05-01-2017, 10:35 AM
I don't know how I missed this thread....but never mind I've found it now.
This is definitely something to consider. A dog will do as it's trained to do, and will do what brings its handler/human companion pleasure. A dog will also adapt to any way of life without complaint. Though of course even what they will adapt to isn't always good for them.
Dogs generally like having some occupation or work to do. That is what I've observed anyway. They know when they have done a good job.
Humans who are sensitive to dogs and their body language and ways they communicate, can usually tell when a dog has 'had enough' of any particular thing....or is tired, starting to show slight signs of stress....or simply needs a break and to do something healthy and doggy.
The difficulty could arise when the dog's human is not so tuned-in and misses the early signs, or when there are schedules to meet.
They are pretty empathic, so could take on energies from disabled or dying people. Dogs are usually good at changing the subject and shaking something off (literally) They are always ready to live in the moment...but I think it's up to the handler to be really in tune with the therapy dog's mental and emotional needs and there should not be too much pressure on. The dogs should get lots of time off.
This is definitely something to consider. A dog will do as it's trained to do, and will do what brings its handler/human companion pleasure. A dog will also adapt to any way of life without complaint. Though of course even what they will adapt to isn't always good for them.
Dogs generally like having some occupation or work to do. That is what I've observed anyway. They know when they have done a good job.
Humans who are sensitive to dogs and their body language and ways they communicate, can usually tell when a dog has 'had enough' of any particular thing....or is tired, starting to show slight signs of stress....or simply needs a break and to do something healthy and doggy.
The difficulty could arise when the dog's human is not so tuned-in and misses the early signs, or when there are schedules to meet.
They are pretty empathic, so could take on energies from disabled or dying people. Dogs are usually good at changing the subject and shaking something off (literally) They are always ready to live in the moment...but I think it's up to the handler to be really in tune with the therapy dog's mental and emotional needs and there should not be too much pressure on. The dogs should get lots of time off.
