 | “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and fulfilling an emptiness we didn’t even know we had.” ~ Thom Jones |
Therapy dogs can come in all shapes, sizes and breeds. What they all have in common are the innate abilities required to offer comfort to those who need it. Therapy dogs are highly intelligent and can sense emotions, allowing for close contact and handling by those with large emotions, those who are lonely and those in need of comfort and companionship without feeling responsible for them. A highly sensitive dog would not be a candidate for therapy work as such emotions would cause the dog to become fearful and anxious.
Not all dogs are innately programmed to be a therapy dog. Through careful and specified puppy curriculum and temperament evaluations, we are able to determine which puppies are able to fulfill this type of role. Thinking a puppy that is cuddly, sensitive and obsessed with humans would be a perfect therapy dog, is actually false. These dogs too often take on the emotions of the humans, resulting in an anxious, reactive and unstable dog. A therapy dog is confident, fearless, loves handling, but just as comfortable in their own space.
Not all dogs are innately programmed to be a therapy dog. Through careful and specified puppy curriculum and temperament evaluations, we are able to determine which puppies are able to fulfill this type of role. Thinking a puppy that is cuddly, sensitive and obsessed with humans would be a perfect therapy dog, is actually false. These dogs too often take on the emotions of the humans, resulting in an anxious, reactive and unstable dog. A therapy dog is confident, fearless, loves handling, but just as comfortable in their own space.
Part of our puppy program and testing involves a great deal of socialization. These safe and controlled activities at such an early stage lays the groundwork for successful puppies while offering joy and comfort to those we meet. One of our favourite puppy outings is the Puppy Palooza held with the staff and families of Rehab 1, Riverview and Moncton locations. Physiotherapist, Stephanie Melanson had this to say about the experience: “Rehab1 Puppy Palooza days are one of the most looked forward to events of the year to get together with our team. The time we get to spend with the puppies is truly a therapeutic experience for our team members. Looking around the room seeing each other laughing, smiling and snuggling the puppies you can’t help put notice the environment is light and cheerful and a feeling of pure joy and bliss. It’s such a privilege to bond and share time with puppies and dogs and it allows the body to achieve a more relaxed state, regulates your nervous system and helps the body overall to destress. And let’s be honest, who walks away from a cuddle puddle of puppy snuggles and kisses not feeling better?” Watching how the puppies handle the various age groups, energy levels and environment helps us begin to understand their individual temperaments. This is the beginning of determining which puppy would thrive in therapy work.
Watching the puppies develop into therapy dogs is such a pleasure for me. We currently have four puppies training for this important work. Radlee is now 10 months old and thriving in her role as a therapy dog in a foster home setting. Her calm and confident demeanor has ushered her naturally into a supportive role for all the children who come through their door.
Radlee’s mom had this to say: “Radlee is a heart dog. She understands big feelings and knows when we need a snuggle but also knows when to bring us a ball to play with her, getting us out of a slump. She gets excited every morning when the kids wake up and every afternoon when they return from school/daycare. She instinctively knows to be gentle with the littlest and most timid children she has the pleasure of spending time with. We also love that she wiggles with her whole body, not just her tail. She is always making us laugh.”
Bodhi is living in Saskatchewan with his new family, where he will soon begin his training as a PTSD Service dog. For now, he is spending a lot of time on trails and on the water with his family, bringing them much needed laughter and comfort and going to the office to bring smiles to his mom’s coworkers.
Radlee’s mom had this to say: “Radlee is a heart dog. She understands big feelings and knows when we need a snuggle but also knows when to bring us a ball to play with her, getting us out of a slump. She gets excited every morning when the kids wake up and every afternoon when they return from school/daycare. She instinctively knows to be gentle with the littlest and most timid children she has the pleasure of spending time with. We also love that she wiggles with her whole body, not just her tail. She is always making us laugh.”
Bodhi is living in Saskatchewan with his new family, where he will soon begin his training as a PTSD Service dog. For now, he is spending a lot of time on trails and on the water with his family, bringing them much needed laughter and comfort and going to the office to bring smiles to his mom’s coworkers.
Brylee and Bristol have stayed local and are working towards their therapy dog accreditation while working with the staff and residents of Fundy Royal Manor 1 in Hillsborough. Brylee spends weekdays at the Manor and Bristol joins for weekly training sessions.
Recently I was able to sit down for a chat with the staff and residents working most closely with the girls. Joining me were Sara Killen, Manager, Tracy A’Hearn, Supervisor, Charlotte Fitzsimmons, PSW, and residents, Catherine MacLeod, Katie Arseneau, Denise Roy and Roger Tingley. The following questions were asked and their answers were simply heartwarming.
Q- Has anything changed since adding Brylee to the Manor?
A – Catherine shared she feels the Manor feels more like home with the presence of a puppy. There is more joy now. Katie added she feels an attachment to Brylee and looks forward to watching all the interactions she has with everyone. Roger told us Brylee has given him a purpose. He enjoys spending time with her and working on her training and Denise shared Brylee has helped her become more social.
These sentiments were echoed by the staff with Sara saying the overall atmosphere of the Manor has lightened. Tracy shared the training sessions with Brylee and Bristol are the biggest draw for the residents with everyone excited to see what the puppies will learn during their sessions. She is watching new friendships form as everyone interacts with Brylee. Charlotte says she is seeing a lot of happiness and more interactions among the residents.
