We caught up with Nicola Maxwell Director of People and Animal Wellbeing Services CIC ( PAWS Wellbeing), talking about all things therapy dogs and how to choose the right one for you.

People often ask me how they can get their dog to be a therapy dog. You could say that all dogs are therapy dogs right? They all support their human families, cheering them up, licking their tears away and snuggling up when they are feeling blue. And you’d be right, they do, the therapeutic value your dog can offer you is enormous. But can they offer that same support to anyone they meet?

Dog owners all know that there is nothing better than spending time with their beloved four-legged, waggy tailed friend. The company of a furry friend naturally helps to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and raise oxytocin levels (the love hormone). There are even studies that suggest pet owners are likely to live longer than non pet owners, due to the natural stress relief animals provide. 

So would your dog make a good therapy dog? There are multiple organisations across the UK that train and work with therapy dogs. People and Animal Wellbeing Services CIC being one of them. They will all have their own assessment criteria that your dog needs to meet in order to volunteer/work in a therapy dog role. These are some of the key criteria that all the organisations will follow:

- Your dog has a calm temperament

- Your dog is happy to be stroked by strangers

- Your dog enjoys the company of strangers

- Your dog is relaxed in a strange environment

- Your dog can walk with a loose lead

- Your dog does not jump up

- Your dog can take a treat gently

This isn’t to say you can’t train your dog to pass this assessment, you absolutely can! You can also upskill your knowledge of canine behaviour so that your dog feels safe and understood by you. Lili Chin, author and illustrator, has lots of valuable resources on her website www.doggiedrawings.net

Pets As Therapy is the largest therapy dog charity in the UK. They work with volunteers and their temperament assessed dogs to visit schools, care homes, hospitals and even prisons. Providing positive experiences to improve wellbeing to those they visit. If you want to give back to your community and your dog would enjoy being a therapy dog this might be a great option for you.

People and Animal Wellbeing Services is a Community Interest Company, we provide animal assisted interventions to boost wellbeing, improve mental health and educate people in our community. As well as our dogs completing the therapy dog assessment our handlers are all qualified teachers, counsellors and behaviour support workers. They are able to provide professional support with their knowledge as well as utilising the therapeutic relationship with their dog too. We work closely to create attainable goals with the clients we work with. Our handlers  are all trained to be proficient in dog body language helping them to truly understand their dogs needs and model positive relationships, communication skills and free choice. The relationship the dog forms with the client acts as a bridge between the professional and the client, helping to build trust and create a safe space for sharing and growth to occur. 

Jackson the therapy dog has been working with his handler and Lily (age 9) for several months. Here is what Lily and her Mum feel about the interventions.

“My weekly sessions with Nici and Jackson help me feel safer. Jackson really helps with my 'touchy' (sensory processing) 

Jackson makes me feel very happy because I know he is always there for me. 

I like going on our walks, it helps me get some energy out, and he makes me laugh because he's silly sometimes. 

Nici helps me talk about my feelings, and gives me lots of tips on how to get my feelings out and manage them better. 

It's great learning all about Jackson and every week I feel much happier. “

Lily Iris age 9. 

“I am so thankful that we found Nici, she has been absolutely fantastic with Lily, who has bonded incredibly well with her. 

Jackson being there really does help to keep Lily settled, and she thinks of him as a best friend. 

Every week Lily comes back to tell me she feels good that she's had a talk. Talking about feelings/everyday life is not an easy thing for my girl to do, as she doesn't understand what she's feeling the majority of the time. Talking while out walking and learning all about your favourite therapy dog is absolutely the best medicine for someone like Lily. 

They aren't just helping Lily either. Life at home has definitely calmed down somewhat since starting her sessions, so I am no longer walking on eggshells 100% of the time.” 

 Lily's Mum

If you feel like you, your child, student or young person in your care would benefit from spending time with one of our therapy dogs and their handler please get in touch. Likewise, if you are a professional wishing to train your own dog and understand how animal assisted interventions can support your job role. You will find more information at our website www.pawswellbeing.com or social media Instagram @paws_wellbeing_therapies facebook @pawswellbeing.