New Lenox woman evaluates potential therapy dogs

NEW LENOX – Claudia Green’s first step in becoming an evaluator for Therapy Dog International began when Green took her Wire Fox Terrier, Sophie, to visit a friend’s father at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet.

Dementia had caused the man to forget names, but Green, of New Lenox, said he always could remember Sophie’s name.

“There’s something about dogs that leaves an impression,” Green said.

Two and a half years of visits later, Green decided Sophie could benefit from additional training to bring similar joy to others. Green Googled the term “therapy dogs” and up popped Therapy Dogs International.

Sophie, who received her Canine Good Citizenship from the American Kennel Club in 2006, became certified with TDI in 2007, allowing her dog to visit people in nursing homes and hospitals.

“For the Canine Good Citizenship, the dog has to sit for inspection, to be petted and they must have their feet touching. They have to sit and stay on command,” Green said. “It’s pretty basic stuff.”

Last year, the American Kennel Club added an advanced title – AKC Community Canine – a more comprehensive program. Sophie earned her title two months ago, Green said.

Sophie, who was 12 weeks when Green got her in 2003, sees patients at Sunny Hill Nursing Home and Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Green said. Sophie used to visit at the Manteno Veterans Home, but when Sophie developed epilepsy two years ago, Green pared back the dog’s schedule and consider becoming a TDI evaluator.

“I knew a lot of people in this area that wanted their dogs to become therapy dogs,” Green said, “and I wanted them to enjoy what I enjoy with my dog.”

Green first realized the needs for local evaluators when she had to go out of her way for Sophie’s evaluation. So, in 2011, Green, who works at K9 Tailshakers in Frankfort as an assistant instructor, applied to TDI and submitted recommendation letters from an activity aide at Sunny Hill Nursing Home and from the owner and head trainer at the Frankfort facility, Green said.

“[TDI] looks at your background and experience,” Green said. “They do send you a handbook, a rule book and a DVD to study. Then you take a written test and send it back to them.”

It was a two-and-a-half month process, Green said. The next year, because so many applicants requested it, Green applied to the AKC so she could also evaluate dogs for Canine Good Citizenship. That took less time, about a month, she said.

“I did have to fill out a form but I did not have to get letters of recommendation,” Green said. “The test was slightly easier.”

Any breed can potentially be a therapy dog, Green said, noting she’s seen everything from toy poodles to mastiffs. However, hyper dogs, “agitated and nervous dogs" might not be suitable. The same goes for dogs with separation anxiety.

“Even though you seldom leave your dog at a facility, if you have to go to the washroom and ask the volunteer coordinator to please hold her, you don’t want the dog going berserk,” Green said.

Dogs must be at least 1 years old. No age is too old. The time a dog requires to learn the TDI testing requirements vary from dog to dog, she said.

Applicants may download the testing requirements from the website at www.tdi-dog.org. Some dogs pick up new concepts quicker than others, she said. Working with a trainer is helpful, but not mandatory.

“You just want them to be respectful to people and bonded to the handler,” Green said.

Green tests the dogs at K9 Tailshakers, as Green likes its large training area. TDI does not allow Green to evaluate dogs in the handler’s home, she said. Most dogs come prepared; rarely does Green flunk one, and when she does, it’s most commonly for “food refusal.”

A good therapy dog, Green said, will not accept food from anyone except the handler and only with permission. He may not sniff it; he may not even look at it.

“I don’t just use dog treats. I use hot dogs and cheese,” Green said. “It’s hard for dogs to resist.”

It’s a safety issues, Green said. What if a nursing home or hospital patient accidentally drops medicine on the floor or tries to feed the dog ice cream from the food tray? She gave an example.

One day, at home, Green recalled, she opened a bottle of ibuprofen and the pills spilled onto the floor. Sophie bounded into the room; Green said, “No,” and Sophie sat and waited while Green picked up the pills.

“I live alone, so I eat in my recliner in front of the TV,” Green said. “If I set my tray on the floor and go into the kitchen for something, my food is never touched.”