A few weeks ago I received an email from a man who had just completed our Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training Class with his three year old Golden Retriever. He was requesting a private lesson with me to see if his dog is ready to have her therapy dog evaluation. I receive many requests for my private lessons for just this reason.
Our Therapy Dog Training Classes teach the skills and techniques people and dogs (The Team) need to make successful therapy dog visits. Lots of information is covered in class. Nothing replaces being in an actual healthcare setting, however, and utilizing those skills and techniques with the residents and patients. Things come up that weren’t covered in class. Different things come up with every visit. I hold my hour-long private lessons at a super dog-friendly nursing home that I have been visiting on a regular basis for twenty-one years. The residents and staff love having the different dogs come in. The more the merrier!
Yesterday I meet Steve and his wonderful Golden Retriever Sophie at the nursing home for our scheduled private lesson. Steve was quite uncertain whether or not Sophie is ready to go ahead with having her evaluation. As it turned out, Sophie was more ready than Steve was. He lacked the know-how to teach Sophie her basic commands: heel, sit, down, stay. I noticed Sophie looking to Steve for direction, which he wasn’t sure how to give. Once we spent time going over the basics, the two started working together as a Team.
What Steve lacked in obedience training skills, he made up for in the important part of the therapy dog visit: interacting with the residents. Steve proved a natural at conversing with the residents and Sophie was totally engaged. When not sure what to do next, Sophie looked to Steve for direction, which he expertly gave to his canine teammate. The physical therapy room was packed with patients receiving PT, and there were several therapists there, too. All were eager to interact with both Steve and Sophie. From there, we headed to a resident’s room where Sophie and Steve brightened her day. Sophie with her soft fur and sweet expressive face, and Steve with his light-hearted conversation.
I love meeting the people and dogs who choose to become involved with therapy dog work. Each person I meet has his or her own special reason for becoming involved. I was blown away by Steve and Sophie. These two have a great future ahead of them as a Bright Spot Therapy Dog Team. I recommended that they go ahead with setting up their evaluation. After the lesson, Steve had the confidence he needed to lead Sophie through a successful exam and onto becoming certified. I can’t wait to hear where this Team decides to visit. Wherever they go, the people they visit will receive much comfort and joy.