Why is it so calming to spend time with a sweet dog?
There’s something about petting a friendly dog that lowers our blood pressure and takes our mind off our troubles, at least for that moment.
Dog people understand.
And while every dog owner has a special relationship with their own canine, there are some dogs that have that “it” factor — the right combination of personality traits that make them the ideal animal to visit people in a hospital setting.
Endeavor Health needs more dogs for its popular Animal-Assisted Therapy Program at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville and Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital. The program’s furry volunteers have made more than 250,000 patient visits since it began 2002.
Does your dog have what it takes?
To be a successful canine therapist, dogs must have specific temperaments and abilities. Here are six signs your pet would be a good therapy dog:
- Your dog will sit/lie down/stay/recall/leave-it on command.
- Your dog can walk loosely on a leash without pulling. We know it’s hard for dogs to contain themselves when they’re excited, but therapy dogs need to be mellow pups.
- They get along well with other dogs. It may be unusual to see a dog in the hospital, but at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals they may encounter other therapy dogs or even service animals.
- Perform required commands without treats. Therapy dogs must be obedient rule followers.
- Your dog likes people. Especially strangers. An obvious characteristic for therapy dogs, since the point is visiting with people, but it’s important to assess.
- Not be overly vocal. Barking or whining in the hospital would not go over well.
Think your dog has what it takes? For more information and to apply, visit the Animal-Assisted Therapy page and complete the online application. Applicants will be contacted for pre-screening.
Evaluators will ask handlers of dogs who meet qualification requirements to come in for temperament testing on Sept. 6 or 7, within a 2-hour time slot at Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St. in Naperville. Dogs and their handlers selected for the program must attend mandatory training at Edward Hospital on Oct. 19 and 20, from 8 am-5 pm both days.
But first, a few more requirements to check off:
- The dog must be at least 1 year of age at time of testing
- Your dog must have lived with you for at least six months at time of testing
- All dogs must be current on all vaccinations
- Prong collars, gentle leaders and retractable leashes are not permitted
- Handlers must be age 18 or older
For more information, call Cynthia Brooks at (630) 527-5305 or email cynthia.brooks [at] eehealth.org (cynthia[dot]brooks[at]eehealth[dot]org).
