PEDIATRIC DENTIST SHARES DENTAL THERAPY DOG SUCCESS STORY (CONT.)
Flossie, who turned 3
years old May 5,
began her training to
become a dental
therapy dog at age 6
months old. She
received her therapy
dog certification from
the Alliance of
Therapy Dogs.
"She came with me to
the office to play," he
said. "She was very
well supervised."
Dr. Golden hired a
basic dog trainer
Hugs: Darrianna Williams, a patient at
whom Flossie
Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics,
responded to very
gives Flossie, the office's dental therapy dog,
a hug while waiting for the dentist.
well. To get a therapy
dog certification for
Flossie, Dr. Golden hired another dog trainer to teach and
examine Flossie. Flossie passed the certification test with
flying colors after only six sessions.
Since then, Flossie has become a permanent presence in the
office.
"When new patients make appointments, we let them know
that Flossie, our therapy dog, is in the office," he said.
While most of the people who walk in to his office welcome
Flossie's presence, there are, on occasion, children or parents
who have a fear of dogs. In addition, there is no dog that is
completely hypoallergenic leading some patients to request to
avoid Flossie.
On these occasions, Flossie is sent to a small fenced-in area
with a doggie bed — the same place where she naps when the
Los Angeles Dental Society Explorer
dental team members are on their lunch break. She goes to this
area on her own when she's tired and wants to rest, Dr. Golden
said.
"We never force Flossie on anyone," Dr. Golden said, noting
that he's had zero problems with numerous patients who have
dog/cat allergies and asthma, even if they handle her.
Dr. Roger Hennigh, Dr. Golden's partner, was so impressed by
Flossie that he adopted Flossie's half-sister Lexa who has just
started her own therapy dog training. His patients were
disappointed on days Flossie wasn't in the office, Dr. Golden
said. Meanwhile, Flossie continues to receive regular training —
continuing education for dogs.
"She still barks at the TV," Dr. Golden said. "I want her to be as
well-trained as those super dogs you see on television."
For those interested in getting a therapy dog, Dr. Golden
suggests dentists conduct their own research and very carefully
choose the dog they want and need.
"Get a recommendation on breeds. Tell the breeder what the
dog will be doing," he said. "Don't just pick the cutest puppy.
Most reputable breeders are good at evaluating puppies'
personalities and can help you choose the right one."
In addition, Dr. Golden said, dentists need to have the right
attitude and dedication when it comes to therapy dogs.
"You need to be able to trust dogs with kids," he said. "To
achieve this trust, you have to dedicate a lot of time to make sure
the dog is well-trained. Flossie has definitely made me a kinder,
gentler person."
For more information on therapy dogs and therapy dog
organizations, visit akc.org. For more information on pet
ownership, visit CPS at Success.ADA.org and search "Pet
ownership: Fur-wrapped therapy?"䡲