What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
"Visiting Pets" "Therapy Dogs" "Therapy Pets" are just some of the names given
to describe programs in which animals help people just by visiting with them. As
participation in such programs grows so does the vocabulary describing different
aspects of pet visiting. For example, the preferred use for the term "Animal
Assisted Therapy" is for formal treatment programs, usually 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," but you will see a great variety of terms as
groups struggle to find terms that are descriptive without being confusing.
Why Take Animals Visiting In 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.
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.
Can Other Kinds of Pets Participate?
Yes, most domestic animals can be suitable for visiting. The essential elements
will be the same. In discussing therapy pets I will usually refer to dogs
because they are by far the most common pet visitors. In most cases evaluation
of whether the pet is a good prospective visitor will be the same regardless of
the species.
What Makes a Good Therapy Dog?
Visiting dogs must be social. The point of the program is the interaction
between the dog and the people you are visiting. If the dog does not enjoy the
visit the interaction will be less than ideal. The person needs to feel accepted
by the dog. A doggie rejection 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 of you. Don't try to force therapy work on a dog.
Visiting dogs must be polite. It is rude for a person to challenge another for
walking down a public street. The same is true for your dog. That it is natural
for one dog to challenge another does not mean its polite. It is also rude for
one person to touch another without permission. How would you react if some
stranger on the street walked up to you and kissed you? A polite dog does not
touch a person unless invited.
The balance between calmness, and friendliness is a difficult one. Even 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.
Any breed of dog can participate. My visiting dog, Oso, is a large breed terrier
mix. I can take credit only for his schooling. The temperament that makes him
suitable is natural to him, and the reason I chose to become involved. His
girlfriend, Tanith, is also well schooled and well socialized. Her natural
exuberance, however, is not well suited to the kind of visits we do. Maturity
will probably make the difference for her.
Getting involved
If you are interested in getting involved in visiting with your dog, you will
need more information. You will need to consider your dog's personality,
temperament and behavior. Work with your dog in encountering unusual sights,
sounds and smells. By joining a group you can take advantage of insurance, and
get help evaluating your dog.
