I came across an article that raises a an interesting question. Therapy dogs do so much for people. They are exposed to a lot of human pain. Does this have an effect on the dogs. Do they sometimes need help?
http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...t=2&at=dt0
I never thought about this before. We are all so excited about the good that therapy dogs do we forget that they have needs too.
I guess this needs to be an important part of the training program. The people who work with therapy dogs need to know how to recognize when the dog has needs. Maybe the dog needs to spend time playing with healthy children or playing with other dogs.
It is certainly something they are going to need to consider when they plan to use therapy dogs to help people. If they are taking on our pain, we need to find ways to take on their pain. Dogs give so much, they deserve to receive even more.
I don't know how I missed this thread....but never mind I've found it now.
This is definitely something to consider. A dog will do as it's trained to do, and will do what brings its handler/human companion pleasure. A dog will also adapt to any way of life without complaint. Though of course even what they will adapt to isn't always good for them.
Dogs generally like having some occupation or work to do. That is what I've observed anyway. They know when they have done a good job.
Humans who are sensitive to dogs and their body language and ways they communicate, can usually tell when a dog has 'had enough' of any particular thing....or is tired, starting to show slight signs of stress....or simply needs a break and to do something healthy and doggy.
The difficulty could arise when the dog's human is not so tuned-in and misses the early signs, or when there are schedules to meet.
They are pretty empathic, so could take on energies from disabled or dying people. Dogs are usually good at changing the subject and shaking something off (literally) They are always ready to live in the moment...but I think it's up to the handler to be really in tune with the therapy dog's mental and emotional needs and there should not be too much pressure on. The dogs should get lots of time off.
I thought it was a really interesting subject to consider. As humans we tend to focus on schedules and plans. We are not good at looking after human care givers. I don't think it had occurred to most people that dogs need care when they are working as therapy dogs.
I am sure dogs take on much of the stress, fear and pain of the humans they help. That is why therapy dogs are so effective.
There must be many times that a therapy dog is full of all the human problems that it can carry. That dog needs to find a way to recharge, rejuvenate and let go of the pain.
Watching a dog for signs of strain is good, but it would be better if they planned "dog care" into the schedule. We all need to plan
some self care into our days when we do things for others. Since dogs rely on us for their schedules and their care, it is our responsibility to give the dogs that care.
I am just glad someone has noticed the need and has brought it to the attention of others. Now maybe therapy dogs will get the help they need to keep on with their work and still stay happy.
(05-01-2017, 02:27 PM)Catherine Wrote: [ -> ]Watching a dog for signs of strain is good, but it would be better if they planned "dog care" into the schedule. We all need to plan
some self care into our days when we do things for others. Since dogs rely on us for their schedules and their care, it is our responsibility to give the dogs that care.
Yes, true. Even waiting for the first signs of a dog being overloaded may be putting too much strain on it. Usually a dog will give very early signs of slight discomfort....such as shaking its body, yawning, looking at the handler, or licking lips. But of course they are so intent on doing things to please, that some may not show such signs until they are starting to feel real discomfort.
Planning properly is the answer. But of course alll dogs are different. But the handler/human companion has to make sure no dog really enters a stress scenario.
I would think the best way to be sure the dog is okay is to plan a special fun time after each shift of work as a therapy dog.
If the dog isn't stressed it is okay. A little extra fun never hurt any dog. If the dog is just starting to feel stressed and is not showing signs yet, the planned fun will solve the problem. If the dog is already stressed and showing signs, the planned fun will be just in time to help.
Dogs are great at giving to others so we need to be sure we don't let them give too much.