Evaluation
Posted by Anne Corke on 2006-08-07. Filed under Website Updates
Therapy Dog Evaluation:
In order to be accepted into our program, each dog must pass an evaluation which assesses his temperament and behaviour to determine if he is suitable for therapy dog work. Briefly, an evaluator will assess the dog in the following areas:
Is the dog confident and friendly around strangers?
Does the handler have control of the dog?
Can the dog navigate calmly through a crowd of people?
Is the dog well-behaved with other dogs?
Is the dog comfortable when confronted with unusual behaviour, obstacles such as wheelchairs, walkers etc., sudden noises, or other distractions which may occur in a hospital or long term care environment?
Successful dogs and their handlers attend a training session before accompanying an experienced volunteer for the first four visits to their assigned facility where they are assessed on their ability to provide safe, therapeutic care. After ten visits, the team is again evaluated basis their visiting experiences, and, if approved, becomes a full-fledged East Central Therapy Dog visiting team.
Evaluations are held throughout the year and upcoming dates will be posted on the website under "Events". For more information or to reserve a spot for your dog at the next evaluation, please call Dianne at 652-7092 or email her at diannemcmillan@nexicom.net