TIPS FOR STARTING A THERAPY DOG PROGRAM IN YOUR FACILITY

As most of my regular readers know, my Siberian Husky Icy and I are a Therapy Dog team.  We've been volunteering as an animal therapy team since 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona and across Long Island, New York.  There is nothing I love more than giving back to my community with my dog by my side! It's the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

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Icy waiting for the reading to dogs program at the library to start

Over the years I have learned a lot about how to successfully manage a facility therapy dog program in libraries and schools.  I'd like to share my personal insights to help both people who run therapy dog programs, or plan to start one, and for people whose children may benefit from a therapy animal program.

THERAPY DOGS IN LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS

I have visited many libraries and schools and they are all run differently.  Most animal therapy organizations allow their member facilities to run their programs in the way that best suits them and their customers. The guidelines facilities must follow to remain in compliance usually don't include guidelines around the physical space they chooses to use for the program, or exactly how they manage the animal therapy visits.  That is both good and bad. 

It's nice to have the flexibility to manage the program in the way that best meets the needs of their participants, but some facilities do a better job of making pet therapy visits more enjoyable and effective.  Let me share some examples and tips with you.

SOME FACILITIES RUN PET THERAPY PROGRAMS BETTER THAN OTHERS


One of my favorite visits (and Icy's too!) is the Reading To Dogs programs at the library.  During these visits children read out loud to dogs, which gives them  an opportunity to practice their reading and improve reading skills in a safe, non-judgmental environment.  I'm not grading or correcting them and Icy doesn't care how well they read, as long as they'll give her a few pets and maybe a belly rub! Learn more about Reading To Dogs programs for kids in this post.

At one of the libraries we visited in Phoenix, the program was very unstructured.  We showed up with our dogs, signed in, and were told to "just find a place to sit and we'll send the kids to you".  If you've ever seen a dog in a library, you know how excited kids get when they see a dog there. They can't help themselves, they invariably come rushing over to pet the dog and start asking questions.  They are oblivious to the fact that you're conducting a therapy dog reading session. 


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One of my favorite photos of Icy  reading with one of the kids at the library.  She looks so interested in doesn't she?!

One day Icy and I arrived at the library and found a tiny corner. The first child sat down to read to Icy but almost immediately, another kid came running over, excitedly yelling, and plopped down to pet Icy and begin asking questions about her.  Needless to say, the child that was reading to Icy was very put off and he immediately shut down.  The second kid's grandparent came over but seemed oblivious to the fact that this was a one on one reading session.  I finally had to gently suggest that he come back after the first child was done reading.

There wasn't a library staff in sight to oversee the program or help in any way. I went to this library twice before I became discouraged and never returned.  This type of environment puts the therapy dog handler and the kids who want to read in an awkward position.  It's not a pleasant or effective experience.

At another Phoenix library it was a totally different story.  Their program was perfectly executed and managed.  This library was a joy to be a part of and I continued my visits for a couple of years.  I left only because we moved out of state.  They did so many things right:

🐶 They had a separate room for the visits and set it up perfectly.  There were no more than 3 dogs at any one time and the sessions were one child at a time reading to a dog.  For kids who struggle with reading, group reading sessions can be stressful and unpleasant, lowering their confidence.  Here, each child had one on one time to read and interact with the dog in a non stressful environment.

🐶 Kids signed up in advance for the program and waited outside the room for their turn to read.  No other kids interrupting or making the child uncomfortable.

🐶 At the end of their 15 minute reading session, the child was given a lovely printed certificate that said "I read with Icy today!" The kids loved the certificates, it gave them a sense of accomplishment and pride.

🐶 They didn't allow therapy dog handlers to give out candy or other edibles to the children, which is smart.  Sticky fingers and books are not a good combination! Parents also don't appreciate their kids being randomly given sweets or other foods in the middle of the day.  They did allow us to give out stickers, which the kids loved.  One or two fun stickers for each child adds a nice touch and feeling of pride and accomplishment to a therapy dog visit. 

