that they do not fall under the special provisions of the ADA. 

When we train dogs for therapy work we often incorporate modality requirements useful to individuals in hospice or rehabilitation settings.  For example, retrieval of dropped objects, door pulling or fall assistance. 

So what is a therapy dog?

While many dogs provide love and companionship in the home, not all dogs are qualified or do not have the proper temperament suited to be a Therapy Dog. The well established standards, pertaining to temperament of a potential therapy dog, are extremely high and are strictly followed. 

For example, the preferred use for the term "Animal Assisted Therapy" is for formal treatment programs, generally involving one particular animal and handler assigned to one particular client. The handler and the health care provider consult on specific goals to be accomplished, and plan how to accomplish those goals. The preferred use for more informal programs is "Animal Assisted Activities."  The most commonly used term for a dog visiting in residential care facilities is "therapy dog."

What is a Reading Assistance Dog?

Therapy Dog/Handler teams work in partnership with trained teachers as literacy mentors to improve the literacy skills of children or as part of a Reading Recovery Program usually in a School District or other educational setting.

Why take animals  to visit  schools or health care facilities?

Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. Visits from dogs can provide a welcome change from routine, or the renewal of old friendships. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals.

An animal visit can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Studies have demonstrated the physiological benefits of Pet Therapy and interaction and stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning.

The pet makes it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. Many people in hospitals or group homes have had to give up pet ownership and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. A dog pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit, but of past experiences. It offers something for people to share.

Many children with literacy problems are shy or embarrassed about their reading ability.  Studies have shown that having dogs present in a room and especially having them as attentive participants to the child's reading lowers the anxiety level of the child and creates an atmosphere that is more exciting and less threatening.

Dogs are willing participant's for a good story and a few extra pets on the head.

What makes a good therapy dog?

Therapy dogs must be both social and well socialized. The program is based on the interaction between the dog and the people you are visiting so if the dog does not enjoy the visit the interaction will be less than successful. The individual you are visiting needs to feel accepted by the dog. Rejection from a shy dog could make the visit more hurtful than no visit at all. A good therapy dog is calm, tolerant and friendly. The visits should be pleasurable for both you, the dog and the person you are visiting!

Therapy dogs must be polite. A polite dog does not touch a person unless invited but welcomes an invitation.

The balance between calmness, and friendliness is a difficult one. Often an excellent obedience dog may not be a good visiting dog if it shows little interest in meeting people. An aloof dog may be calm, but may cause people to feel rejected. A very friendly dog may have the best of intentions but may cause injury. A dog that is full of energy and always ready to work may be too active for most situations. 

For Handlers it is equally important that you are polite, outgoing, friendly and enjoy the interaction.  Leashes are like emotional ties between you and your dog and are required at all times.  If you are anxious or uncomfortable in a setting chances are that your dog will pick up on those signals.  Teams must work in tandem like a well oiled machine.  Knowing your dog partner's temperament, responses to stimuli and social skills is an absolute for success!

Any breed of dog can participate!