THERAPY DOG EVALUATION
The team is under observation from the time it enters the test area. A clean
tidy appearance is expected from both the handler and dog, as they will be the
ambassadors for the programme. A dog that relieves itself during the evaluation
has failed. A dog displaying any signs of aggression to other dogs or
humans (i.e. continuous barking, snarling, growling, lunging, showing teeth)
has failed. A handler seen harshly correcting his dog is an automatic
failure. A handler seen not following poop/scoop rule will fail.
During the evaluation and on all visits the dog must wear a flat buckle or snap
collar and be on a 4’ or 6’ leather or nylon web leash. No promise collars,
prong collar, halti or choke chain permitted. The dog should always be
close to the handler. At no time should the dog be allowed to extend the leash
to the fullest. Handlers may not use food to lure the dog during any of
the categories.
INTRODUCING TEAM TO EVALUATOR:
PASS _____ FAIL____
#1 While the
Evaluator is standing in the center of the evaluation area (wearing white coat
simulating a Doctor will be worn for this category) the team will approach quietly
and introduce themselves to the Evaluator. The dog must not jump on Evaluator
but remain quiet (either standing or sitting) while the handler and Evaluator
exchange a few pleasantries.
The Evaluator will ask permission to examine the dog (handler’s refusal is a
failure). The Evaluator will examine the dog looking for a calm, stable
attitude and good grooming. The Evaluator will pat the dog’s head, gently
fondle the ears, stroke the dog’s body and tail, lift both front paws and check
that nails are short and filed smooth. Small dogs that would normally
be lifted up to visit and/or those normally carried weighing less than fifteen
(15) pounds will be placed on a table for this examination.
At no time should the dog display shyness or resentment to being touched.
A slight leaning away or movement away will not be taken as shyness as this
is a natural tendency for some breeds. The Evaluator will not stare at
the dog but should monitor the dog’s reactions for signs of discomfort or distress
at being handled. Any growling, snarling or cowering is a failure.
A dog that is unduly stressed by the Evaluator touching him has failed.
WALKING AS A THERAPY DOG
PASS _____
FAIL_____
#2 The Evaluator
will demonstrate a specific course for the team to walk. The pattern will
include a right and left hand turn as well as an about turn with at least one
stop in the middle and another at the end of the course. The dog
must walk in a controlled mannerly fashion while on a loose leash. The handler
may talk to his dog to encourage him to stay close. The dog does not have
to sit at each stop but should stop and remain reasonably close to the handler.
A plate of cookies (not dog cookies) is placed on a chair or table to gauge
the handler’s control over the dog passing a “cookie trolley” in facilities.
The handler must exhibit control over their dog without resorting to physical
corrections.
MILLING CROWD
PASS______ FAIL_____
#3 The team
moves about politely among the moving pedestrian traffic with the dog on a short
leash. The handler may talk to his dog to encourage the dog to stay close
and move smartly. The dog should display confidence and may show interest
in the pedestrian movement but should not interfere with their movement. If
the dog displays shyness, anxiety, pushes into the people or jumps up it shall
fail.
The four pedestrians will stand in a designated numbered spot and each pedestrian
will begin walking back and forth from their place through the center of the
test area to the other side and return to their number; they will continue to
do so until the Evaluator advises them to stop.
The team will walk around and pass close to each numbered spot as directed by
the Evaluator.
Note: The Team will complete #4 and #5 when called up
PATIENTLY SITTING FOR PETTING
PASS _____ FAIL_____
#4 With the
dog in a standing or sitting position beside the handler the Evaluator or Asst.
Evaluator will approach and ask, “May I pet your dog”? The Evaluator
will bend over the dog to pet it (lightly tapping the head and hip area) and
then walk around the team and return to the front. The dog should not
show more than mild interest in the movement of the Evaluator. Any indication
of aggression such as growling, lifting of the lip, jumping to a stand or spinning
to follow the Evaluator is a failure.
PRAISE/INTERACTION
PASS _____ FAIL _____
#5 The dog
should be easily calmed by the handler after a short play or praise period.
The handler may use verbal praise, petting, playing with a toy and/or favourite
trick in the allotted time frame and then calm the dog upon a signal from the
Evaluator or Asst. Evaluator. Failure would occur if the dog ignores
the handlers command and does not calm down but continues to demand that the
playing continue.
Note: The dog will not fail if it does not have to become excited as many
dogs simply have a laid back attitude.
REACTION TO OTHER DOGS
PASS ______ FAIL _____
#6 A test
area of not less than eight (8) feet square in size will be marked out with
four numbers. Four handlers will approach a predetermined number with
their dog on a short lead and have the dog sit on the handler’s left side.