🐶 They Paid Attention!  If kids started entering the room, crowding a dog, or squealing in high pitch tones they stepped in.  They didn't just leave the handlers alone to supervise the groups of children who participate in the program.   The handler's responsibility is to their dog. They shouldn't be left to their own devices to manage groups of children in a facility.

🐶 They had books available for the children to select to read. They also obtained input from local elementary schools on books that should be offered. 

I miss that library and their staff so much!  Of the many libraries we've visited as a therapy dog team, that one was my favorite.

MORE TIPS TO RUN YOUR THERAPY DOG PROGRAM WELL


🐾 Ensure therapy dog handlers don't bring any dog treats or food that contains nuts.  Dogs love peanut butter treats but they should be left at home. There are so many kids with nut allergies!

🐾 Always have someone manage both the participant's signup process and the room.  Don't let kids just walk in and sit down.  Explain to a parent or guardian what the program is, how it works, and ask them to sign up.

🐾 Manage the visits!  Be there to support the therapy dogs and their handlers, who are volunteering their time to help you and the kids at your facility.  If a child starts crying uncontrollably, becomes frightened of the dog, wanders out of the room, or acts out please step in to help.  It's unfair to leave therapy dog handlers to be responsible for a child that wanders off or to handle behavioral issues. 

🐾 Remember that the handler's first responsibility is to their DOG.  They will explain to a child how to best pet and interact with their individual dog, and they will help a child with a word or sentence if they need it but they are not teachers or babysitters. I have seen parents drop their kids off to read to the therapy dogs at the library and not return for well over an hour!

🐾  Have a cart or table with a large variety of books available for the kids to read. Many times a child selects a book that is either way above or below their level, or they just don't like the book they chose.  When they have to run out of the room and search the shelves for another book, they run out of time.  Have plenty of books to choose from within easy reach.

🐾 Try to limit therapy team visits to one hour, and kids' reading sessions to approx. 15 minutes per child.  Most dogs become tired or need a break after an hour. Being a therapy dog is very mentally stimulating for the dog and they can get tired, or sometimes they've just had enough.  If a handler feels the need to leave early or give the dog a break by leaving the room or walking outside, please respect that.  The handler's biggest responsibility is to advocate for their dog. Part of that is to know when their dog is becoming stressed or has had enough.  Just like people, dogs have good days and bad days. Please don't be offended!


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Another adorable photo of Icy reading with a child.  I get a kick out of her putting her paw on the book!

I hope you have found these tips helpful.  By following these tips your pet therapy program should run smoothly for everyone!

Have you ever run or participated in a therapy animal program?  Please tell us what your experience was like in the comments!

26 comments:

Hindy Pearson said...

Wow that was such an interesting article, I learned so much. I've never been involved in a therapy dog program, or seen one where I live. I think it's such a great idea, and I love how simply reading to a dog can help a child improve and gain confidence. It's also heartwarming when they're able to bring comfort to those who can no longer share their life with a pet. One of the volunteers in the old dog room at the shelter where I used to volunteer would take a couple of the old dogs to a local nursing home, and I know how much it meant to everyone involved.

DawgBlogger said...

Cookie is very sweet with great empathy. In spite of her age, though, she's also extremely excitable. So, sadly, not the best candidate.

Adrianas Best Recipes said...

My dog is a therapy dog and we are part of an organizations that does all the contact with possible locations and organizes special events. It is incredible all the details that go into being able to participate in a therapy dog program. We attend the local library, hospitals, nursing homes and church organizations.

Chelle said...

What a cool post! I think my older dog, Kitsune, would have made an awesome therapy dog in his younger days. He's 10 now, though, and has some minor health issues that make him a bit cranky at times. My younger dog doesn't like strangers, so no luck there either. Therapy dogs are awesome!

Unknown said...

I can understand your frustration and the children's frustration with a program that is not well planned out. It's a shame really, because the children loose out on a wonderful opportunity. I'm happy you found the right place that works well for you, Icy and the children.

