Therapy dogs, trained by Highland Canine Training, LLC are helping children in a new reading program at a local Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS). The program is currently taking place at Newell Elementary School on Old Concord Road. Coyote and other Therapy dogs trained by Highland Canine Training, LLC will be joining the classroom once a week for an hour during reading time to encourage the students to read. Linda Taylor of Highland Canine Training, LLC conducts regular therapy dog classes as well as private instruction for individuals wanting to train their dogs for therapy work. These dogs often work in hospitals, assisted living homes and schools. Purebreds as well as mixed-breed dogs of all sizes and ages can be trained for this type of work. Linda stated that “Reading to the dogs is less stressful for the children, especially those who may be having trouble reading aloud. This provides the children an opportunity to hone their reading skills to an audience that will not criticize them or correct them if they make a mistake.”

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When you live in the world of dogs, you can't but help imagine what their world would be like if they faced the same issues that we do. For us, the world of smell is almost non-existent. Imagine how sophisticated aroma therapy would be if dogs were allowed to set the rules! Below, is a glimpse of what it would be like!

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Yesterday was my day to go to do pet therapy at Northridge Hospital. I get really happy to go when my HM starts getting all our things ready. I sit somewhat patiently and watch her ironing our outfits and packing my cookies. Let’s get this show on the road!

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Therapy dog training, while important, is something with which many people are not familiar. A therapy dog is one that is used to do animal assisted therapy and activities. Organizations train the dog to help people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and virtually anywhere people need some sort of therapy. So, then, how do dogs become therapy dogs? It is a fairly simple process.

A Good Citizen

Though the requirements for therapy dog training vary from state to state, it is almost universal that the dog must be certified as a canine good citizen. In order to receive that, you have to train your dog to be focused and well behaved around distractions. Generally your local animal shelter or even a therapy dog training center will have classes available for you to learn how to turn your dog into a canine good citizen.

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What is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs function to help people in emotional and physical ways. They do this by using their instincts and social learned skills. Therapy dogs provide affection and comfort to children and adults in mental institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes and homes for children with special needs.

Who Benefits From Therapy Dogs?

People with Alzheimer’s disease, learning disabilities, and individuals whose minds wander such as those with ADD/ADHD and dementia can all benefit from interacting with a therapy dog. By providing a focal point to help them focus on the here and now, they can be more productive in any task or activity in which they are involved. Therapy dogs can be used to teach a child’s lesson. Playing with the dog can be a reward for finishing homework or problem solving. The handler and the dog can use retrieving and scent discrimination to help children name colors, add numbers, spell words and work on physical skills.

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Beginning Saturday, April 5th, 2008 10.00 a.m. Highland Canine will be offering therapy dog classes at our Matthews, NC location. Our Therapy dog instructor, Linda taylor, will be teaching these fun and informative classes. The classes will meet on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and will last for about an hour. Space for theses classes is limited so email or call us at 704.500.6810 today to sign up.

The classes will work with owners and their dogs to teach them the necessary skills to work as a Therapy Dog Team. Upon completion of the Therapy Dog course both the handler and dog will be prepared for a team evaluation and registration with a Therapy Dog Organization. All dogs are welcome, mixed breeds and purebreeds, large and small. We provide all training materials needed for this course. Written materials, clickers and therapy dog harnesses will be provided as well.

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Dogs are man’s best friend. Always loyal and ever loving, this trait has made canines an integral and common part of what is fast becoming a common mode of therapy in many health care facilities. Not just dogs but animals in general have long been recognized as having a positive effect on the healing process. Dogs, especially, have a calming effect.

These dogs help people cope with emotional issues, offer physical contact, invoke pleasant memories and they divert a person’s focus from the problems of the day. That’s why they’ve been used to great success as helpers for those people who are in therapy. Dogs are specially trained for their jobs of helping to take care of the sick, the elderly or the infirm.

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