Handler Requirements
According to Wilson, each type of visit is rewarding in its own way.
“I’m passionate about all aspects of how therapy dogs can help people,” she said.
While the qualities of a dog’s personality are crucial in
pet therapy, the handler’s traits are important as well.
Requirements
Wilson’s chihuahuas make great lap dogs, but they aren’t
the only kind of breed that can serve as therapy dogs.
“When people think of therapy dogs, they think of
golden retrievers, labradors... collies,” she said,
“but any breed can do this as long as the dog has
a good temperament and good training.”
Wolf or coyote hybrids, however, are prohibited.
Size also matters very little in assessing the ability of a dog.
Wilson explains the human part of the
team must be a “people person.”
“They need to enjoy meeting new people and be at ease
talking to strangers and be comfortable doing that,” she said.
“We also need to see that the dog is looking to the handler
for direction and trusts them to protect them in a situation
that might be unpleasant or uncomfortable for the dog.”
While it takes a very special dog and handler to
qualify to work in dog therapy, the need for qualified teams is great and continues to grow.
“We have dogs in our organization that range
from 3 or 4 pounds, like Tina, all the way up to
160 pounds,” Wilson said. “They all bring something special and unique to their visits.”
In fact, with the exception of wolf or coyote hybrids, there are no breed restrictions.
Primarily, the dogs must be well mannered
and have an even temperament.
“It’s not just the dog who is working,” Wilson said.
“It’s the dog and handler working as a team. When
we test potential teams, we are looking at how well the
dog and handler communicate with one another.”
Nurse Tina
Extensive Testing and Training
Therapy dogs and their handlers undergo
extensive testing in order to become a registered team for this entirely volunteer role.
First, they have to pass the Therapy Dogs
Incorporated test, which involves assessment for temperament and whether
they are comfortable around medical equipment, being handled, etc.
“Once they pass the handling test,
the team goes on supervised visits in facilities with one of our testers,
and we see how they perform in the real
world-visiting people,” Wilson explained.
The dogs need to be comfortable in situations that
a regular family pet doesn’t run into every day.
“For instance, they might be in a school when the fire alarm
goes off, and the dogs have to be able to remain calm in the
face of that,” Wilson said. “Not every dog can do that.”
Teams who successfully complete both testing and training can be registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc.
“That’s why these dogs differ from the typical family pet.,” Wilson said. “You know these dogs have
been tested and trained to be suitable visitors.”
“Because we’re an all-volunteer organization, we don’t
always have the people available to meet every request,” Wilson said. “The demand for visits
is far greater than what we can supply at
this point. There’s a huge need for this
service as our population ages”
Unexpected Recognition
Every year, the Therapy Dogs, Inc national organization gives an award - the
Outstanding Member Service Award.
Wilson received this award for 2014, and was
chosen from amongst 14,000 registered members.
“I was quite surprised I was chosen,” Wilson said. “I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t
even know I was nominated.”
But as a dedicated Therapy Dogs Inc. tester/observer
and handler, Wilson spends the same amount of time
volunteering that others spend on their full-time jobs.
However, she emphasizes that a huge
commitment of time is not required.
“Most of our volunteers are actually people who work
full time during the week and do their visits on weekends
when they’re free, or people who are retired and now
have the time to volunteer and work with their dogs.”
Wilson said individuals interested in making use of therapy
dogs, volunteering, or donating can visit www.hotthdogs.org.
“If it’s done well, it’s rewarding not only for the
people we visit, but for the human and canine volunteers,” Wilson said. “For me, it’s just been a most
wonderful way to give back to the community.”
TEXOMA AREA Living Well Magazine | SUMMER 2015
27