Spaniel Dogs
  • Home
  • Boarding
  • Grooming
  • Training
  • Feeding
  • Supplies
  • Health & Wellness
  • Exercise & Enrichment
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Boarding
  • Grooming
  • Training
  • Feeding
  • Supplies
  • Health & Wellness
  • Exercise & Enrichment
No Result
View All Result
Spaniel Dogs
No Result
View All Result
Home Training

Is Your Pet A Therapist in Disguise| Therapy Dogs

by Biswaindu
October 20, 2025
in Training
0
therapy dogs

A young woman cuddling a red cocker spaniel puppy in a park in the UK on a cloudy day

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Research has shown that pets can be beneficial to people’s health in many ways. This knowledge is being put to good use in a number of areas.

pet : a therapist

Table of Contents

  • 1 Pets Make Good Visitors
  • 2 Delta Society Promotes Pet Therapy
  • 3 Special Training Needed
  • 4 Find the Right Venue
  • 5 Not All Animals Suited for Job

Pets Make Good Visitors

Dogs, and to a lesser extent cats and other small animals, are increasingly being allowed into hospitals and other care facilities. Even before any scientific studies, many pet owners and medical workers were aware of the obvious emotional benefits to the sick and elderly, of visits with animals.

Now research has quantified the actual physical benefits. In a study published in 2006, cardiac patients were shown to have reduced blood pressure, lower levels of stress hormones and improved heart and lung function from as little as twelve minutes of exposure to a dog.

Delta Society Promotes Pet Therapy

The therapeutic use of animals has been increasing thanks in no small part to one non-profit group.

The Delta Society is a national organization that started in Portland, Oregon in 1977. It’s founders wanted to understand the nature of the human-animal bond, and how and why animals are important to the health and well being of people.

From the research and studies they did, the Delta Society began looking for ways that animals could improve the lives of the ill and disabled.

In the last decade, they have developed standards for evaluating pets and their owners, and for running Animal Assisted therapy programs in various institutions.

The Delta Society has affiliates in many cities. These groups often provide evaluation and training for owners interested in volunteering as a Pet Partner.

Once you and your pet pass an evaluation, you may register with the Delta Society as a Pet Partner.Although there is no legal requirement to be registered, or to take the training, both have many benefits.

You may also like to read:

.Help! My Dog Bit Someone…Now What?,

 Stop Your Puppy’s Chasing Behavior, 

Dog Chewing

Special Training Needed

The training prepares you and your dog for the various situations you may encounter in your volunteer work. Working with a qualified and experienced instructor, you will be able to determine if you and your pet are indeed suited for the work, and when you are ready to work on your own.

Not all animals will be right for the job. Those that are aggressive or fearful generally are not suited to therapy work. Membership in the Delta Society includes liability insurance that covers you while you are doing volunteer work as a Pet Partner. It also offers some credibility to the institution you are working with.

Find the Right Venue

Facilities interested in volunteers include hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation programs. Pets can also be used in reading programs.

Any animal can be a therapy pet, providing they have the right temperament and can pass the evaluation. To be a “therapy pet”, the animal must meet certain requirements.

First off they must be screened by your vet and meet specific criteria, including passing a general exam, having up to date vaccinations and be free from parasites. Animals with physical disabilities may still meet the necessary criteria to be accepted into the program.

Not All Animals Suited for Job

The animals also must meet certain behavioral and temperament standards.

The Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST) is based on the AKC’s Good Citizen test. Both tests evaluate the dog and handler for basic skills, such as following basic commands, accepting overtures from a friendly stranger, walking on leash (for dogs) and remaining under control in distracting situations.

In addition, the PPST further tests the animal’s reaction to wheelchairs and walkers, and to behaviors likely to be encountered in a hospital or nursing home environment.

These behaviors may include petting by a number of people at once, clumsy or over-exuberant petting and loud or excited outbursts.

The handler will also be evaluated for his or her skills in interacting with patients and control of his pet.

The Delta Society also offers a home-study course for therapy dogs if you cannot attend classes.

 

dogs lost and found
Subscribe To Newsletter

If you are a dog lover then, Subscribe to our weekly newsletters. No Spams!

Enter your email address
ShareTweetPin3
Biswaindu

Biswaindu

Biswaindu with decades devoted to Spaniels; my journey unveils their world. Your go-to for Spaniel wisdom.

Related Posts

What is a Cocker Spaniel Field Trial?

What is a Cocker Spaniel Field Trial?

October 28, 2025

Known for their goofiness and long flowing layers of fur, Cocker Spaniels are undoubtedly one of the best companion dogs....

When do Cocker Spaniels Stop Growing?

When do Cocker Spaniels Stop Growing?

October 27, 2025

So, you brought a new Cocker Spaniel puppy back home. Well, first of all congratulations on being promoted to ‘Pet...

Why does my Spaniel roll in Fox Poo?

Why does my Spaniel roll in Fox Poo?

October 26, 2025

FOX POO!!!   A rather bizarre and yucky topic, ain’t it???   But unlike us humans, dogs, mostly Spaniels often...

Turn Your Dog into Genius

Popular Posts

  • Blue Roan Cocker Spaniels- Five facts to Know Before you Pet them

    Blue Roan Cocker Spaniels – Five Facts to Know Before you Pet them

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Dogs Anal Gland Removal- Pros and Cons

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • When will my Cocker Spaniel Lose his Puppy Coat?

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What is a Cockador?- All that you want to know

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How do you tell if your Dog has a Tick or Scab?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recent Posts

Top 7 Best and Safest Dog Shampoos 2022
Supplies

Top 7 Best and Safest Dog Shampoos 2022

October 29, 2025

Every breed of canine is blessed with a beautiful mane of coat. And while some of them can be short...

Read more
Why does my Cocker Spaniel sleep a lot?

Why does my Cocker Spaniel sleep a lot?

October 29, 2025
Dog Keeps Sneezing | Keep Calm and Do This

Dog Keeps Sneezing | Keep Calm and Do This

October 29, 2025
Top Dog Lick Mat Ideas for Bath Time and Anxiety

Top Dog Lick Mat Ideas for Bath Time and Anxiety

October 29, 2025
Is giving your Dog Antibiotics a Few Hours Early Ok?

Is giving your Dog Antibiotics a Few Hours Early Ok?

October 29, 2025

Categories

  • Boarding (51)
  • Exercise & Enrichment (3)
  • Feeding (54)
  • Grooming (37)
  • Health & Wellness (28)
  • Interesting Facts (65)
  • Supplies (34)
  • Training (49)
  • Uncategorized (94)
Spaniel Dogs

Copyright © 2022 Spaniel Dogs - All Rights Reserved.

Navigate Site

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Read More

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Boarding
  • Grooming
  • Training
  • Feeding
  • Supplies
  • Health & Wellness
  • Exercise & Enrichment

Copyright © 2022 Spaniel Dogs - All Rights Reserved.

cocker spaniel appearance
SpanielDogs

Get Weekly Newsletter!


If you are a Dog Lover, then subscribe to our weekly newsletters. No Spam!

Enter your email address