What are Therapy Dogs?
Therapy Dogs are classified as Working Dogs trained to provide care, ease, affection and to up-lift the spirits of people in medical and nursing institutions, centers, schools.
The effects of regular visitations from these lovable pooches have been linked to condition improvements of many health related issues like: lowering of blood pressure and easing the effects of Alzheimer’s among adults and seniors. Non-profit groups like the Delta Society help fund Pet Therapy with autistic children, impaired children and adults.
Therapy Dogs should not be classified as Assistance Dogs (Dogs used for people with physical disabilities other related issues). Most therapy dogs are the personal pets of ordinary dog owners who want to provide aid and services to people in need usually in a controlled environment.
Registered therapy dogs are recommended by others or invited by institutions to come into nursing homes, hospitals, or care centers to work with patients on their emotional health and needs. Depending on the situations, therapy dogs may also be asked to perform entertaining dog trick and games supervised by their handlers. Children in particular enjoy the company of these lovable pooches.
Elaine Smith, who founded Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) in 1976, is often attributed to the conception of the therapy dog. Seeing how positively patients reacted to visits by certain breeds of dogs as a registered nurse during her time in England, Elaine thus started a program for training therapy dogs to visit distress centers and institutions, when she returned to America.
Therapy dogs come in all breeds and sizes. One thing that makes a good therapy dog is it’s temperament. They must protrude strong characteristic of friendliness, gentleness and must be ready to react to all situations with confidence and ease.
Thanks, and I hoped you’ve enjoyed reading this article. For more informative articles about Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dog Training and Therapy Dog Supplies, do visit DogNPuppies.com. Best Regards, Jeremy C.W
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