Can a senior dog be an effective therapy partner?
As the human partner in a therapy team with a senior dog, it is your responsibility to determine:
- Is my dog still reliable in her behavior and continue to inspire confidence
- Does my dog enjoy going to work and being with people
- Does my dog still enjoy being touched and handled
- Does my dog continue to understand commands and follow them
- Does my dog have the physical energy to spend an hour or two working
- Do any of my dog’s frailties impede her ability to work
- Is my dog still excited to meet new people
- Is my dog still comfortable around other animals
- Is my dog becoming sensitive to new sounds and smells and unable to settle down
- Is my dog incontinent and no longer able to hold her bladder o bowl for periods of time
- Is my dog exhibiting signs of stress when at work
- Has my dog begun to growl or snap when touched
-
Has my dog’s lessening senses made her fearful or shy
Give serious thought to these questions and as long as you and your dog continue to express joy and comfort when working and exhibit the necessary skill level, age is no reason to retire.
Consider the environment your senior is working with – perhaps a more sedate population rather than boisterous children is where you need to be at this time in your pet’s life.
A senior dog must be watched very carefully and if negative signs start to appear, the time has come to put the animals’ and clients’ welfare above all others and retire from active therapy work.
Comments