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

LOVE this! I'm always so grateful to people who make their pets therapy animals. It's such a needed treatment modality for certain populations, and it can work wonders. One of the group homes I work in has a resident cat. While he's not a "Therapy Cat", the comfort he provides to some ot the individuals ins invaluable.

Beth said...

I'm sorry that the first library in Phoenix didn't have a good program. What a shame for the kids who went there. None of my current dogs have the right temperament to be therapy dogs, but I'd love to have one in the future.

Holly said...

What a great post. I love the idea of read to pets programs. Such a totally non-threatening space. Kids learn and open up that way.

Sweet Purrfections said...

How did I not know that Icy was a therapy dog!?! You are doing such great work for people who need this type of support.

M Dawson said...

You need to make this a printable you know. I is packed full of information essential to aspiring therapy pet people.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Thank you Hindy! Animal therapy programs are really great, they can help so many people. I love that one of the shelter volunteers took senior dogs for nursing home visits - what a wonderful thing to do for both the dogs and the folks at the nursing home. I wish more shelters would do it! Thank you for sharing that.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Icy has an amazing temperament too, and she is also less calm than most other therapy dogs. That's why I don't take her to hospitals, I think those visits require a super chill dog!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh that's great, it's nice to connect w/ a fellow therapy dog owner! Yes, there is a lot to consider when participating in or running a pet therapy program.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Thanks! It's too bad Kit never got to share himself with others as a therapy dog, he would have been great. The age is not an issue but if he gets cranky that wouldn't be ideal. I'm so glad you liked the post.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It is a shame when a program isn't well run, it can also pose some hazards! I'm a lot more choosy with the assignments I accept for Icy, I don't just say yes to everything.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Dawn! It's so wonderful that the group home has a cat, I can imagine the vital comfort he gives the residents. Pets can do so much for people.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It really was frustrating. I gave it my best shot there but I soon realized it wasn't going to work at all. I was so happy I later found a great library in Phoenix to work with and continued visiting for a long time.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Thank you! I'm glad you like the post. The reading to dogs programs are terrific, it's so helpful to the kids in building reading skills, and they love it.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

OMG, I don't know how you missed that! I'm always talking about her being a therapy dog on social media and in my comments. I don't blog about it all that much though. She really helps so many people with her visits.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

What a great idea Marjorie! I will seriously think about doing an infographic in Canva. Thanks for suggesting that!

M. K. Clinton said...

Our local children's museum has storytime with dogs. We will have to take the girls when they get a bit older.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Story time is a great program! I would love to participate in those w/ Icy. I bet you could bring Bentley too, they often don't need to be therapy dogs in order to sit next to you and read to the kids.

Cactus Christine said...

Great article Cathy. I couldn't agree more with your input and suggestions. I had similar experience with a start up Library program and my reaction was the same. Attempted to improve process but their commitment was lacking. We moved to another Library and are still active in their organized and fun program. Demontrates clearly that the right program for each team is out there, So keep up the good work and make a difference in your community. Miss our therapy visits with you and Icy. ❤

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the post! I made a suggestion to the staff at one library but they weren't interested at all. They basically didn't want to be present during the visit and didn't see the need to limit the number of kids at one time with each dog. I felt that was a mistake so I didn't go back. There should always be staff in the area where children are present!

Irene McHugh @https://www.mcsquaredoodles.com said...

I shadowed our trainer on a therapy dog visit to a local library, so I’m loving all of your points here. They structured Read to a Dog similarly to your favorite library, but no certificate. That’s a brilliant touch to include a certificate! I’m such a nerd because in my mind there should be no border on the certificate. Leave that blank so every time a kid reads to Icy they get a sticker from her to create their own border. Just thinking that would encourage the kids to come back to read more. Kids could bring their certificates each time to add to their collection. You and Icy are such a pawsome team! You’re inspiring me to get my butt working again on CGC tasks with Bernie.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'll bet you really enjoyed that visit! You should suggest adding a certificate to their program, the kids love it. I Love your suggestion about not having a border around the certificate but having the kids add their own stickers to create a border - that's brilliant! I'm going to email the librarian at my favorite library to suggest she do that. Thanks!

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