Delta Society is one of the largest and oldest (1977) organizations with branches all over the country. They have a very informative web site and give training and certify dogs for Animal Assisted Therapy, Animal Assisted Activities and as Pet-Partners, which is what I do with Tigger.
We visit Nursing Homes where the residents talk to Tigger, pat him and he does a few little tricks. He likes it, but it can be stressful as there are many residents on several floors and in day rooms.
The visits last an hour or so. It is very rewarding and you just cannot imagine the impact. I was surprised. Residents talk about dogs they have had, laugh, and seem to come alive.
One woman who hadn't spoken in weeks chatted to Tigger, one woman who wouldn't leave her room came out to see him People who have trouble remembering things remember his name.
Delta does the testing of dogs and the certification but allows you to choose where and when you will visit and are very understanding about it if you are away. They make it easy. I know there are other good programs too. There are programs for children where they read to the dogs. It has helped the children improve remarkably; ASPCA has such a program here in NYC. Delta certifies the dogs for it.
Havanese Make Love Go Round
The little Havanese is made for loving, and cuddles and kisses .....Often, we hear about the virtues of dog ownership. After a stress filled day, how wonderful it is to relax with your pup; perhaps a leisurely walk or a cuddle or a lively game of fetch. Just seeing or touching a dog can be beneficial to a person's health and has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as lessening anxiety. Havanese are overflowing with love. Why not consider spreading some of that love around by becoming involved in a Visiting Dog/ Pet Partners Program. It is a very rewarding activity that Havanese is well suited for. A good Visiting Dog/Pet Partner needs to be calm, gentle and friendly. These and other important traits come naturally to the Havanese.
For the purpose of this article the term Visiting Dog/Pet Partner shall refer to the dog that participates in animal assisted activities such as visiting the infirmed or elderly. Some organizations use the general term "Therapy Dog" while other organizations do not use the term "Therapy" unless a licensed Therapist is present and specific program criteria are met.
Visiting Dog Programs are found worldwide and consist of programs and organizations that facilitate canine visits to people in care facilities or at home. Such friendly, cheerful visits can help lessen feelings of depression, loneliness and isolation. Dogs don't care about things like age, appearance or infirmity, but accept people as they are. Many residents of care facilities have had to give up their beloved pets and greatly miss the companionship and unconditional love. Regular visits give them the opportunity to share feelings and thoughts as well as to reminisce about the past. A short visit can have lasting benefits; many people remain more active and responsive long after we have gone. Weekly visits are eagerly anticipated by residents and staff alike and provide a sunny break from daily routine. Staff often take a moment for a brief hello and a pat, then continue on their way with a smile.
Havanese are well suited to visits in Senior's facilities and Nursing homes. Their small size is ideal for curling up on a lap or cuddling on a bed. The super soft fur is irresistible and just begs to be stroked. The fact that they don't shed is a bonus.
Havanese are born clowns (easy to trick train) and love to show off and get attention. In our facility; many residents assemble in small sitting rooms and enjoy short trick shows followed by cuddles and kisses. A poorly responsive person can become quite animated and talkative. Joy and light shines in their eyes. In that moment, happiness is theirs: all made possible because of a tiny Havanese. Such reactions are heartwarming.
Properly qualified dogs are welcomed at a number of facilities. The old attitudes that considered dogs unclean and unwanted visitors are slowly changing as more and more studies prove the benefits. Though some facilities do allow visits from non-certified handlers and dogs, being part of a program has benefits for all involved. Joining a group provides structure, guidance, proper evaluation and certification as well as insurance coverage. Two well-known organizations are the Delta Society and Visiting Dogs International. Well-run organizations insure that both the handler, as well as the dog, is prepared to participate in animal assisted activities. The organizations have local clubs that assist with volunteer placement, support and supervision.
The work is not for everyone. Is it for you? Consider sharing the love. The benefits are many and you will get back so much more than you give.
