Susquehanna Service Dogs

The Dogs: Therapy Dogs

Care is taken to select dogs who will endure the challenges of working under difficult conditions. Breeds chosen tend to have a history of few health problems, require only limited grooming and physical care, and are known for calm temperament and willingness to tolerate long periods of repetitive activity, patiently waiting for the client to perform their exercises.

Key Benefits

The client responds more positively and enthusiastically when the dog is involved. This is particularly true when the client is a child.

The client is able to improve their ability to move and respond to physical stimuli. The dog makes the exercises more attractive, interesting and enjoyable, distracting the client's attention from activities which may sometimes produce pain.

The client is able to more freely interact with their environment and other people.

Capabilities

Therapy dogs must exhibit excellent manners, follow basic obedience commands and go potty on command. They must exhibit good social behavior (no aggression, no begging, no undesirable playful activity).

They must master basic obedience skills [sit, stay, come, down, stand, heel (on the left side), place (on the right side), back, etc]. They must obey these commands on and off lead. A therapy dog can be taught to respond to voice commands, hand signals and whistles. They must perform their tasks when given only one command.

Some of the possible tasks they may be asked to perform would include:

Act as an attraction to encourage walking, crawling, standing, sitting or other movements.
Directed or automatic retrieves.
Walk in a controlled manner next to the client.
Carry objects to the client.
Push or pull objects with the client to encourage muscle activity.
Act as a brace for standing, sitting or walking.
Take treats from the client under direction from the therapist or handler.
Submit to supervised handling by the client.
Provide constant loyal companionship.

The dog will be able to wear a white therapy harness and will have an official ID tag. Therapy Dogs always work with the client in the presence of a Therapist and handler.

All dogs are expected to perform these tasks without stopping for distractions while on lead, off lead and with the lead dragging.

Keystone Human Services