Chatting with a Pro Part 2

In Part 2 of Chatting with a Pro we get the chance to interview a teacher who works with student in the special education department. Here is what Cosmo's handler had to say:

1). How did you become interested in using a therapy animal with your job?

I really wanted to get a therapy dog for my adopted kids. We felt that they needed the emotional support that a dog can provide. When I decided that was needed in my home, I realized that I wanted to bring him to work with me and train him to be at school.

2). What approach did you take for training Cosmo? Did you go through a training program together or home training, etc.?

I have worked with 2 different trainers. We have done obedience courses with both of them. He also has passed the Good Canine Citizen test that AKC uses for registration. I got ready for that course with the 2nd trainer that we used. My trainers recommended the owner be present for training. This is a less expensive way versus sending the dog to a professional trainer. But then the owner also is already trained.

3). How long did the training take you to complete?

Both trainers did 6 lessons with us of basic obedience. The 2nd trainer also did an advanced course specifically for passing the GCC test

4). How do students respond to having Cosmo in your class? And/or how does Cosmo respond during their time of need?

Most students have loved having Cosmo around and watching him play and interact. There were a few at the beginning of the year that mentioned he was distracting. He was much more "barky" at the beginning of the year and I do think that was distracting. But he has definitely settled down in that area. Cosmo is just beginning to develop a sensitivity to emotional needs. I do see that if it is obvious he is more aware and will hang out with certain students. Once in awhile when it hasn't been obvious he stops and lays down by students and I wonder if he is sensing something in them. So it's hard to say, he may definitely be in tune. But he is still a puppy, entertainment and play is more important to him for now.

5). What advice would you give someone contemplating completing training for a therapy animal?

I would talk to dog owners and even get a few different situations. It is a lot of work, be prepared to get through the puppy stage and don't give up. It is a lot of money to train and a lot of time and attention is needed. More than I really was aware of. But Cosmo is really doing so well with me here at school and at home, I feel it has been worth it to have a dog that is pretty well behaved indoors and outdoors.

6). Has Cosmo ever been exposed to an emergency situation (lights, sirens, fast paced movements, etc.)?

He has heard sirens and lights. He hasn't really reacted much. He has been in noisy situations like the basketball gym during an assembly. Mostly he does pretty good in noisy chaotic situations. He alerts more in quiet environments when there are sudden sounds or strange sounds he doesn't know what are.

7) What is the number one benefit of a therapy animal in school with you?

It brings happiness to the students. They love to hug him. Sensory - they love to pet him. I have many students come up to me and talk to him and say hi to him every day. More than I ever have, most students I don't teach and I still don't even know. But they know him. Now that he is off leash they are even more open to coming up to him and petting and loving on him. The leash before seemed to be a boundary they weren't sure if they could cross.

8). Do you very training for different settings school office church or for medical reasons?

He hasn't been specifically trained for different environments. But he has been pretty exposed to different places. We have taken him to a lot of different houses. I took him to a different soccer field for a game in Tucson. I haven't done church, but I think he would be fine there. He is easily distracted to obedience with treats. I always keep them around. I think in a year he won't need them as much.

9). Has Cosmo been exposed to gross medical situations? Blood vomit broken bones?

He has not been exposed to these situations. He is very good at scents. It probably would be fine if he was de-sensitized to these smells first. I think then they would be nothing to him after he got over the newness.

10). Are there any events or situations you choose not to take Cosmo into if so why?

I only don't take him if he isn't welcome. Like restaurants, I always check to see if they are dog friendly. He loves to smell food but with direction he will leave it alone.

11). Do you feel that therapy animals could be a benefit or a hindrance to the athletic training facility? If so why or why not?

I think like with any training, it would need to be taken slowly. I think with a training it would be a benefit. Due to the fact that humans calm down with animals. The unconditional love and the sensory are just things that humans respond to. I have a student that didn't prefer him and I think she is the one that complained he was distracting, but now she is ok with him coming over to say hi. It takes some people more time to be comfortable. But I think in a training room they would be able to bring down the stress level of a client or patient for sure.

Cosmo's handler mentions he is still in the puppy training phases, which gives a good perspective from someone who is still in the process. There is a vigorous time and money commitment with training a therapy animal. This is not just a weekend adventure that will be over once the animal learns one new trick. New experiences and places take exposure time. Cosmo is still young and has more to learn, but he has shown progress as a good therapy animal.

We would love to hear your opinion and concerns with therapy animals specifically in the athletic training facility. In our next blog we will be taking a survey on therapy animals place in the athletic training facility. Please share your opinions by taking the survey in our next blog by Two ATs and A Blog! #TwoATsAndABlog