Pat Dogs - Any Thing In Particular To Work Towards?

[ReikiAnge]

Hello, I am hoping I can at some point register Minnie-Moo as a PAT dog. Provided I am a decent enough owner to get her through the assessment, I think she'd make a fab PAT dog. She absolutely loves going to new places, meeting everyone etc.

 

She's not yet six months and we've got three months until we can apply, so I thought I would ask here of those who already have PAT dogs, if there's anything I can/should be doing in preparation? I have looked at the site and from memory, the thing we need to work on (which we are) is her not pulling on lead, so hopefully I will have got that sorted by then, but anything else?

 

I have made sure she's been well socialised and she's been happy to say hello to absolutely everyone we've ever met - and she will happily walk through crowded places and is also calm if we're out having lunch somewhere and just lies down nicely while we eat etc., so provided this all continues, I think she will do well on that front.

 

The other thing I am thinking is as we have busy lives, I'm not sure how often we would be able to get somewhere - if it was only once a fortnight, or once a month, is that still acceptable?

 

I was talking to an older couple we met out the other day about registering her as a PAT dog and the guy informed me he accepts visitors on Wed afternoons and has biscuits, I might just take her round there one day and surprise him

[estweyn]

Basil (RIP ) was a Pat dog. We visited an old persons home whenever we got time, normally once a month, it was a lovely experience, plus I could take him into work at nights, I worked with learning disabilities adults and they loved him plus he was extra security for me when doing night rounds!

 

The process may have changed as this was some years ago, but the assessor did a temprement test similar to a show ring test, ie going over the dog, feeling around etc and some unexpected noises etc to see what Basils reaction was. He used a whistle if I remember rightly and put up an umberella at the side of him, I suppose it depends on the assessor.

 

Regarding visits as long as your dog likes a lot of fuss but is calm and doesnt snatch titbits then it should work out well.

 

I just hope if I ever end up in any sort of institution without animals that someone brings a dog to see me, I would die without daily snuffles and waggy tails.

 

Hope you go on ok

[Rileyroo]

We haven't done any visits yet (because now I've handed in my notice boss won't let Riley into work so we can't do our ward visits - despite having two desperate for us to come ) but the assessment was pretty straightforward and it sounds like you've got most of it covered already.

 

One thing that reassured me is that they expect, and want, dogs to be dogs. They aren't looking for passive, stuffed toys - they're looking for wagging tails, gentle enthusiasm and calm confidence. So, the loose lead walking isn't obedience heelwork, it's just not pulling like a steam train.

 

Good luck

[Pingu]

both Rykat and I are PAT assessors

 

the main thing is temprement. the dog needs to be calm and well behaved.

 

they need to be comfortable with being handled a LOT by strangers and willing to stay chilled out throughout.

 

needs to not react strongly to sudden noise and you need to be able to have good control over her.

 

an ability to consume copious amounts of biscuits helps as well.

 

for you you need to be happy striking up a conversation with someone you dont know (an listening to the same story over and over and over nad over again )

 

both of you need to be clean\presentable and bear in mind PAT visits can be very tiring for both you and the dog.

 

some places wil require a crb check (esp is there are kids involved)

[ReikiAnge]

Thank you all

 

I think she will be fab. She's been really well socialised and has loved everyone she's met so far, takes food nicely, isn't really phased by anything. She's very nicely confident.

 

Will see how she is going in a few months but I think so far she would be an excellent PAT dog.

 

Biscuits - are they for both of us or just Minnie-Moo?

 

Oh and I am perfectly happy to talk to people I don't know, have done that lots I can just about manage presentable, Minnie-Moo always looks lovely

 

CRB check thingie would be fine. I would love to find somewhere we could take her to see children as she really does adore them and them her, but she loves everyone really.

[krusewalker]

i wanted to put indy/lex up for PAT assessment as i know they would be great. but i heard i have to pay for the assessment. this surprised me, as i would be offering a voluntary community service by myself and my dogs in my free time for free and to help people.

is this true? we'd like the oppurtunity to help, but dont really have the funds to pay to do so.

[ReikiAnge]

You have to pay £19 a year as a registered volunteer - I'm not sure if you pay that before or after the assessment though, ie whether you would be charged if your dog (one's dog) didn't pass the assessment.

 

There's some info on the site: http://www.petsastherapy.org/ - it doesn't give a direct link but go to the home page, under FAQs click on potential volunteers. It says:

 

Q. Why do I have to pay £19 every year to do voluntary work? Top

A. The Charity must maintain a small staff. We manage the whole Charity with only 4 full time and 5 part time workers, unlike many other Charities who normally employ many more staff. Our staff are employed to provide help and give advice to the volunteer force, to encourage recruitment and to develop the reach, value and effectiveness of the Charity's service. We must also take into account the cost of paper, envelopes, printing, legal costs, accountancy, insurance, assessment training courses, postage, telephone, newsletters and many other items, too many to list. The average cost to the Charity is £75 per volunteer per annum of which £19 is generously met by subscription from the volunteers themselves. Subscription Rates

 

Reading further down that page, I don't think you pay until you've passed the assessment and are sending in the form, but yes you do still have to pay - no idea if they offer any concessions if you really don't have the money but would still like to register as a PAT dog.

[Tempest]

A couple of the things that I came across (which weren't issues with Ollie but would be with Jess) is snatching treats from people's hands and jumping up

[ReikiAnge]

A couple of the things that I came across (which weren't issues with Ollie but would be with Jess) is snatching treats from people's hands and jumping up

 

She's very gentle at taking treats - have practised with our nephew too - although that's a thought, since I'm particular about what food/treats my dogs have, would I be able to carry my own for people to give her?

 

Jumping up - she has her moments but generally I think she's rather good for a pup, but always room for improvement

 

I shall keep you all posted and hope I don't let her down

[koshka]

I decided this week that I would like to register Lotty as PAT dog and wondered who to ask about it. I visited Marion yesterday and mentioned it and she said this fred was running. Coincidence, eh!

 

Reading the above advice, one thing Lotty does when she anticipates someone is going to give her food - she drools bigtime! (first trailhound I have had do that!)

 

So, would that count against her? Would she be able to visit and have all the fuss but no treats?

 

Edit to add - do they have to have full conventional vaccination record? Lotty has, for last 2 years, been vacc'd with homeopathic nosodes.

Edited June 28, 2008 by koshka

[blackmagic]

Edit to add - do they have to have full conventional vaccination record? Lotty has, for last 2 years, been vacc'd with homeopathic nosodes.

 

 

http://www.petsastherapy.org/

 

All PAT dogs and cats are required to pass an assessment to check their temperament by PAT accredited assessors, qualified vets and vet nurses and to be fully vaccinated or homoeopathically protected, wormed and protected against fleas. Records are required by the charity and each volunteer is bound to send copies when boosters have been given

 

They may require proof of nosodes from a vet.

[Happylittlegreensquirrel]

I really must get round to getting Noah assessed , he has a very special way with childern ( especially Cheryls Georgia whom he adores )

 

 

I wonder if I should get Gertie assessed at the same time

[ReikiAnge]

I wonder if I should get Gertie assessed at the same time

 

I dare you!