This well-written and informative book has become the standard on the uses and laws regarding therapy and service dogs. With the expansion of new service dog types, a greater complexity with regard to service animal laws and regulations and the interpretation of these by the courts has developed. This book carefully examines these complexities at both the state and federal levels. In addition, the expanded use of therapy dogs in facilities and institutions has brought with it a paradigm shift in society's acceptance and acknowledgment of the canine capacity to contribute in meaningful ways to.the lives of ill and institutionalized persons.--From publisher.

A book of guidance and advice about how to become a Therapy Dog team. It contains the tips and tricks the author has learned in a decade of Therapy Dog work. If you're ready to become a Therapy Dog team but are hesitant to dive into the unknown and just want someone to be there to guide you along the way, this book is for you. If you've always been a little curious what Therapy Dog work was all about and why people do it, this book is for you. If you're a trainer, veterinarian, groomer, or other dog professional who has people asking them about Therapy Dog work but you've had no idea how to help them find answers, this book is for you.

Looks at how dogs are chosen to become therapy dogs, the training they go through, and the type of work they do.

Are you looking for a new and meaningful way to work with your dog? Do you want to improve the lives of those who would benefit from visits with a volunteer canine "therapist"? Then think about becoming a Therapy Dog team. The 2nd edition gives you all the information you need to select, socialize and train your dog for this important and rewarding work. Learn about certification, liability, and getting started. Includes a complete course outline for teaching therapy dog classes!

Therapy Dogs Today explores the complex issues that surround the environments in which therapy dogs do their jobs.

How unwanted dogs are rescued and then trained as service dogs to help people with disabilities. WINNER--2016 Midwest Book Award. All proceeds will go to the 501(c)(3) charity, Pawsitivity Service Dogs. "Simply astonishing in its volume, information, approach-ability, readability, transparency, experienced voice, helpfulness/usefulness and honesty. It's inspirational, as well as competent, realistic, transparent, practical'. Its tone is forthright but kind."--Dr. Beth Rausch, DVM, University of Wisconsin, River Falls "Our service dog is better than any medication. She has not just helped my daughter but the whole family. Millie is the best, most loving and loyal companion for my daughter. Tom and Julie of Pawsitivity are the kind of people that really care and just keep giving. I can not say thank you enough."--James Artisensi, father of a child with a Pawsitivity service dog

In this book, readers explore how dogs provide comfort and support to people, as well as the skills and training this work requires. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible.

Avalanche a white, seventy-four pound Labrador retriever developed a special bond with Susan's husband, Joe. When Joe died suddenly on a family vacation, both Avalanche and Susan mourned his loss. But the relationship between dog and owner thrived when they became volunteers at a local hospital and enriched the lives of patients in their small hometown. Molly an orange-red Newfoundland mix was rescued by Emily. Naturally friendly, Molly was an excellent candidate to be a therapy dog. Molly and Emily visited hospitals and hospices and also listened to children read at an elementary school. Through it all, Molly was patiently teaching Emily an important life lesson. Stories about dogs like Avalanche and Molly form the basis of Transformation of the Heart a collection of engaging tales about eighteen therapy dogs and how they help each person they visit. But equally important, the stories show the power of partnering with a loving canine. It provides a unique insight on how the therapy dogs also heal the souls of their handlers. Heartwarming and inspiring, Transformation of the Heart demonstrates animals' unconditional love and their capacity for understanding situations that humans cannot. It reveals how dogs have the power to transform our hearts.

Maggie, the intuitive, four-legged therapist, ventures into the world of health care with a heart full of compassion. Janet's health care background, pet therapy knowledge, and dog training techniques enlighten readers as they travel with Maggie and Janet to the bedside of patients and witness the magic of Maggie's ability to decipher patient needs. This collection of heart-wrenching as well as humorous encounters demonstrates multiple ways fur-coated creatures can impact patients. Dog lovers, health care clinicians, and individuals whose loved ones might benefit from pet therapy will connect with these healing moments in pet therapy during The Visit. Even if you are not part of a pet therapy team, you will be inspired and moved by Janet's story. -Anita Kelso Edson, Senior Director Media & Communications, ASPCA Learn how unconditional love can heal spirits and ease our journey through life. -Vicki Johnson, RN, BSN, MSN, BC-NE, Chief Nursing Officer, Schneck Medical Center

Today's therapy-dog handlers recognize the need to be teammates with their dogs. Teaming with one's dog involves unobtrusively providing physical and emotional support as well as respectful guidance in what to do. Being a teammate requires attention to our own behavior, not just our dogs. This book reminds all handlers that being conscious of what we do with our dogs helps them do their best work, and also can increase the effectiveness of our visits. Teaming with Your Therapy Dog teaches the STEPs of Teamwork and how those STEPs fit with the Therapy Dogs Bill of Rights. These general principles free handlers to apply them in their own way to their therapy dogs individual personality and work, and to everyday life at home! As the author writes, "The book explores a way of being conscious of what you do with and to your therapy dog to support him in his work. It describes functional principles of behavior you can learn and use immediately, either together as a package or independently." Using an exciting new methodology, the author guides readers to deepen their relationship with their dogs by acting consciously and respectfully.