Following are the
requirements for behaviour, attitude and presentation of dogs for acceptance
into Caring Canine Companions, which is the program administered by the Golden
Retriever Club of South Australia Inc as an auspice for the Community Visitors
Scheme.
PLEASE
NOTE:
Dogs must not present for the Assessment Test with
a metal choker chain. Please bring a brush to
allow the assessor to ‘groom’ your dog.
1.
ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER
This test demonstrates
that the dog will allow a stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in
a natural, everyday situation. Evaluator approaches and shakes hands
with the handler and acknowledges the dog.
2. SITTING
POLITELY FOR PATTING
This exercise is to
ensure the dog will be easily accessible and does not jump around or move
about while being patted. The evaluator will be seated during this
exercise and the dog should not show any signs of exhuberance or
aggressiveness. The dog will welcome being touched on the head, ears and
back.
Small Dogs
will be tested on their attitude when sitting on the assessor's
lap.
3.
GROOMING
Dog must be clean, which includes brushing or
combing through the coat and removing knots. Dog will be assessed for
cleanliness, breath, body odour, tendency to slobber (appropriate remedy must
be attended to by handler), and toenail length. It is suggested the
handler should bring a brush so the evaluator can brush the dog’s coat.
(This is an exercise many aged care residents like to undertake so evaluation
of this aspect is required)
4. SIT AND
STAY
This test is to show the dog listens to and obeys
the handler. The dog should respond to the command to sit and will
remain in place while the owner walks to the end of a 36”
lead.
5. REACTION
TO ANOTHER DOG
To ensure the dog will
behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach,
shake hands, exchange pleasantries and continue on. Dogs should show no
more than a casual interest in each other. The ability of the owner to
handle the dog in this situation is also observed.
6. BEING
HANDLED BY A STRANGER
To
ensure the dog will maintain its good manners when handled by a person other
than its owner.
7.
ACCEPTING FOOD
Whilst being evaluated
for point 6 above, the evaluator will offer the dog food, which should be
taken carefully by the dog.
8. BEHAVING
IN A CROWD OF PEOPLE This exercise
will entail walking your dog amongst several people who are standing and
talking.
9. OVERALL
BEHAVIOUR IN TESTING AREA
A certificate may
be withheld if a significant incident is observed in the immediate testing
area.
10.
REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS
This area of the test
will take place on the first (orientation) visit into the Aged Care Home, when
the dog will be observed for acceptance of wheelchairs, walking frames, tea
trolleys, large chairs, slippery floors and the general environment of the
Home.
SUMMARY
1. A pass in the first
9 points of the Evaluation will result in the dog being awarded an Interim
Certificate.
2. A pass in the 10th point of the Evaluation will
result in the dog being awarded a Certificate of
Achievement.
Rules to be
observed by handlers when visiting Residential Aged Care Homes, and where
appropriate, these points should be adhered to whilst attending your dog’s
assessment.
1. Dog must be on a
lead at all times and MUST NOT PULL ON THE LEAD.
2. Dog must be in
complete control of handler at all times.
3. Dogs must not wear a metal
choker chain, but preferably a soft collar. A collar and
lead is provided once the dog has passed
final assessment. 4. Dogs’ toenails must always be clipped and without rough
edges which can injure frail skin.
5. Dog should not be a “barker.” The occasional
infrequent bark may be acceptable, but
consistent barking is not. 8. The dog must always be under close control in the Home,
and especially so If children are present.
7. If dog toys are taken into the Home, the toys must be
clean.
DATE OF
NEXT ASSESSMENT TO BE ADVISED
Please phone Freecall
1800 077 722 for information
Before your
dog is booked in for an assessment it is necessary for
an
APPLICATION
to be
completed and forwarded to the address provided on the
form.