Visiting With Rags
My two Havanese and I are active members of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs (Canada). Here's what a typical usually happens when Rags and I visit a Senior's Nursing home. Just as we arrive, I put on his therapy scarf. Then it's in to the office to sign in and check with the activities coordinator for special events as well as find out about any new residents or condition changes of our regulars. Of course, we must stop and say "Hi" to everyone in the office. Then we start visiting. Rags' first stop is one of the small breakfast rooms. Every week we catch the same 4 ladies just finishing breakfast. He pops up with one paw on a knee and cocks his head. Irresistible! They fall for it every time. They always save him some tiny tidbit. I am adamant about refusing some foods, while others, I allow, however I always control the portions. Some days he gets a crust of toast with peanut butter, or a bite of waffle or pancake or a spoonful of oatmeal and a slice of banana or maybe some scrambled eggs. Then, off we go to do individual rooms: some for just a quick hello, others for a longer visit. He knows exactly which residents allow him to hop on the bed and which residents keep dog biscuits in the night table for him. Food can be an issue. Many residents want to feed the dogs. He has even been offered such "delicacies" as peppermints, candy canes, gumdrops, cake and chocolate. I have found the best way around this is to bring my own treats. I bring a supply of Cheerios. They are tiny, not messy, easy to handle and he loves them. If residents insist on feeding, I just give them a couple to feed to Rags. The first floor of the residence has mobile, cognizant residents. That's where we start. Then it's off to the second floor. Here we have poorly responsive and more senile people. We only visit a few people here. With very little feedback, Rags can get quite stressed. This is followed up by a visit to the third floor residents who are less mobile but still cognizant. As we get there, a music volunteer has just arrived to play for the residents who are assembled in a large sitting room. While she plays, Rags dances for the residents and does a few tricks, followed by "hellos" and cuddles for all who want it. Then Rags goes to sit on the piano bench. The music lady makes a big fuss over him and offers him her music book to let him select songs. With a paw or a nose he ALWAYS picks "How Much Is That Doggie", followed by "Bingo" and "Old MacDonald". The residents love it. By now about 1&1/2 hours has passed and we have visited about 30 residents plus numerous staff members. Rags waves a paw to everyone then back down in the elevator. At the door, his favorite resident is waiting. He pops up in her lap and she takes him for a wheelchair ride to the garden or down the halls. Afterwards. we sign out and our visit is over for another week.
Becoming a Certified Visiting Dog
Any well-behaved, healthy dog of sound temperament can become a Visiting Dog/Pet Partner. Test requirements vary among organizations.
Many Visiting Dog Programs have developed training programs that ensure that both the handler as well as the dog are prepared for their work in animal assisted activities. The Delta Society, the oldest nationwide organization of its type, has a Team Evaluation process Most organizations administer a pre-screening test for the handler and dog. This helps decide whether the team is well suited for the work. A good organization will provide training sessions and a post-test to evaluate the team before awarding certification.
Overview of the Team Evaluation Process, From the Delta Society Organization, USA
The Team Evaluation process evaluates the animal/handler team, how well the handler interprets and manages the animal's behavior, and how well the animal responds to the handler.
Team evaluations are performed by Delta-licensed Team Evaluators. There are 2 parts:
1. Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST) - shows whether the animal can be controlled by you and follow basic commands. During the PPST, you will be assessed on how you interact with the evaluator, the evaluator's assistants, the animal, and the environment around you.
2. Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT) - designed to simulate conditions that may be encountered on a visit. This screening helps determine the most appropriate environment for you and your animal. Many people compare this to a temperament test. During the PPAT, you will be assessed on how well you interact with the evaluator and evaluator's assistants as you simulate being on a visit. They will be acting as though they are in a facility. Your interactions may be in the form of questions, responses to the evaluator and evaluator's comments, eye contact, smiling, head nodding, directing the animal to interact, or other verbal and nonverbal methods of communicating.
