Visit Challenges

Tips and Strategies for a Successful Visit!

High Energy Kids & Adults - This can agitate and excite your dog. For kids, enlist the teacher to give the children a lesson BEFORE the visit on proper behavior around therapy dogs. It’s ok to remind children that therapy dogs are trained to be calm, and the best way to approach them is slowly and quietly. Politely explain to visitors that they would also not like it if someone they did not know rushed them and was in their face. If behavior continues, it is okay to remove yourselves and your dog.

Pulling Tail/Ears/etc. - Even adults do this sometimes! Politely remind the visitor that getting the dog agitated will only shorten the visit - then redirect to point out your dog’s favorite spots for pets. Fur Angel Teams are great educators!

Food Distractions - As a therapy dog team you MUST be on the lookout for food distractions! This is common in nursing homes and classrooms/lunchrooms. It’s your job to see the food before your dog, and avoid it, manage it. Tell your dog to ‘leave it’ and continue to be vigilant. It’s helpful to warn other teams as well!

Dog Not Enjoying the Visit - if you dog is constantly pulling to leave or generally not enjoying the visit –you’ll know it. Don’t push. You can encourage, but never force a visit. It’s okay to make your apologies and tell the visitor your dog is tired or having an off day. Don’t feel bad about leaving early. If you feel like your dog needs a break, it’s ok to exit and return once your dog is relaxed and ready to continue.

Dog on Dog Aggression - Since visitors and other teams can be hurt in a scuffle, dog on dog aggression cannot be tolerated. It’s best to read your dog and notice potential issues before they begin. Read your dog’s signs. If a bout does occur, place yourself between the dogs and back your dog away to break the eye contact and energy. Leave the event if you need to. Report this occurrence to Steve and Rose promptly. This does not mean the end of your therapy career – but you need to work with Steve and Rose to manage the issue.

Visitors Asking You For Help – If a nursing home resident asks for assistance or wants help (getting up or walking or to the restroom etc.), it is hard to say no to someone in need. However, you are not there to provide care and it could result in injury to you or the visitor. You are there to share your dog with them and brighten their day. Please find a staff member for any urgent needs.

Visitors Dealing With Grief – There are many situations where words are of no help or comfort. This is the exception to ‘engage with the visitor’ suggestion. In these situations of loss or fear, it’s okay to be quiet. Introduce your dog and let him/her do the work. The canine language of love is the best medicine for broken hearts.

People that Fear Dogs – You’ll learn to read body language and pick up when a visitor is fearful of dogs. Please don’t force your dog on people. It’s a good idea to ask politely if they would like a visit from your fluffy friend while keeping your dog close to your side. Don’t be offended if they reject the invitation. Make sure they know you understand and it’s totally fine! IF the visitor is willing, turn your dog facing you so the person can briefly touch the dog's back or area near the tail; this often is enough to break the ice. Having the dog sit, down, stay, shake hands, or other tricks may also help the person see how well behaved your dog is.

Safety in Medical Facilities – In some hospital/nursing home situations, patients are dealing with illnesses, injuries, medical conditions, and monitoring devices that are particularly ‘smelly’ to your dog. It is your job to redirect and focus the dog on the visit. Additionally, there will be catheters, IVs and other medical items that your dog may tangle in. Be aware and do your best to avoid these items. Have your dog visit from a distance if necessary. If you need to back away and visit from a few feet away, is fine.

Non-Verbal Visitors – In some nursing home/hospital settings OR special needs classrooms, you may interact with visitors that are non-verbal. If you don’t get a response when trying to interact, don’t assume they cannot hear or understand you. Ask if it’s okay if you and your dog approach You may be able to read a response with a nod or reaching out. If not, let teachers and nursing staff take the lead here, and if they allow it, proceed. Some non-verbal visitors will light up in their eyes or smile when they feel the soft fur of your Fur Angel.

and don’t forget to smile….!

Watch for Signs of Stress in Your Dog:

• Yawning, panting, drooling, licking excessively

• Ears back, tail tucked, low head

• Side eye – whale eye

• Clingy to you and disengagement with visitors

• Continually looking to exit

Bottom Line: Your dog is your priority – listen to what they are telling you and leave if you need to!