How To Get A Visit From A Therapy Dog

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How to Get a Visit from a Therapy Dog

I’ve always been a dog lover, but it wasn’t until I met my first therapy dog that I realized the incredible impact these animals can have on people’s lives. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They can help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, and they can even improve physical health.

If you’re interested in getting a visit from a therapy dog, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need to find a certified therapy dog team. You can do this by searching online or by contacting your local hospital or nursing home. Once you’ve found a team, you’ll need to schedule a visit.

How to Choose the Right Therapy Dog Team

When choosing a therapy dog team, it’s important to consider the following factors:

  • The dog’s training and experience. Make sure the dog is certified by a reputable organization and has experience working with people in your setting.
  • The handler’s experience. The handler should be experienced in working with therapy dogs and should be able to provide you with information about the dog’s training and experience.
  • The dog’s personality. The dog should be friendly and approachable, and it should be comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities.

What to Expect During a Therapy Dog Visit

During a therapy dog visit, the dog and handler will typically spend time getting to know you and your needs. The dog may sit with you, play fetch, or simply provide a calming presence. The handler will be there to answer any questions you have and to ensure that the visit is a positive experience for everyone involved.

Therapy dog visits can be a wonderful way to improve your physical and emotional health. If you’re interested in getting a visit, I encourage you to contact a certified therapy dog team today.

The Benefits of Therapy Dog Visits

There are many benefits to therapy dog visits, including:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that interacting with therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is because dogs release oxytocin, a hormone that has calming effects on the body.
  • Improved mood. Therapy dogs can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. This is because dogs provide unconditional love and support, which can help people feel less alone and more connected.
  • Increased social interaction. Therapy dogs can help people who are shy or withdrawn to become more social. This is because dogs are non-judgmental and accepting, which can make people feel more comfortable interacting with them.
  • Improved physical health. Therapy dogs can also improve physical health. This is because dogs can help people get more exercise, which can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Therapy Dog Visit

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of a therapy dog visit:

  • Be open to the experience. Therapy dogs are trained to be friendly and approachable, but they may not be right for everyone. If you’re not sure if a therapy dog visit is right for you, talk to your doctor or therapist.
  • Be respectful of the dog and handler. Therapy dogs are working animals, and they need to be treated with respect. Don’t pet or touch the dog without asking the handler first, and don’t try to feed the dog.
  • Enjoy the moment. Therapy dog visits are a special opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of a loving and supportive animal. Take some time to pet the dog, talk to the handler, and just enjoy the moment.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?

A: Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings, while service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities.

Q: How can I find a certified therapy dog team?

A: You can find a certified therapy dog team by searching online or by contacting your local hospital or nursing home.

Q: What are the benefits of therapy dog visits?

A: Therapy dog visits can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, increase social interaction, and improve physical health.

Q: How can I get the most out of a therapy dog visit?

A: To get the most out of a therapy dog visit, be open to the experience, be respectful of the dog and handler, and enjoy the moment.

Conclusion

Therapy dog visits can be a wonderful way to improve your physical and emotional health. If you’re interested in getting a visit, I encourage you to contact a certified therapy dog team today.

Are you interested in learning more about therapy dogs?

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