Most Organizations wish to see the following Dog/Handler Skills prior to joining training classes: Obedience Requirements: SIT, DOWN, SIT-STAY, DOWN-STAY,LOOSE-LEAD WALKING, COME WHEN CALLED, ATTENTION TO NAME, "LEAVE IT/ OFF"
Owner/Handler Requirements: The owner must demonstrate control over the dog at all times.
Examination and Handling: Dog must accept from owner and/or unfamiliar people, mild poking, pulling, holding paws and tail, grabbing scruff, patting head, and potentially uncomfortable things for many dogs like staring into the eyes and prolonged hugs. Unsettling Situations: We test for sound sensitivity and visuals which could have a negative effect on dogs who do not have the temperament for this work from keys dropping to approaching hospital equipment, people yelling and screaming, metal trays clanging etc.
Meetings and Greetings: Dogs should be able to sit to meet as many people as possible.
Canine Behaviors/Conditions that are incompatible with the work of Visiting Dog Programs:
· Aggression towards humans
· Aggression towards other dogs
· Marked signs of fearfulness or shyness
· Inappropriate urinating or defecating
· Hyper-activity (including inattentiveness, excessive barking, jumping up, excessive licking, mouthing or pawing)
· Medical concerns/advanced age such as: fatigue, stiffness, excessive panting or other signs of discomfort.
Handler Behaviors that are incompatible with Visiting Dog Programs:
· Rough or abusive handling of the dog
· Unwillingness to take direction from trainers
Resources
The Pet Partners Team Training Course provides complete and more detailed information. FMI: Delta Society Pet Partners Program
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program (Canada)
Many other excellent local organizations exist and can be found by contacting local resources such as dog training clubs or by conducting an internet search.
It has been claimed that dog agility is the fastest growing dog sport these days. I believe it! What a terrific way to have fun with the family dog! Dog agility is a set of obstacles that the dog must negotiate under the direction of the handler. There are jumps to go over, tunnels to run through, ramps to climb, poles to weave through and even a seesaw board to tip! Small dogs, big dogs, pedigreed dogs, mixed breed dogs - everyone gets to play! And the true thrill of the sport is learning to work together to solve the problem presented by the arrangement of the obstacles.
The foundation of dog agility is your relationship with your dog - playing together, working together, running together, and having fun together. When people ask me how to start a puppy in dog agility, its easy - relationship, relationship, relationship! Play tug games with your puppy, play chase games with him (he chases you, not the other way), play fetch. It's easy with our Havs. They are so tuned to us and so attentive to us. We get a head-start on owner-focus.
Jumping and weaving are advanced skills that are best taught once your puppy's bones have finished growing. Check with your vet as to whether or not the growth plates have closed before doing any jump training. In the meantime, you can teach your puppy to run through cardboard boxes to simulate the agility tunnels. You can teach him to walk through a ladder laid flat on the ground to learn to walk in a narrow space. You can then teach him to walk on a board flat on the ground. In fact, you can teach him to walk over all kinds of challenging surfaces as a way to broaden his confidence for any novel situation.
There are many agility organizations to choose from, each with slightly different rules and slightly different style:
· United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA)
· North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)
· Canine Performance Events (CPE)
· Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA)
TDAA is a new organization specifically for small dogs. The equipment is proportioned for small dogs and the course layouts are proportioned for small dog running ability. There are an ever-growing number of agility trainers and clubs. Clean Run Magazine keeps a database of clubs on its website. Simple equipment can be home-made.
Dog agility is just plain fun! Most dogs really, really love to run around and "do stuff". You don't have to have aspirations to be on the U.S. World Team to enjoy dog agility. With a good trainer, you can learn to teach your dog in a fun, happy, positive way. It's a good idea to have some basics in place before attending a busy, noisy, high energy agility class. Many trainers are now offering pre-agility or obedience for agility classes. You'll need to have your dog be able to sit, stay, come when called, give you his attention in distracting circumstances in order to have a safe and fun experience in an agility class.
