What is the Role of a Therapy Dog?

By Anna W

A therapy dog is especially trained to visit hospitals, retirement homes, schools, mental institutions, and disaster areas to comfort, smooth, and provide assistance. The role of the therapy dog is to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact, hugging, and petting. If it is a small dog, it may be lifted, held, climb onto a lap, bed or lie comfortably. Sometimes the dog may need to perform small tricks in front of an audience or play carefully planed games. Most therapy dog is brought in by volunteer workers who enjoy adult community service and want to help others.

The process of becoming a therapy dog is intense. It requires the dog to pass a physical and medical exam. The training takes months of learning and receiving a certificate through the Therapy Dogs International. The dog must meet the requirements of being handled by people who don't know how to interact with a dog and endure being in stressful environment. A therapy dog is chosen for its mild temperament and ability to get along with people. The important aspect of a therapy dog is its ability to be patient, friendly, confident, gentle and calm in all surroundings.

Therefore, not all dogs are eligible to be a therapy dog. Therapy dogs comes in all sizes from small to large.Golden retriever is one of the friendliest dog that can get along with people. Due to their calm disposition and gentle personality it is a popular therapy dog. Great dane, sometimes known as a gentle giant is often used for this role. Sometimes, small dogs such as a maltesse is used. This breed belongs to the toy group. It does not shed and it is lovable with people and can get along with other dogs.

Therapy dogs are not listed under the service dogs. Service dogs such as for the blind have a legal right to accompany their owners. In the united states, service dogs are legally protected at the federal which is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therapy dogs are not in this group and therefore hospitals have strict rules and regulations of allowing therapy dogs to to the institution.

Over the years, health care professionals are noticing positive results therapy dog brings to people such as lowering blood pressure, relieving stress, depression, anxiety and helping children with emotional disorder. The demand for therapy dog is growing steadily and the positive effects that bring to people is very rewarding.

Anna W. http://www.kipgus.info