Dynamic Dog Training/Behavior Services LLC. Located at 859 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI Now offers a local pet therapy program named:
Lexi’s Circle of Friends Pet Therapy
This program is instructed by: Susan Parker who has done pet therapy with her own dogs for the past 21 years. Learn the proper techniques needed for taking your dog to do pet therapy visits by a "seasoned" pet therapy handler. This is a 12 week course. All dogs need to be on an "Easy Walk front pull harness or martingale collar or buckle collar ONLY. When testing is done, all dogs MUST be tested on a buckle collar only. However, we recommend taking dogs to do pet therapy visits on an Easy Walk front pull harness Dynamic Dog Training/Behavior Services is now accepting new sign ups. Below is the curriculum. Please note. All dogs are not candidates to do pet therapy. Dogs are accepted into this course on a case to case basis.
It is the goal of our program to provide training & support for members who are involved in pet therapy activities. They include, but are not limited to, visits to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Our objective is to form a network of individuals who are willing to share their dogs in order to bring happiness to people.
Pet therapy dogs provide a welcome change. Patients become more active and responsive both during and after visits with therapy dogs.
When a therapy dog visits, they offer entertainment and joy. Stroking a dog often reduces a person’s blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning assisting with range of motion exercises.
Dogs people a reason to come out of their rooms. Many residents at nursing homes have had to give up pet ownership and they miss the love a pet gives them.
What makes a good Pet therapy dog? Pet therapy dogs must be social. The point of our program is the interaction between the dog and people they are visiting. If a dog does not enjoy the visits the interaction will be less than ideal. The person needs to feel accepted by the dog. A good therapy dog is calm, tolerant and friendly. They enjoy the time they spent with the residents. The balance between calmness and friendliness is a fine line. Even a well trained dog may not be a good pet therapy dog if it shows little interest in meeting people. An aloof dog may be calm, but may cause people to feel rejected. A very friendly dog may have the best of intentions but can cause injury. A dog that is full of energy may be too active for most situations. Therapy dogs need the perfect blend to become a pet therapy dog.
The dog’s temperament must be suitable to be a pet therapy. All dogs need to be temperament tested and up to date on their shots as well as fecal tested prior to entering our program.
Our temperament test is performed by dog trainers specializing in pet therapy and it begins by:
Taking the dog out on a leash walk:
Check if leash walking is ❑ good ❑ moderate ❑ fair ❑ poor.
Determine if the dog is more focused on the environment, on the handler, or a combination of both.
Soliciting the dogs’ attention:
Sit in chair and pay no attention to the dog. Wait patiently and quietly for the dog to solicit any attention from the evaluator. (Write down exactly what the dog does)
Stroke the dog from back to front 5 times and write down the dogs’ behavior.
Reaction to auditory stimuli:
Drop a tin pan or something loud on the ground and note the dog’s reaction to the sounds and the dog’s behavior overall. If the dog spooks, note how long it takes the dog to recover.
Open an umbrella next to the dog and observe the dogs’ reaction to it. Write down what the dog does:
Resource guarding:
Food bowl test the dog. . Next, test the dog using a high value treat i.e. pig ears, greenies, busy bones etc. Next, give the dog a treat.
Note if the dog takes treats gentle or grabs them out of your hand.
Style of play:
Engage the dog in play using a rope toy, tennis ball, stuffed animal. Observe the dogs’ style of play. Is the dog toy motivated? If so, can you easily get the toy away from the dog?
Collar pull: Touch around the dogs’ neck area and lead the dog by the collar in a direction opposite from the one in which the dog wants to go. Observe all behaviors the dog shows and write the down.
Ear Exam: Evaluate the dogs’ ears: Observe all behaviors the dog shows. Does the dog willingly allow you to examine?
Tail tug: Tug the dogs’ tail X 3 each time doing it harder. Observe and write down all behaviors the dog showed each time.
Skin grab: Grab the hackle area of the dog lifting up the skin. Observe and write down all behaviors the dog showed.
Paw pad evaluation: Examine and evaluate all four paws. Observe and write down all behaviors the dog showed.
Canine teeth exam: Open the dogs’ mouth and examine his teeth. If the dog will allow, open and check his teeth three times. Note if the dogs’ behavior changes each time you try to examine inside his/her mouth. Observe and write down all behaviors the dog showed. Walking the dog past another dog:
Use another dog that you know does not have any reactive dog issues. Walk approximately 20 feet past the other dog and get an overall reaction to the dog you are evaluating. Can you get your dog to focus on you? If so, what distance? Can you walk in pack with the other dog and your dog? Observe and write down all behaviors your dog showed to the other dog.