The Evaluator will ask two teams opposite each other to walk forward – halt,
shake hands and introduce themselves. The handlers are facing each other
at arms length. Upon instruction from the Evaluator the teams will pass
each other with dogs passing side by side to the numbered spot in front of them,
turn and halt. The other two teams upon instruction from the
Evaluator will repeat this sequence as the other teams quietly watch.
The handler may talk to his dog. The dog should move alongside his handler
in a mannerly fashion. If a dog lunges, snaps, growls or displays any
aggression to another dog or another handler it would fail. The Evaluator
and Assistant Evaluator will closely monitor the interaction and should expect
the team to be polite and courteous. A dog exhibiting friendly curiosity
as other teams pass will not fail.
Dog will complete #7, #8 and #9 when called up.
DOG VISITING STATIONARY CROWD
PASS______ FAIL_____
#7 A group
of four to five people using canes, walkers or crutches form a circle. One person
should wear a baseball hat. One of the crowd should be a child approximately
12 years of age (or an adult kneeling) holding a soft fuzzy toy under their
arm/between their knees where the dog can easily get it. The “child” must
not have any previous interaction with the dog or handler prior to this category
so Evaluator can gauge dog’s initial response. The team will walk around inside
the circle with the dog closest to the crowd. The people will touch and
stroke the dog if the dog stops to visit. The team will complete the circle
twice. Dogs less than 10 pounds may be carried but should also be closest
to the people to allow petting. If the dog takes the fuzzy toy it
must relinquish it immediately upon command of the handler or will fail the
test. The person holding the fuzzy toy must not tease or tempt the dog
to take the toy.
#8 With the
group still in the circle the team is asked to step away and turn their back
to the circle. A volunteer that has not yet interacted with the teams
puts on a dressing gown and will stand motionless with head bowed staring at
the floor. The team returns to the circle and approaches as close as possible
to the robed person. The dog may sit, stand or down. The Evaluator
will monitor the dog’s reaction closely for signs of stress and uneasiness for
approximately 10 seconds and then advise the person in the robe to acknowledge
and pet the dog. It is important that the dog doesn’t have any prior interaction
with this volunteer to accurately gauge his response.
#9 The team
enters the center of the circle. The dog will sit beside handler facing
the Evaluator. Upon a signal from the Evaluator the crowd will advance
in unison with one arm stretched out and the fist closed. The crowd will
call the dog’s name and greet it in a friendly manner. If the handler
deliberately blocks contact between the dog and any person in the circle this
would be a failure.
The Evaluator will watch the dog for any signs of shyness, resentment or aggression
and react quickly if the dog displays any of these traits and fail the dog.
NOTE: The team will complete #10, #11, and #12 when called up.
The dog may be startled by the noise distractions and the excited child visitor
but should regain composure. Any display of aggression or fear would be
a failure.
WHEELCHAIR VISIT AND DISTRACTIONS
PASS ______ FAIL____
#10 Sitting in a wheelchair
the Evaluator will approach the sitting dog and handler from behind.
When approaching the team the Evaluator will use an excited manner and ask to
pet the dog. A dog 15 pounds or less will be placed in the Evaluator’s
lap (handler will keep hold of leash) – refusal to place dog on the Evaluator’s
lap would be a failure. When evaluating a large breed, the evaluator will place
their arm over the withers in a relaxed manner while gauging the dog for shyness,
resentment or aggression that would result in a failure.
#11 The Evaluator will
ask the handler if they may give the dog a treat – his refusal would be a failure.
The handler may supply the dog treat and tell their dog to take it gently.
The Evaluator will firmly hold the treat while offering it to the dog to ensure
the dog takes it gently and displays patience. The dog may refuse the
treat – this refusal IS NOT A FAILURE. If the dog snaps or lunges
for the treat it would be considered a failure.
#12 While the Evaluator
is in the wheelchair petting the dog
a/ another
assistant will drop one of the following approximately six feet behind the dog
–
- bag of empty cans (assorted sizes for optimum noise)
- stainless steel bowl
- push over a chair (folding metal preferred)
b/ a
child or assistant evaluator acting like an excited child will run up to Evaluator
but on the opposite side that dog is sitting and excitedly tell them of something
wonderful they just saw. Runner should be within dog’s range of sight.
The Evaluator should be prepared to restrain a small dog on their lap from possibly
jumping at the child. Dog should show interest and mild excitement but any lunging,
jumping towards child or any signs of aggression would be a failure. Dog
should then be allowed to visit this person to end on a positive note.
Congratulate the successful teams and invite the Team Leader to address the
group and distribute the appropriate forms.