| READING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE DOG |
May 14, 2009 |
1 |
May 14, 2009
R.E.A.D.
So now you have your dog certified as a therapy dog. If you would like to go on and do something more exciting and rewarding for your community, consider the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) program. This is also a national program and in most cases, you will function as an independent volunteer. You will assist elementary school Reading Coaches who need an extra stimulus for children who are reading below grade level. Children read to the dog without intimidation. Your dog creates an environment that makes the child feel special and not singled out or different. For this there is only one organization for national certification: R.E.A.D. A Program of Intermountain Therapy Animals www.therapyanimals.com 1-801-272-3439. They can tell you if there is anyone in your area doing this volunteer work. You can order the course, take the exam, get your team certification, and get started presenting yourself to school boards, libraries, book stores, etc. In some areas like here in JAX, FL, we have an umbrella organization patterned after the national program that assists in fund raising to help offset the cost of supplies and books. See pawsitivepets.org
Finally, if you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me. If I can't answer your question, I can refer you to someone who can. Welcome to the world of owning a coton - your dog thinks you are special because you chose him/her. |
| TRAINING DOGS FOR THERAPY WORK |
May 14, 2009 |
1 |
May 14, 2009
HOW TO GET STARTED
A. First of all, your dog needs to be 12 months old before the dog can start qualification/certification for this wonderful, fulfilling social team work. If you are interested and feel your dog has the personality to share with others, and be able to mix well with other animals in a confined environment such as a hospital rooms, nursing homes, hospice, rehab centers, etc., use this first year getting the dog its Cainine Good Citizenship certificate - usually run at Pet Smart. Most therapy organizations require this first step in the therapy process. The following information will help you join a local therapy organization, certify your dog as an independent team, or go all the way and be the first to start a grassroots program in your area.
B. Therapy dog certification: There are several national and local therapy dog certification programs. The first step is to contact your local Humane Society and see who in your area is certified as an "instructor/trainer". That individual will fall under one the the national organizations. I use Therapy Dogs, Incorporated. Two other large organizations are Delta and Therapy Dogs International. TD,Inc can assit you in locating an instructor/trainer to sign off your certification. You can reach them through www.therapydogs.com or 1-877-843-7364. Once certified, you are covered by insurance at not cost to you.
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