Willingness to be restrained by a stranger:
Hug the dog and don't let go. Observe the dogs’ reaction to being restrained and write down the dog’s reaction.
Break time: Walk out of the room and leave the dog alone for several minutes. When you re-enter the room, note the dogs’ reaction.
Everyone entering Lexi’s circle of friends Pet Therapy Program should have a dog that has already passed their AKC Canine Good Citizen test. We encourage people interested in our program to observe a senior dog/handler during a facility visit before they decide if they wish to join. This is a good opportunity for new handlers to get an idea of what the facilities are like and to better evaluate if this will be a positive experience for their dogs and themselves.
Pet Therapy 101.
Avoid using perfumes, colognes and other scented oils on both handler and dog. It is important to remember some individuals may have allergies to these products.
For health and safety reasons, do not use cell phones or text messages during pet therapy visits. Use common courtesy and do not use vulgar language.
While visiting with your dog in a facility, be certain of the areas where you and your dog are allowed. Always check in at the nurse’s station so everyone is aware of you and your dog.
Never leave any traces of your dog after a visit.
Your must teach your dog to become accustomed to walking on a variety of different surfaces.
Your dog needs to know the “Heel” command. Do not let your dog precede you down the hall, around a corner, at doorways or doors at stairways. Stand back while waiting for an elevator door to open. When the door opens, wait for a moment to assure safe exit of passengers. If the elevator is occupied, ask if you may enter with your dog.
Do not become so comfortable you become careless. Stay alert to the surroundings at all times. Excuse yourself and your dog from any situation you do not believe will be a positive experience. Your dog and of course the patient he/she is visiting is your first priority. Never put yourself or your dog in a questionable or threatening situation.
Give your verbal commands quietly. Always praise your dog for his/her exemplary behavior.
Never leave your dog alone with staff, patients or visitors.
Never allow the patients to give treats to your dog.
Be alert to signs of stress in your dog and yourself. Monitor the body language of your dog for signs of stress such as, but not limited to: Excessive panting, dog jumps or climbs on you for security, dog hides behind you, body or legs develop shakes or tremors, ears and tail are pressed close to the body, yawning occurs or facial expression changes, dog looks for an escape route or doorway, dog refuses to socialize.
Never force your dog to interact with a patient or any patient to interact with your dog. This should be a pleasant experience for you, your dog and the patient or resident.
Always knock first before entering a patient’s room.
You must know and strictly adhere to the facility policy concerning dogs on any furniture. Injuries could occur if the dog steps on a patient or resident. Ask if the patient or resident has sore areas you should avoid. Remember to watch for tubes, oxygen, iv lines and other medical equipment.
Read and obey all warning signs on room doors, such as: “ISOLATION” or “INFECTIOUS DO NOT ENTER”. This is important for the patient, your dog and yourself!
Be aware of pills, food or other items on the floor. Never let your dog pick up anything that has been dropped on the floor.
All handlers must teach their dog the “Leave it” command.
Watch for patient who will grab your dogs face, ears, tail, or leash. Keep your dog safe!
When you are in ANY facility, never give ANY type of assistance to a patient if asked. Instead, notify the nurse that help is needed.
Have wheelchair patients lock their wheels before you bring your dog up to them. It is easier to approach someone in a wheelchair from the side.
Observe all rules of privacy and confidentiality as required by HIPAA and the facility rules. Never discuss a patient’s health or personal issues with the patient or anyone else.
Photos may not be taken without prior written permission of the subject (or guardian) and a representative of the facility.
All pet therapy handlers must have an understanding of what zoonotics is:
Zoonotics are diseases which can be transmitted between humans and dogs to protect both humans and dogs, please be aware of these diseases which can be passed between them, many transmitted through contact with fecal matter.
Broken Skin Pathogens MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) – skin-to-skin transmission, infecting any open wounds – MRSA is the bane of modern hospitals. It is the #1 infection passed via the hands of health care workers and/or visitors. Dogs can both carry MRSA from patient to patient, and/or can become infected in any open sores.
Yeast – skin-to-skin transmission – Certain strains of yeast are capable of infecting open wounds, mucous membranes, and irritated skin.
Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms (Toxocara, Visceral larval migrans) - fecal transmission - Dogs can get this by eating grass or mouthing toys, rocks, etc. in infected areas.
Hookworms (Cutaneous larval migrans) - fecal transmission - Dogs may get these worms by simply walking through an infected area - larva can burrow into dog footpads.
Tapeworm (Dipylidium Caninum, Echinococcus Granulosus) - fecal transmission - This worm primarily carried by fleas. As a precaution, your dog should be wormed after a flea infestation.
