Human Animal Link of Oklahoma highlights the profound bond that therapy dogs and humans share, showcasing the immense value of these relationships. As a non-judgmental force, our therapy dogs can help calm the emotional and physical challenges we face. They may be quiet in voice, yet they communicate strength and comfort through their mere presence. These animals are incapable of making false promises about our well-being, but they are always listening, even when our words may not make much sense. Therapy dogs offer moments of simple joy and peace, reaching into minds and hearts to connect with those who may have closed themselves off from human interaction. They quickly overlook our shortcomings and instead focus on our greatest strengths.
-Terri Smith, Founder
Animal assisted therapy is a unique approach that incorporates therapy dogs to enhance the healing process. These specially trained dogs provide comfort and support to individuals, making therapy sessions more effective and enjoyable.
All therapy dog application documents will be reviewed as complete and acceptable to the Intake Coordinator before scheduling the initial evaluation for animal assisted therapy. Videos of the dog and handler socializing while demonstrating obedience skills are a very important part of the application process for therapy dogs. These can be sent via email or arranged to be viewed in another format by the Intake Manager. As the evaluation begins, the presentation of temperament, disposition, and obedience must be consistent with the videos, as inconsistency may result in ceasing the assessment.
The team must enter the evaluation site controlled and poised. The Handler should be dressed for an actual visit to any one of our partnerships, modestly and presentable. The dog must be well-groomed with approved equipment in place. A flat buckle collar, fabric Martingale collar, regular 4' to 6' leash are required. Prohibited items include E-collars, chain, prong, slip, and head collars. Harnesses, retractable, and chain leashes are unacceptable as well.
Evaluators and a H.A.L.O. therapy dog will meet the prospective team at the designated entry of the evaluation site. The dog is examined first to determine temperament and disposition. The evaluation progresses to another area where obedience skills demonstrated will be assessed in a wide variety of exercises. H.A.L.O. Evaluators may end the assessment at any time should the team present socially unacceptable behaviors, harsh or aggressive manners, or failure to respect the testing site.
The team should present a professional and welcoming unit in the context of the animal assisted therapy discipline. The relationship between the Handler and the dog must be clearly observed. The dog should look to the Handler to understand expectations. A beautiful, friendly dog does not automatically qualify as a therapy dog. The bond between the Handler and the dog should be securely established, and the therapy dog must be willing to engage with evaluators and others at the site in a pleasant manner.
Therapy dog candidates must be well-adjusted members of the family, as they will play a crucial role in building safe and mannerly relationships. This pet partner must be drawn toward people and able to thrive in various facilities. Each situation differs and common sense requires the dog to exhibit a high level of obedience, hygiene, and evidence of veterinarian care. The team is evaluated for the resources they can provide professionally and with integrity, yet the evaluators will also look for the unique contributions each team can offer in diverse environments.
HANDLER REQUIREMENTS
1. Your pet must have resided with you for at least one year and must be at least one year of age before making application. No one other than the pet's owner may evaluate as the primary handler.
2. Handlers must disclose any training the dog has received for personal protection including training related to Schutzhund sport.
3. Prior to the evaluation, the Handler must present a current veterinarian report confirming that all vaccinations are current.
4. The Handler must always present a dog that is well-groomed, free from infections, sores, or stitches. Ears must be clean and odor-free with no excessive drainage from the eyes. Nails should be short and smooth, and pads soft. Females in season will not be evaluated. Should the Handler own additional females in season, the evaluators must be notified prior to the evaluation. Shedding and skin dandruff must be under control. The pet's brush must be offered to the evaluating team.
5. If the pet is carried in for the evaluation, it must be in appropriate wear uncovered by a blanket, towel, or covering of some sort.
6. If the Handler or pet has special needs, the evaluating team must be informed to ensure that proper accommodations are made.
7. Two dogs from the same family must be evaluated on separate dates.
8. The Handler must approach the evaluation with ease. If anxious or tense, that tension can transfer down the leash, making even the best of pets nervous.
9. The Handler is responsible for outfitting the pet with appropriate equipment. Collars and leashes should not be fashion statements for working dogs; they must fit properly and be in good taste. E-collars, slip, chain, prong, or pinch collars are prohibited as are retractable leashes.
PET REQUIREMENTS
1. Does my pet socially accept people and dogs without aggression, timidity, or anxiety which is essential for therapy dogs?
2. Does my pet enjoy being groomed, or does he become anxious or nip when certain areas of his body are handled?
3. When we take walks, is my dog at my side, controlling the urge to cross over, pull, or tug when distracted or excited?
4. When a quick turn is necessary, does my dog become confused and break alignment with me?
5. Is my dog able to walk at my side even in crowded places or when encountering excessive noise and confusion?
6. Does my dog demonstrate commands such as "Heel, Sit, Stay, Down, Leave It, Off, and Come?"
7. As we walk, can my dog pass food or objects on the floor, in the hands of others, or in a garbage pail before or when given the command, "Leave It?"
8. Is my dog anxious or aggressive when other pets are nearby?
9. Is my dog able to be away from me for a short time without anxiety?
10. Does my dog become withdrawn or visibly overwhelmed when people are crying, lethargic, or angry?
11. Is my dog sensitive to crowds, smells, weather changes, or drastic changes in people in any given environment?
12. Is my dog partial to children, teens, adults, or the elderly? Does he react consistently to different races and cultures?
13. When faced with unexpected loud or annoying noises, does my dog quickly recover or show avoidance by hiding behind me?
14. Does my dog bark when entering, inside of, or when leaving an environment?
15. Does my dog respond with fear or anxiety when a reasonable or unexpected weight is placed on his body?
16. Is my dog someone who loves to mouth objects or human skin? Does my dog engage in excessive licking?
Chisolm Trail Park in Yukon, Oklahoma, is the site of the tribute to our H.A.L.O. therapy dogs, who have made a lasting impact through animal assisted therapy in our lives and the lives of many communities. Following the death of Terri's first working dog, Shana, she was honored with the opportunity to design this memorial bench and select a location where handlers and those profoundly touched by the service that therapy dogs provide could visit. H.A.L.O. continues to honor our therapy dogs, which play an instrumental role in bringing health and peace during times of crisis.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
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