An important part of being a therapy dog handler that is often overlooked is your ability to interact with people. A good therapy dog handler is an engaged listener, taking time to listen and process what someone is telling you while on a visit. They offer a smile when they approach and can hold a [...]
Did you know Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) allows you to test with a dog you have had a relationship with for at least 6 months? Being the dog’s owner is not a requirement to become an ATD therapy dog team. There are instances when a person may want to get certified with a dog [...]
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) has a set of Rules and Regulations that Members are expected to follow on all ATD visits. Every year, our insurance backs our Rules and Regulations and as long as Members follow those, they will be covered on a visit if an accident occurs. One of these rules is our [...]
A question that is often asked by Members new to therapy dog work is when is it OK to end a therapy dog visit early? The short answer is always. As volunteers, we feel obligated to fulfill our duties to those we are visiting, but the most important thing to remember on a therapy dog [...]
The old saying, let sleeping dogs lie, is an important message to remember when it comes to therapy dog visits. There are various reasons your dog may be sleeping on a visit: they get comfortable while being pet and take a nap, they are tired and it is time to end the visit, or your [...]
Therapy dogs are often superheroes to those they visit. Through tactile interaction, kind eyes, and friendly presence, these amazing dogs bring comfort to people in places like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and workplaces. While therapy dogs themselves are often the focus of attention, the emotional connection between the dog and its handler (the person who [...]
The human end of the leash is just as important as the dog when it comes to therapy dog visits. Our job, as the handler, is to keep eyes on our dog at all times so we can be reading how they are feeling. A dog’s feelings can change in a second, at any time. [...]
Being Active in Alliance of Therapy Dogs Without a Dog Most Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Members begin their membership with a dog by their side. However, this is not always the case and there may come a time when a Member may need to retire their dog. Whether they started as an ATD Member [...]
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) has an exceptional registry of committed, loyal Handlers who follow through on their commitments and ATD applauds each and every one of you. But sometimes a facility or an event falls short in some way, making our visits difficult. What to do? Start with a conversation with your contact person. [...]
A Successful Therapy Dog Visit Starts with You! Therapy dog visits can be a great way to brighten someone’s day. The magical effect dogs have on humans is undeniable, but we cannot forget about the other end of the leash. The handler is a big part of a successful therapy dog visit. In order for [...]
