Type of Animal
It's pretty obvious that the most common therapy pet is the dog. Generally, their temperament is the best suited for the job (other than the horse). However, many animals have been shown to be great therapy animals; from birds, to bunnies, cats, goats... Really, you will have to decide what animal fits for you and also your type of work. However, every question I've received was based on the canine family.
Puppy or adult?
There are advantages to both, so it depends on your preferences. Remember, they are your pet first, secondary to their work as a therapy dog.
With a puppy, you can start from scratch and train them the way you want them to be trained. You can start them off young to get them used to social situations and different environments. Bringing them to parks with kids, busy streets, socializing with other dogs. The disadvantage is that you might find your puppy simply doesn't have the temperament for being a therapy dog. This is something you simply can't train into them and it sometimes take a while for you to see the real personality of your dog. The other disadvantage is you may have wait a year at least before they start working with you. Bringing a puppy to session might be cute but having them nip or pee on your clients is not.
Normally, if you are purchasing an adult dog, you have adopted them. I always advocate for this, not only because you have saved a dog but because they make great therapy dogs. Clients gravitate to dogs with "stories" and I find they connect quicker with the animal. Additionally, as they are adults, you can have a better idea of their temperament. You can train obedience but you cannot train temperament. The disadvantage is that you may get a dog hoping they will be a therapy dog only to find out they are just not suited for the job.
Be prepared that you may want this to work but some dogs just don't fit this type of work. You can't make them be good at it. So you need to ask yourself that if you get a dog for this purpose, will it be okay if they are not a good fit?
I waited 4 years before Monty was ready to be a therapy dog. I could tell he had the temperament for it but it wasn't his time yet. We rescued another dog with an amazing temperament (very sensitive to the emotions of others). However, due to her abuse history, it will take time before she is ready to go to work. Just like a therapist shouldn't provide therapy if that therapist hasn't worked through their own trauma).
Breed
I can't deny that there are breeds that seem to have more of a temperament for therapy work than others. Though it does not mean it's a rule. You will have to check the breeds temperament to see if it fits for you and then as a therapy dog. There are small, medium and large breed dogs that are great therapy dogs but you will find the medium to large breeds are the most commonly found in this line of work.
Monty is one of the smallest dogs in the visiting program.
Many small breed dogs do have the tendency to be owner specific and territorial. However, the same can be said for some larger breeds. I do wonder if other variables impact smaller breed dogs chances of becoming a therapy dog including less training, less socialization with other dogs, less likely to walk in the community, older or single dog owners, etc.
Common breeds have been Golden Retrievers, Shepherd breeds, Greyhounds, Labrador Retriever, Poodles and Beagles. These breeds are also known to be good family dogs. Mutts make wonderful therapy dogs also. There are many great rescues out there, even if you want a pure bred or a mix. Please do not buy a dog from a pet store or puppy mills.
As you can see, there are a few things to consider but the two main points I would like you to remember:
Your pet before therapy pet.
Temperament makes a Therapy Dog, not obedience.
Consider this: Show dogs or any dog that has undergone a considerable amount of training may be exceptionally obedient but have been specifically trained not to engage unless prompted. They are not allowed to show spontaneity. These dogs typically flunk an evaluation. You want a therapy dog to have the basic skills (sit, stay, come, don't jump up etc). but you also want them to engage those around them, show their affection and be able to show their personality. Additionally, when a therapy dog has room to be themselves, you are also better able to read their cues as to whether they are nervous or stressed.
Happy Learning!
Rhiannon Jones
Rhiannon Jones M.S.W. R.S.W. offers counselling and AAT to the Hamilton, Ontario area. She specializes in children, youth, young adults and their families that are being impacted by certain difficulties in their life. She strives to enhance the field of animal assisted therapy and the natural connection of the human animal bond. If you are interested in receiving her Clinical Services or would like to network or obtain consulting services, please contact her:
email: rhiannonjonesmsw@gmail.com, web: www.rhiannonjones.ca
© 2015 Rhiannon Jones M.S.W., R.S.W. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce for educational or clinical uses, as long as copyright and author contact information appears on the reprint. Please contact the author for further questions.
© 2015 Rhiannon Jones M.S.W., R.S.W. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce for educational or clinical uses, as long as copyright and author contact information appears on the reprint. Please contact the author for further questions.
