Therapy dog facts for kids
Therapy dogs are special dogs trained to give comfort and support to people. They often visit people who are sick, elderly, or have special needs.
Unlike assistance dogs, which help one person with their daily tasks, therapy dogs are trained to interact with many different people. They bring joy and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and even disaster areas.
The idea of using animals for comfort is not new. In the late 1800s, Florence Nightingale noticed that small pets helped children and adults in mental health hospitals feel less worried and recover faster. Later, in the 1930s, Sigmund Freud used his own dog to help him talk with his patients. More recently, in 1976, a nurse named Elaine Smith started the first group for therapy dogs after seeing how much dogs helped hospital patients.
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What Are the Types of Therapy Dogs?
There are three main types of therapy dogs, each with a special role.
Visiting Therapy Dogs
The most common type are called visiting therapy dogs. These dogs are usually pets that live with their owners. Their owners take them to places like hospitals, nursing homes, or recovery centers to visit patients. These dogs help people feel better by spending time with them, offering comfort, and cheering them up.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Dogs
Another type is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) dogs. These dogs work with patients to help them reach specific goals for their recovery. For example, they might help patients improve their motor skills, like moving their arms and legs, or their hand-eye coordination. They do this by playing games or doing activities with patients. These dogs often work in places where people go for physical recovery.
Facility Therapy Dogs
The last type is facility therapy dogs. These dogs usually live and work in places like nursing homes with their handlers. They help patients with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other memory or thinking problems. They provide a steady, comforting presence for residents.
How Do Dogs Become Therapy Dogs?
To become a therapy dog, a dog needs to have a calm and friendly personality. They should be good with strangers and able to handle loud noises and quick movements without getting scared.
There are specific steps for a dog to get certified by national groups, such as The Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Dogs are tested on how well they behave around other animals and people. They must show they can walk nicely on a leash and not jump on people. Some groups offer special classes, like "distraction-proofing," which helps dogs learn to stay focused. They also offer therapy training to prepare both the dog and the owner for visits.
While any size or breed of dog can become a therapy dog, some breeds are often chosen. These include the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also great therapy dogs because they were originally bred to be companions. They love meeting new people, are very gentle, and enjoy sitting on laps for a long time. They are also small enough to do so comfortably.
Therapy dogs offer many benefits. They can encourage patients to be more active and help them work on their thinking, social, and communication goals.
Images for kids
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Greyhound therapy dogs visiting an elementary school in North Port, Florida
See also
In Spanish: Canoterapia para niños