Giardaria - fecal transmission – This is a protozoan that contaminates water. It causes moderate to severe diarrhea in both dogs and humans. Giardia is the most common water contaminate inthe US.
Cryptosporidium - fecal transmission – This is another parasite that is found in contaminated water. It also causes diarrhea and fever.Bacterial Infections
C. Diff (Clostridium difficile) - fecal transmission – This bacteria is all-too-common and is frequently transmitted from patient-to-patient in long-term care facilities. It has been recently shown also to infect dogs. In both humans and dogs, C.Diff. causes diarrhea and fever.
Camphlobacteriosis and Salmonellosis (Salmonella) - fecal transmission – These bacteria are acquired by ingesting contaminated food or contaminated fecal matter.
Leptospirosis - primarily urine transmission, but may be transmitted by any body fluid except saliva - Outbreaks of this bacterium are on the rise in certain parts of the US, particularly in the South! It is transmitted by other animals’ urine, especially hooved stock and rodents.Vaccination is available through your vet.
Brucellosis (Brucellis Canis) – urine transmission - This bacteria is primarily sexually transmitted, but can be transferred by contact with contaminated urine.
Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) – body fluid and fecal transmission – Humans are highly susceptible to this rare bacteria
Yersiniosis (Yersinia enterocolitica) - fecal transmission – These bacteria are acquired by ingesting contaminated food or contaminated fecal matter.
External Parasites/Diseases Carried by Ectoparasites
Ehrlichia – tick borne bacteria transmitted by blood/blood contact – Infected dogs will be feverish, lethargic, and have very pale mucous membranes
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - tick borne bacteria transmitted by blood/blood contact – Infected dogs will be feverish, disoriented, and show joint pain similar to arthritis.
Lyme Disease - tick borne bacteria transmitted by blood/blood contact - Symptoms include swollen joints, difficulty in moving, and fever.
Plague (Yersinia Pestis) – bacteria carried by fleas – Dogs will be feverish and lethargic. Plague is carried by fleas, but may also be acquired directly from an infected rodent
Mange (Scabies) – skin-to-skin contact - This is a microscopic insect that infects the dog’s skin, resulting in hair loss. It can easily be transferred to humans by direct contact. NOTE - dogs also can develop a skin outbreak by a related parasite called demodectic mange that is not contagious! Demodectic mange is to dogs as dust mites are to humans - always present but only cause skin infections in very young, very old, or immune-compromised animals
Fungal (Mycotic) Diseases
Ringworm (Dermatomycosis) – transmission by skin-to-skin contact - This is a skin infection that looks like concentric circles or worm under the skin, but is actually a fungus. It can be highly contagious to both dogs and humans!
Viruses
Rabies ~ Vaccine is available through a veterinarian.
In many facilities, the staff is no longer using “CONTACT PRECAUTIONS” or“ISOLATION” signs because they are concerned about the patients’ privacy. If there is a sign on the door, it might read “All Visitors Must Check in at the Nurse’s Station.” There may be no obvious sign but will be gowns and gloves next to the door.
Please always check with a nurse or supervisor before entering a room with a sign and/or protective equipment. This is to protect you, your dog, and the next patient/resident that your dog visits.
The Steps needed for basics for our pet therapy test are:
Meeting friendly new people that may look, talk or walk differently: Your dog will be expected to sit or stand calmly while you stop and visit a patient. Dogs must not jump on people.
Your dog must sit or stand while a stranger pets it (acting the way a patient would)
Your dog must permit a stranger to brush it and examine its paws and ears.
Your dog will be asked to walk with you on a loose leash, including turning left, right and around and coming to a stop and sitting on command.
Your dog must show he/she is at ease while you walk it in a crowd with lots of distractions.
Your dog must perform a sit and/or down and then remain in place while you walk away from it and then recall 20 feet away.
Your dog must come when you command.
When meeting another dog, your dog must show only casual interest in close quarters.
Pet Therapy equipment: Your dog must how to approach patients in beds, wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, canes, etc.
Your dog needs to be calm around a lot of distractions and noises.
Your dog must know how to leave things alone when given a command to.
All people entering this program shall complete eight weeks of the above curriculum.
Once complete, the classroom is ready to go on four weeks of field trips to various facilities with the instructor and their dog to do limited pet therapy.
The next phase of our program is to bring in children and do childrens reading program using our own “Children’s child dog bite safety program” with Scooby Doo.
For sign up or contact info please call Susan at 401-823-8851 or e-mail Dynamic.dog.lady@gmail.com
