PACTT Handler Workshop, Assessment and Orientation

By: Karyn Munford (GDB Dog Placement Coordinator - Oregon)

My dog Ceili and I are now ready to go to the next step in becoming a PACTT (Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams) team. The elements looked for in this phase are: handler skills, dog skills, and communication skills. All should be done with ease, confidence and a friendly demeanor. Treats and appropriate handling equipment such as head collars are encouraged if needed.

The Handler Workshop Phase and Assessment Phase
During the workshop, GDB Community Field Representative Deana Allen thoroughly explains and demonstrates necessary skills. The group teams (up to five teams) then each have an opportunity to practice and ask questions. After the workshop, a time and date is be set for the assessment phase. Criteria to be assessed includes overall dog grooming and appearance, basic obedience such as sit, down, and stay:

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice sitting

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice the command "stay"

Loose leash walking:

 

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice loose leash walking

Come:

 

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice the command "come"

Passing by a dog, noise sensitivity, ignoring a dropped item:

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice ignoring a dropped item

 

Petting by a stranger:

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice petting by a stranger

Petting by a circle of strangers:

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice petting by a circle of strangers

All criteria must be performed with the handler possessing the skill of multitasking between controlling and caring for their dog while engaging with the person they are visiting:

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) practice interacting with a patient on bed

The Orientation Phase
The orientation phase takes place at DoveLewis when teams are given a look at the opportunities and choices for pet assisted teams. They are guided by Kathy Loter, who is the Pet Assistant Team Coordinator at DoveLewis. They are then fit and equipped with the Pet Assisted Therapy team jacket and badge.

Karyn and Ceili (Golden Retriever) interact with Kathy Loter of DoveLewis

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Rewarding and Fun With PACTT

By: Karyn Munford (GDB Dog Placement Coordinator - Oregon)

In the summer of 2013, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) launched an exciting program in partnership with Dove Lewis for screening, evaluating and coordinating Portland area pet assisted therapy teams. Headed by Deana Allen at GDB and Kathy Loter at Dove Lewis, Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (PACTT) fills a much needed void in assessing and coordinating teams. Also, PACTT is exclusive to GDB dogs. Deana said that GDB dogs are “tailor made” for therapy due to their training, socialization and breeding. The partnership consists of Deana and GDB overseeing the evaluation and assessment end, while Kathy coordinates the therapy teams through Dove Lewis. The process has three phases: the handler workshop, the assessment of skills for certification (both at GDB) and if the team passes, attendance in an orientation at Dove Lewis.

To start, a potential team will contact Deana to notify intent to use a career change dog or retired guide as a therapy dog. Then, Deana will send the applicant prescreen forms and schedule a date for an interview. She asks that potential teams be together at least four months, obtain a vet health exam and agree to program criteria and requirements as they are acting as representatives of both GDB and Dove Lewis.

As adoption counselor for GDB's Oregon Dog Placement department, I have always been in awe of the positive effect therapy dogs can bring to the community. Follow me in the upcoming blogs, as I take you, along with my cc dog, Ceili, through the fun and easy assessment, evaluation process and orientation into the rewarding world of Pet Assisted Therapy.

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