Our next evaluation is scheduled for May 16th, 2009, At the Adams House beginning at 1:00 PM. Shortly before the evaluation, you’ll receive an email advising you of your approximate time slot. We ask that you and your dog remain outside until called. There are several comfortable seats out front.
When you’re called, you’ll be escorted to the registration table where our Vice President, Tony Morrow will process you. You should have a copy of your health certificate. You will sign a document which is basically a Hold Harmless and agreement that you will maintain currency of your dog’s shots.
Tony serves a dual role. He will be the first patient you visit. Remember to keep to the right on left of his Hooveround. This is for your and your dog’s protection. Never stand directly in front of a wheelchair, walker or similar ambulatory device. You will introduce you and your dog to him (this applies to all patients/residents) and ask him if he likes dogs. You may phrase this anyway you want. At some point the evaluation may take a cane or other object and touch the dog gently in various places to judge its reaction.
Next we will go into the living room area of the Adams House. We cannot predict how many residents will be there or how many enjoy the company of dogs. A guess would be 4-5. After competing your visitations, we will move back into the dining area where the evaluator will take control of your dog. You will then be asked to move out of the dog’s sight for 1-2 minutes. Once this is successfully completed, you and your dog are Certified Handler and Certified Therapy Dog respectively.
You will be given an ID badge identifying you on one side and your Therapy Dog on the other. Bother of you will receive Diplomas suitable for framing. We will then collect the $25 fee. You will then be asked to go back outside where your “graduation” picture will be taken.
Even though you are now certified, we would like you to stay until all dogs and handlers have been certified for a short meeting which includes a Q & A session. The evaluation is the beginning of the learning curve. Hopefully, we can address other issues in the meeting which will help acclimate you to the visitation environment.
Below is the actual checklist the evaluator uses to assess you and your dog. This is subject to revision at any time. These are not necessarily in order and you may not be aware that some of the items are being judged.
ALPHA SOCIETY, INC.
Therapy Dog Checklist Dog Name_
Canine's Abilities & Temperament
How does the dog respond when requested to perform a task? Is he/she happy to comply? Does he/she show signs of confusion, stress or not respond quickly or maybe not at all? ____P _____F
Does the dog seem comfortable with the handler? Does he/she show signs of confusion, stress or not respond quickly or maybe not at all? ____P _____F
Can the dog obey commands reliably around other dogs without the handler having to repeat them and without paying more attention to the other dog rather than the handler? ____P _____F
Does the dog accept petting willingly with no shyness, fear or aggression? ____P _____F
Is the dog willing to be petted for long periods of time without agitation, stress or fear? ____P _____F
Is the dog willing to be hugged or petted with a “heavy hand” by persons of all ages? ____P _____F
Does the dog startle to: sounds, wheelchairs, canes, people walking with an uneven gait, loud & obnoxious people, screaming kids & crowded places.? ____P _____F
Does the dog seem comfortable when separated from its owner (owner out of sight) while the dog is under the control of the evaluator? ____P _____F
Handler’s Abilities & Attentiveness
Does the handler possess good handling skills—has the dog on a loose leash & in complete control? ____P _____F
Does the handler know when the dog is stressed & respond appropriately? ____P _____F
Does the handler know how to handle the dog if it shows signs of stress? ____P _____F
Does the handler know how to keep his/her dog happy & upbeat & about the task being performed or requested? ____P _____F
Do the handler and dog have an obvious understanding & work well as a team? ____P _____F
Does the handler seem stressed or nervous? ____P _____F
Does the handler get frustrated easily if the dog doesn’t comply? ____P _____F
How does the handler handle the dog if he/she is not responding well? ____P _____F
Is the handler calm & comfortable at all times? ____P _____F
Is the handler in tune with the dog as well as his/her surroundings? ____P _____F
Recommendations given to handler____________________________________________________________________
APPROVED ____y _____N
EVALUATOR_________________________________________ DATE______________________