Standards for Handlers

Purpose

Although the importance of an appropriate dog for animal-assisted interventions (AAI) is indisputable, the role of the handler can’t be understated. It is the handler who must possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude to ensure effective and safe interactions. This Policy is written broadly for any level of the handler and is designed to complement, not replace, any competencies or regulations for animal-assisted therapy (AAT) that are specific to different specialities.

1. The Handler Demonstrates Responsible Animal Ownership.

Hope’s Therapy Dogs handlers are required to demonstrate their capacity to meet their dog's health and well-being requirements. These responsibilities encompass, though are not restricted to, ensuring adequate nutrition, both preventive and responsive veterinary attention, mental enrichment, regular physical activity, using fear-free training methods, and providing lifelong companionship for the animal.

2. The Handler Possesses a Thorough Knowledge of Their Dog.

To participate effectively in animal-assisted interventions (AAI), Hope’s Therapy Dogs handlers should possess comprehensive knowledge of their dog's species and breed, along with an understanding of the specific traits unique to their dog.

● They should also be able to identify changes in their dog's baseline health indicators, such as signs of illness, injury, or ageing, which may necessitate excluding the dog from participating in AAI.

● Handlers should be adept at interpreting their dog's body language and responding appropriately to any changes observed.

● They should be capable of predicting or anticipating their dog's reactions to various stimuli and situations encountered during AAI sessions.

3. All Handlers Should Receive Training That’s Specific to AAI Handling.

Although practitioner-specific or facility-specific training might be required to fully provide AAI, such training is in addition to the core handling skills that are outlined here:

Handler Responsibilities:

● Ensuring a humane experience for the animal is the responsibility of the handler.

● The dog shouldn’t be made to experience undue stress.

● Client interactions with the animal must be appropriate, ensuring that the animal is not at risk of physical or emotional harm. Best Practices for Handling

● Strategies for effectively managing stress to support the well-being of the dog.

● Strategically positioning the animal in relation to the client to preemptively manage interactions effectively.

● Choosing suitable environments and clients for the therapy dog team, taking into account the animal's experience and comfort level, the activity level of the setting, and the availability of onsite staff for additional oversight or support. Professional Conduct

● Observance of confidentiality protocols as applicable (please consult the Hope’s Therapy Dogs Safeguarding Policy for more details).

● Maintaining appropriate behaviour and boundaries when interacting with clients.

● Acknowledgement and respect for the perspectives of others, especially those who may have reservations about the presence of an animal.

● Recognising the autonomy of therapy dogs and acknowledging their ability to express preferences for participation, ensuring active consent is obtained before involvement. Zoonotic Transmission and Infection Prevention

● The capacity to recognise signs or symptoms in either the handler or the dog that indicate interactions should be discontinued.

● Capability to recognise potential risks to both the handler and the dog, including circumstances that warrant discontinuing an interaction.

● Best practices in hand hygiene.

● Guidelines tailored to specific species for grooming aimed at reducing the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Best Practices When Working With Clients

● Assisting and promoting interactions between clients and therapy dogs.

● Approach techniques designed to ensure client consent before engagement.

● Closing strategies that consider both the preferences of the dog and the client, ensuring a balanced closure to the interaction.

● Effective conversational techniques, including active listening, person-first language, and rapport-building strategies. Handler Self-Care

● Methods for managing stress effectively.

● Recognising signs of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and burnout.

4. All Handlers Should Have Access to Continuing Education or Specialty Education.

This education could encompass formal courses, peer sharing, or mentoring/shadowing opportunities to gain insights into working with special populations, including children and individuals with SEN or Neurodiverse spectrum disorders. It may also involve learning about brain development, trauma crisis response techniques and related topics.

5. All Handlers Should Maintain Handling Credentials.

All members of the All Hope’s Therapy Dogs staff will undergo regular checks and monitoring overseen by Ali Colley to ensure strict adherence to proper handling techniques and compliance with all specifications outlined in this policy.

Ali Colley will collaborate closely with AAAIP to guarantee the accuracy and currency of all knowledge and information. In addition, Ali will receive guidance from a mentor, ensuring ongoing impartial accountability.

Last reviewed April 2024.

How to contact us If you have any questions about the policy please do not hesitate to contact us.

Email us at: ali@hopestherapydogs.co.uk