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11-22-2007, 08:33 PM | #1 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: IL
Posts: 181
| Little dogs as therapy dogs? Hi, I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with a small dog as a therapy dog and if there were any problems, considering their size. I don't need the testing requirements, etc. I've already been to TDI's site for that. I am really just concerned about the safety of a small dog in a nursing home or hospital setting. My father has recently been admitted to a nursing home, and many of the residents absolutely GLOW when I bring Tucker in. He seems to excel at this "work" and I am considering going into the therapy dog work, but I just worry (he is my little boy, and I don't want to endanger him in any way). On tdi.com so many dogs are the bigger breeds- boxers, shepards, etc. that I don't know if a Yorkie would work well? Teresa |
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11-22-2007, 08:40 PM | #2 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ATX
Posts: 4,513
| I would think he would be okay, as long as he can handle a few "rougher pats". Small dogs are good as therapy dogs since they are able to lay down on the beds with the patients. I do know sometime patients in nursing homes and other setting may be a little heavy handed without meaning to be. But as long as your dog can handle a few rough pats I think it would be ok. Around here there really isn't a good therapy dog group, but I plan on getting both my pit and yorkie mix into the SC dog group once we move back.
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11-22-2007, 09:34 PM | #3 |
YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HOT, HOT, HOT AZ
Posts: 3,150
| Usually small dogs make great therapy dogs for nursing homes. The people just light up!!!!! Makes their days big and bright. |
11-22-2007, 10:12 PM | #4 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pahrump
Posts: 43
| When I was in the hospital a couple of years ago, one of the first things I remember after I woke up was the therapy dog that came for a visit. It was a little Brussels Griffon and the cutest thing. It made my day, and I will never forget that cute, silly, little face. I say go for it. You are in control all of the time. I can not imagine it being unsafe. |
11-22-2007, 10:53 PM | #5 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,693
| So far, 2 of the puppies I have sold have trained to be therapy dogs. They absolutely love what they're doing. They took them to special training and had them certified before they began working. One of them is kind of a funny story. The first lady that purchased one as a therapy dog did so because her daughter had a therapy dog and they wanted to go together. Her daughter's therapy dog is a GREAT DANE! I bet they make quite the scene when they show up together!
__________________ Steph, Mama to 6 skin babies and beautiful yorkies! |
11-23-2007, 05:07 AM | #6 | |
No Longer a Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oliver Springs, TN
Posts: 683
| therapy dog Quote:
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11-23-2007, 08:30 AM | #7 |
Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sunny Southern California!!!!
Posts: 1,877
| I can't remember who it was, but there is another YT member that just got all of her certs to be a therapy dog. If you do a search I am sure you will find a lot of hits. Good luck!
__________________ My cute little Turbo butt! YES, we are also avid members of the CRAZYCLUB & Little Gentleman's Club! Turbo 's Tumi!!! |
11-23-2007, 10:26 AM | #8 |
Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida
Posts: 14,495
| I think they would make excellent theraphy dogs. Best wishes in your endevors to help out others.
__________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki |
11-23-2007, 10:38 AM | #9 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salem
Posts: 191
| they make great therapy dogs.... I was just talking to my breeder another day and she was telling me about one of her puppies being trained to get certified... They got her with this in mind and apparently yorkies do real well on the tests and do a very nice job. This female she was talking about is going to be certified to visit even children that are admited. The owners of this girl do have a lot experience in the enviroment and one of them is a doctor. It did make me think about getting my Maxx on track as far as training to get him certified as well... he loves people, he is a gorgeous dog and so sweet... it could be something good and fun for both of us to do together... besides we can make a lot of good to other people too ... specially the kids in hospitals, nursing homes... just anyone... Maxx is 5.5 pounds of pure love and happiness.. such an easy boy ... portable and easy for even climbing on a bed or a lap of someone who can enjoy his company and smille for a few minutes... I think it is a great idea and i hope this helps to answer your question... the other answers too helped me to think about it more seriously... I keep going back to my breeder for some advice... and it is nice to be able to have someone available and with knoledge about them... have you asked your breeder what they think about it? Does anyone else has any experience on this? I would like to actually meet a yorkie that ha already being certified and be bale to get advise from the owner....
__________________ "You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'" - Dave Barry |
11-23-2007, 10:47 AM | #10 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Near Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Posts: 67
| I have seen a pomeranian that was a therapy dog, and dogs that are a little larger, such as spaniels. A Yorkie would need to be calm enough to pass the tests, and if too small, I wouldn't recommend that they become a therapy dog. Or you could limit where the dog went. For example, a geriatric psychiatric unit might not be a good idea, or even rehab with brain injured patients, who might unintentionally injure a small dog. Going the the library children's programs might work well though. Generally pet therapy dogs go to nursing homes, rehab units, and gero-psych units. Sometimes medical units too. It is suggested that they not go to surgery units, as therapy dogs have been cultured with MRSA on their coats. There are also specific guidelines of bathing, teeth brushing, etc. that needs to be done before the dog goes visiting. |
11-23-2007, 03:29 PM | #11 |
My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca.
Posts: 12,228
| My 2 pound Chihuahua got her certificate for therapy work, but she started going downhill really fast, so we didn't take her anywhere. I don't think size is an issue at all. If they can pass all the tests they are put thru, then that's all that matters. |
11-23-2007, 03:35 PM | #12 |
Lovin' 2 Girls Donating Member | I had Abigail enrolled in obedience classes toward that end; but, we had to drop out because of unforseen events at home. The trainer was so disapointed, as she said Abbie was doing so well. She's going to work something out to finish our classes.
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11-25-2007, 04:20 AM | #13 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 316
| My Abbie is a 4 pounder and a certified therapy dog. Teresa, I answered your PM but if anyone has any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me. Abbie does a great job but isn't always "on". Luckily, we go with a few other dogs so someone is always wanting a nice belly rub! (The dog too!! Ha Ha )
__________________ I Just LOVE My Girls!!! |
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