Often, this depends on the individual, their specific problem or ailment and the treatment protocol if there is one. The dog is there to offer a motivation for the person to become involved in a therapeutic activity but the reasons for this motivation are different for each person. There are those who find the dog’s acceptance or lack of judgment helpful and still others enjoy the idea that they are being of use to a living thing.
Many people find the pet therapy visits stimulating as they break the routine and are a source of fun and enjoyment. This seems to brighten their outlook and may speed healing or help avoid depression. People who have withdrawn completely from any human interaction may find it easier or more desirable to talk to a pet.
The lack of a therapy protocol in AAA does not negate the beneficial effects of pet therapy and similar results may be obtained to AFT without any formal structure.
How is the Pet Affected by the Visit?
Each dog is different and reactions vary. Many dogs love to be out and about and interact with different people in different places and others simply enjoy the attention. There are animals that find it somewhat stressful since they need to be well behaved at all times or because the patients can be unpredictable during the pet therapy session.
They may become frustrated at being ‘passed around’ to several different people. In general they arrive home tired and enjoy a good sleep!
Does the Animal Need Special Training?
In general the animals don’t need special training but should be polite, calm and responsive to basic commands like: sit, stay, down and come. If a dog can obey commands to move his position it will be very helpful - for example to get between two wheelchairs or walk into a narrow space between seated patients.
Being able to command your dog to place his paws on a bed or chair to visit with a patient is also a very rewarding behavior. If your dog knows the difference between licking or refraining from doing so it is very useful for situations where hygiene is important.
How Can You Get Involved in Pet Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy is a formal therapeutic program so you will need to find a professional willing to supervise your visits or you may choose to be a professional and run your own program. Delta Society is a good starting point but there are other organizations that are involved in formal therapy.
http://www.dog-play.com/join.html will give you a list of national organizations as will http://www.dog-play.com/therapyl.html.
More Information
There is a lot of information available both from individuals working in the programs and web sites devoted to the subject.
http://www.dog-play.com/therapyl.html lists web pages offering information:
* Online information about screening methods.
* Resources to help an individual start their own group.
* Resources to educate about issues related to visiting e.g. disease concerns, handling stress, appropriate pet-patient interactions etc.
* Articles listing academic resources for those researching related issues.
