Animal Assisted Therapy

I just happened upon a book on Animal Volunteers, which is about animals used in therapy or for activities at nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, and other institutions. Mostly dogs are used but some groups use other animals. There are horses that are used to help people with physical disabilities gain better balance and muscle coordination and just have fun by riding.

I've heard of all this before but didn't realize how organized it was and all the requirements involved to get an animal and handler approved. I'm considering seeing if I can do this with my dog, Willow, as people love her. When I was selling my house, people weren't interested in the house but wanted to buy my dog. Even my mom likes her and she doesn't like dogs.

Is anyone here involved with this or know much about it? I'm looking at enrolling Willow in obedience school. Even if she doesn't make the cut, I'd love to be able to take her more places. Right now, she's better behaved off a leash than on. The leash means we're going somewhere exciting (like on a walk or camping or the vet's - she likes the vet) so she gets very excited, too excited. On the other hand she gets into a kennel, bathtub, or goes back to the house with just a finger-point so she's got to be trainable.

Hi, every state is different but if you check with your Vet he may be able to point you in the right direction. This is such a noble endeavor and might I say fun, not only for the people but for the animals as well. They actually know they are service dogs and seem so proud. I would say that your dog sounds extremely trainable from what you've said. Good luck and God Bless you both. Oh and most Service dogs wear lightweight halters, not leashs....