[YorkieTherapy]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Thanks for that very informative post! And love the Doggles in your avatar.

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

I second that! YorkieTherapy, great post and a real good look at therapy work. Thanks.

Originally Posted by twalla

Great thread!! While Sam is no where near cut out to be a therapy dog (he doesnt let strangers touch him unless I am holding him), Ollie, I think, would be great at it.

But gosh, I have to pass a test

Thanks!

Thanks everyone!

Regarding the test, there are quite a few categories, and you and your dog are scored at the same time. The scores are 0, 1 and 2. 0's are a failing mark. You both need a certain percentage of 1's and 2's, 2's being the highest. To get the complex visiting designation I mentioned earlier, you and your dog need to score nearly all 2's.

Also, little dogs do NOT have to sit on laps to be a therapy dog. Many are not comfortable with that. For the evaluation, you just need to tell the evaluator. For the "petting" part of the test, you are allowed to hold your dog. However, if you need to hold your dog while being petted during the test, then this is what you have to do when you visit as well.

As an other "FYI," your dog has be groomed within 24 hours of the visit. This should be no problem for Yorkie owners! Specificaly, they have to bathed, teeth brushed, nails filed or dremeled, and ears cleaned.

Bottom line, if you think you have a prospective therapy dog, I highly encourage you to go for it! For us, going on a therapy visit gives us a profound sense of making a difference!