If you have any questions regarding dog agility resources or training, please feel free to write to me, Helix Fairweather at
The puppy cannot be expected to hold its bowels or bladder well until about 12 weeks of age. You will need to get a book on potty training and adhere to its teachings. You will have to get up off your bottom and be consistent and put forth effort to have a well house broken puppy. It has been my experience that all puppies can be house broken. It is usually the new owners who have not done their job well when they are not. Expect your Havanese to be somewhat consistent at 4 months old. By nine months if you are still having accidents there has been a problem in the training.
Your pup is going to pick up everything it can in its mouth and in the yard. It will eat grass and weeds. You have to clean up all of your grass cuttings. Rotting grass will kill the pup if it eats it. You must be careful and watch what goes in the pup's mouth. Antifreeze has to be stored up and away from your pup. If it licks the container it is going to die. Lawn plants and bushes are a no no. Houseplants are a no no. Swimming pools have killed a lot of Havs. They jump in and cannot get out. They tire quickly and drown. Getting their heads stuck in the openings of chain link and wooden fencing has killed Havs. or caused severe nerve damage. Large dogs reaching over fences and enclosures as well as snatching them up when they are being walked on lead have killed Havs. Birds of prey have swept down out of the sky and taken off with small Hav puppies. Know your environment and take care for unexpected situations.
Warning!!
If your puppy cannot jump on something easily it should not be allowed to jump off of it, if put on it. Furniture and beds are the number one cause of injury. The puppy can have the best patellas in the world but once they are injured from a force sustained landing off of a high place they may need surgery to fix them. If you are lucky they may just be weakened. Reclining chairs and exercise equipment as well as rocking chairs are all very dangerous. Be careful on all stairs and do not force them up and down them until they are ready. Havanese squirm and leap in your arms. Take care not to let your puppy lunge squirm or leap out of your arms striking its head. This happens all of the time. Hips are damaged, epilepsy can result from a blow to the head, legs are broken and lives are lost from the pup flinging itself out of your arms and striking its head or a sharp or hard object when it lands abruptly.
You may need to prepare a head of time for your new pup’s arrival especially if you have very young children or other pets. Ideally you should have brought your new puppy home in a kennel. The kennel should serve as a car seat for your Havanese from infancy to old age. This limits the possibility of bolting into traffic if you are involved in an auto accident. They will not have their necks broken in a panic stop. They will not distract you while you are driving. Take the puppy out of the kennel you brought it home in to relieve itself in a secure area before taking it in the house. Put the puppy back in his or her kennel and enter the house. Set the kennel down on the floor where your other pets can visit and smell without having access to push and prod with their paws or noses. The arrival home should be without a lot of loud excitement that can scare an already confused puppy. Let the puppy rest. It will take about 3 days for the puppy to acclimate to his or her surroundings. Do not get upset if he or she is not hungry right away. Try not to place too many demands on the puppy for the first 3 days. After the puppy has rested a while and the newness has worn off with the family pets, take the puppy out of its kennel and take it to a spot in a secured area of your yard and let it relieve itself. You are to stay with the puppy when it is taken to its spot to go to the bathroom. If it goes you are to quietly praise the puppy. Then you can go back in the house and ask the children to sit Indian style on the floor and supervise both pup and kids as they are introduced to one another. Let the puppy warm up to them. Ask that they do not wildly kick their feet, or raise their voices or grab at the puppy with fast motions. Once the puppy gets comfortable with its new surroundings and family then you will not need to be as cautious. You must always be careful where you are walking and closing doors. You do not want to step on the puppy or slam its head shut in a door. If the puppy gets too excited during the introduction to children and jumps up in their faces or pulls their clothes right now is the time to start training it not to be so wild. You can be firm in voice and determination from the start with a puppy who just plunges right in.