Therapy Dog

Charlie passed the control evaluation for the therapy dog test. Therapy dogs have become increasingly popular these days. Together with their handlers, therapy dogs visit hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, areas struck by natural disasters, etc. to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people who are in need. Dog lovers know this by experience, but scientific studies also provide the evidence that petting and interacting with dogs have therapeutic effects, so this kind of activities is sometimes referred as "animal-assited therapy" or "pet therapy". Some therapy dogs go to the library to be read by children. Children with reading difficulties who may otherwise feel anxious about reading in front of others can practice reading skills with therapy dogs who sit by them and listen to them with non-judgmental, non-critical attitudes. Our dog trainer brings her own dog to a local library for therapy work. The reading program with her dog draws more excitement (and attendance) from kids than a chance to win a bike!

Charlie attended a 6-week long therapy dog class, and we practiced a variety of skills. Many of these skills necessary to pass the test are similar to CGC (Canine Good Citizen test), but they are modified to be useful in therapy settings. For example, being petted by a friendly stranger is a part of CGC test, but in the therapy dog class, Charlie practiced being petted by people with walkers, canes, and crutches.  

In a few weeks, he will be starting supervised visitations with the dog trainer to practice visiting skills in a variety of places to become a fully certified therapy dog.

Charlie gets a new toy for being such a good boy and passing the therapy dog evaluation