Q – What is your favourite thing about Brylee?
A – Catherine loves to watch her during training. Katie loves watching her grow and be so friendly with everyone. Roger shared he loves how quick she is with training, her confidence, her intelligence and just being in her presence. Denise laughed as she shared her favourite thing is when Brylee sits on the footrest of her wheelchair and when they are doing training together. She laughed again as she adds “She’s a little queen.”
Tracy shared she loves Brylee’s little face, how she knows exactly who her mom is and each interaction she has with both staff and residents alike. Sara loves the bonds she’s making with the residents and the fact that each resident has their own little bond with her as well. Charlotte loves how she wants to be close to everyone, her calm demeanor and how she loves people, but not to forget her adorable butt wiggles when she’s happy or excited.
As you can see there is power in a little puppy. Power to bring joy, to bring people together, to foster friendships, to offer comfort and company, to cause laughter and to build confidence. This is the role of a Therapy dog. Therapy dogs are different from Service dogs because they don’t work for just their handler and they aren’t trained for specific needs. They differ from Facility dogs as they don’t work within the confines of a facility. Therapy dogs go where they are needed. Courtrooms, hospitals, crisis centers, and care homes, to name a few. They work with a handler, but for others, offering comfort in difficult situations and companionship for those requiring it. Some will argue that all dogs are therapy dogs, however while this sentiment could make a solid argument, it’s simply not true. Your personal dog can offer you the support you require but is not trained to offer support to others. In this setting your dog would be considered an emotional support animal (ESA) and unfortunately doesn’t fall within the guidelines of therapy or service work. While they have learned to understand your emotions and are able to offer you comfort, they could become protective of you and reactive to others. They simply aren’t trained to work in a high stress environment or in the presence of multiple people. Putting a dog without proper training into such an environment will put undue stress on them and those around them, often with disaster ensuing.
If anyone is looking for a therapy or service started puppy, please contact me, even if Labradors aren’t your breed. I’m part of a network of likeminded breeders and I’m confident we can find you the perfect fit. Only puppies raised this way will be fully successful in these types of roles.
Recently I was able to sit down for a chat with the staff and residents working most closely with the girls. Joining me were Sara Killen, Manager, Tracy A’Hearn, Supervisor, Charlotte Fitzsimmons, PSW, and residents, Catherine MacLeod, Katie Arseneau, Denise Roy and Roger Tingley. The following questions were asked and their answers were simply heartwarming.
Q- Has anything changed since adding Brylee to the Manor?
A – Catherine shared she feels the Manor feels more like home with the presence of a puppy. There is more joy now. Katie added she feels an attachment to Brylee and looks forward to watching all the interactions she has with everyone. Roger told us Brylee has given him a purpose. He enjoys spending time with her and working on her training and Denise shared Brylee has helped her become more social.
These sentiments were echoed by the staff with Sara saying the overall atmosphere of the Manor has lightened. Tracy shared the training sessions with Brylee and Bristol are the biggest draw for the residents with everyone excited to see what the puppies will learn during their sessions. She is watching new friendships form as everyone interacts with Brylee. Charlotte says she is seeing a lot of happiness and more interactions among the residents.
Q – What is your favourite thing about Brylee?
A – Catherine loves to watch her during training. Katie loves watching her grow and be so friendly with everyone. Roger shared he loves how quick she is with training, her confidence, her intelligence and just being in her presence. Denise laughed as she shared her favourite thing is when Brylee sits on the footrest of her wheelchair and when they are doing training together. She laughed again as she adds “She’s a little queen.”
Tracy shared she loves Brylee’s little face, how she knows exactly who her mom is and each interaction she has with both staff and residents alike. Sara loves the bonds she’s making with the residents and the fact that each resident has their own little bond with her as well. Charlotte loves how she wants to be close to everyone, her calm demeanor and how she loves people, but not to forget her adorable butt wiggles when she’s happy or excited.
As you can see there is power in a little puppy. Power to bring joy, to bring people together, to foster friendships, to offer comfort and company, to cause laughter and to build confidence. This is the role of a Therapy dog. Therapy dogs are different from Service dogs because they don’t work for just their handler and they aren’t trained for specific needs. They differ from Facility dogs as they don’t work within the confines of a facility. Therapy dogs go where they are needed. Courtrooms, hospitals, crisis centers, and care homes, to name a few. They work with a handler, but for others, offering comfort in difficult situations and companionship for those requiring it. Some will argue that all dogs are therapy dogs, however while this sentiment could make a solid argument, it’s simply not true. Your personal dog can offer you the support you require but is not trained to offer support to others. In this setting your dog would be considered an emotional support animal (ESA) and unfortunately doesn’t fall within the guidelines of therapy or service work. While they have learned to understand your emotions and are able to offer you comfort, they could become protective of you and reactive to others. They simply aren’t trained to work in a high stress environment or in the presence of multiple people. Putting a dog without proper training into such an environment will put undue stress on them and those around them, often with disaster ensuing.
If anyone is looking for a therapy or service started puppy, please contact me, even if Labradors aren’t your breed. I’m part of a network of likeminded breeders and I’m confident we can find you the perfect fit. Only puppies raised this way will be fully successful in these types of roles.
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Article & Images Submitted by: Shannon MacBeth, Shakespeare's Legacy Labradors www.facebook.com/shakespeareslegacylabradors
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