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Animal-Assisted Therapy Dogs International (TDI)

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The human-animal bond is a very powerful connection, built strongly on the practices of healing and understanding. The relation is mutually beneficial for both parties, stimulating better health in both the human and his or her animal companion. Animal-assisted therapy utilizes this unique connection to treat those suffering from a variety of illnesses, diseases, and disorders. More specifically, the use of therapy dogs is the most common form of animal-assisted therapy. Their services are vastly used all around the world and are quickly growing in popularity as one of the most practiced therapeutic methods to date. Although this therapeutic method is becoming so prominent, there are many still questioning whether animal-assisted therapy is …show more content…

Dogs can be certified through many different programs, but in particular, Therapy Dogs International (TDI), a volunteer organization, has a detailed protocol of therapy dog certification. TDI implements two different phases into their certification. Phase 1 tests dogs in groups, while phase two evaluates dogs individually. There are 13 tests in total, seven tests in phase one and six tests in phase two. Test number one of phase one simulates a hospital visit and evaluates each dog’s hygiene and grooming. After completing the first test, the dogs will then be challenged to sit and stay while their handlers fill out paperwork. The third test simulates patient halls, where people confront the dog from all sides, examining how the dog interacts with large groups of people. Tests number four, five, and six again test the dog’s ability to sit and stay or lay down and stay while their handler walks away. The final test of Phase one assesses the dog’s behavior while with a patient. This test is to make sure the patient knows that the dog is easily available for petting. Once completed phase one, handlers and their dogs will now move on to phase two, which is individually tested. The first test of phase two checks the dog’s ability to stay calm in unusual situations, such as mass chaos or various sounds. Tests number eight and nine assess the dog’s self-control when enticed with a treat from a patient they are visiting, or when they find a piece of food left on the ground. Once completed eight and nine the dog will then practice meeting other dogs and also practice entering a facility. The final test evaluates the dog’s behavior when around rambunctious children. This test is made to challenge the dog to remain by his or her handler at all times, no mater the situation. TDI’s testing program is made to insure that every dog certified would truly make for a great

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