by Maryellen » April 10th, 2006, 9:08 pm
he will be a little anxious as it will be a new place, make sure you run /walk him good before you go, bring a poop bag and make sure he at least pees outside before you go in. dont feed him before the visit. no treats are allowed either.. make sure his nails are short, and dont worry about his tail.. you can always move his butt away from the iv stuff if he starts whipping it.... and if you go to nursing homes, be prepared the visit might be VERY emotional for YOU.. him too, but if you dont like nursing homes be prepared.. some nursing homes are more like assisted living, while others are true nursing homes with various very very sick/elderly/dementia patients... make sure he doesnt jump on any patients either.. the first few visits he will be excited/anxious, and might whine, or pant, or yawn. if he yawns, just yawn back at him as its a calming signal..
once you go a few times he will start to understand its working time.. when i tell rufus its therapy time he gets all excited to go, and once we get to the hospital, nursing home or school he puts on his work mode...
you will do fine.. i am sure.. its scary the first time, but once you are done it will be easier each time.. its very very emotional for humans the first few times, so dont be surprised if by the time you both get home after the visit you want to take a nap.. its normal..
start out slow and build your way up.. watch cuda to see how he is reacting, and if he starts getting antsy before visits or pullls to leave that will mean he doesnt want to do it anymore.. some dogs are not cut out for it.. but if he loves people and can ignore the other dogs he will do great.
there is a place in bloomfield called Job Haines, they do therapy there too..try them..