Should we train dogs to ' put up ' with certain human behaviors ?
FEATURE
Murrie is Dr . Risë VanFleet ’ s star demonstration dog in Animal Assisted Play Therapy .
Expectations of Therapy Dogs
Should we train dogs to ' put up ' with certain human behaviors ?
By Risë VanFleet , Ph . D ., RPT-S , CDBC , CAEBI
“ How can I get my therapy dog to accept children ’ s kisses ?” “ My therapy dog doesn ’ t like to be hugged – is it possible to help her change ?” “ My therapy dog keeps sitting by the door of the room . Why won ’ t she interact with my clients ?” The questions above and ones like them have come to me from therapists involved in professional Animal Assisted Therapy ( AAT ) sessions . These include mental health , allied health , and education professionals , although I occasionally get similar questions from those involved in Animal Assisted Activities ( AAA ) such as visitation or social support programs . Those contacting me are aware of my involvement in the development of Animal Assisted Play Therapy ® ( AAPT ) and that I also advocate for positive training methods and am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant ( from IAABC ). I do not fault them for asking — it ’ s a good thing that they ask , I think . It gives me a chance to help them think differently about their dog ’ s role in their work .
52 Building Better Trainers Through Education Photo courtesy of Dr . Risë VanFleet .