Animal Assisted Interventions International STANDARDS
Four Equal Valued Parties � The client � The dog handler � Healthcare/therapy provider � The dog
Standards have 5 Parts: 1. For professional provider 2. For the therapy support dog 3. For therapy sessions 4. For General public issues 5. For Evaluation
Standards of Practice Healthcare/ social service/therapy provider or dog handler � Human Interaction � Preparation � Communication � Ethical � Monitoring � Qualification(dog handler) � Documentation(dog handler) � Goal Directed � Supervision if both new to AAT
Human interaction The provider must provide positive examples of human interaction, through appropriate social skills, including sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages.
Preparation � All of the employees must be informed about program in advance � Handler must complete a facility visitation without the dog, prior to bringing the dog for services. � Also, the specific AAT areas, as well as emergency and evacuation plans must be created and documented � Dog handler must have at least 40 hours contact with dog, within 3 months, to develop/maintain a working relationship with dog prior to working within sessions.
Communication � The dog handler must provide basic guidelines to anyone without dog training/handling experience. � The dog handler must demonstrate respect, positive communication, and ability to advocate on behalf of the dog.
Ethical Guidelines � Sessions will be practiced within the specific scope of practice coAAT therapy provider must have completed college level or equivalent according to the AAII Membership requirements. � All of text of the dog handler and the therapy provider, and under ethical guidelines of their own professions. � The information and documentation gained during the conduction of AAT program will remain confidential. � If a dog is being placed with a health/social service professional, the placement organization and recipient are expected to follow the standards set forth by Assistance Dogs International
Monitoring and Supervision The dog handler will participate in canine assisted therapy under the direction and supervision of a qualified social service or healthcare provider.
Qualification of Dog Handler � Knowledge of dog learning theory, body language, social behavior, and understanding of dogs freedom of choice for person, environment, and situation. � Insight in breed specific traits, operant conditioning techniques vs. restraint, developmental milestones, and individual skill level and range of capabilities for each dog they handle. � Knowledge of population risk factors and bidirectional zoonotic risk factors for the geographical area, facility and population they work with. � Ability to screen clients for participation in dog interactions through signs of abuse/neglect issues, aggression, phobias, cultural issues, medically fragile , medical conditions, or any other indicators that would put the client or dog at risk.
Mentoring and supervision Handlers and healthcare/social service provider who are new to AAT should identify and collaborate with an experienced AAII mentor to offer support
Goal-directed Activities The dog handler and healthcare/social service provider must be able to collaborate activities that are goal directed and measurable specific to client goals
Supervision Handlers and healthcare/social service provider who are new to AAT should identify and collaborate with an experienced AAII mentor to offer support.
Standards of practice with the therapy support dog � Behavior � Health & Welfare � Basic Needs/Rights � Communication w/ Dog � Therapy Sessions � Termination of Services
Behavior Before the dog is included in an AAT it must be evaluated for temperament. Should be social, calm, & quiet
Health and welfare � The dog handler must provide documentation for health and legal requirements � The dog handler must keep the dog clean, practice hand washing and immediately arrange for pick up and disposal of dog waste in appropriate location. � The implementation of the AAT service should be avoided in food, medication and hygiene areas.
Satisfying Basic Needs & Rights � Therapy Support dogs will be given the dog appropriate breaks before they reach a point of stress. � The handler will work under the principle and respect the Five Freedoms of the dog.
Satisfying Basic Needs & Rights 5 Freedoms of the Dog Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition- by ready 1. access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor. Freedom from discomfort- by providing a suitable 2. environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area. Freedom from pain, injury and disease- by prevention and/ 3. or rapid diagnosis and treatment. Freedom from fear and distress- by ensuring conditions that 4. avoid mental suffering. Freedom to express most normal behavior- by providing 5. sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind.
Communication with the dog The dog handler should be able to direct dog with normal speaking voice or with hand signals, walk a dog with minimal cues with a loose lead, and should be able to elicit interaction of dog directly with the client.
Therapy sessions � Prior to the session, dogs have the right to be introduced to, explore and be trained and acquainted with the equipment and environment. � The dog must be able to perform previously introduced skills specifically needed for the session or demonstrate appropriate waiting behavior with 80%. � The dog must be integral to the session otherwise it could be better served on break or resting. � During the working time, dogs will be given age and developmentally appropriate breaks to relieve themselves, to avoid inappropriate eliminations, and alleviate job related stress. � Dogs will also receive hydration as needed.
Termination of Services AAT services will be discontinued if this intervention is no longer supporting goals, for any health concerns of humans or dogs, or for any environmental, handler, or population changes that are not conducive to the dogs skills or well-being.
Therapy Sessions in AAT Program � Documentation � Clients relationship with the dog � Clients Evaluation of the therapy process
Documentation � The client, or clients legal guardian, must assign a written consent about participating in the AAT � Client will be screened prior to interaction with dog for allergies, zoonosis, open wounds/ burns, hallucinations/ mental health status, imuno-compromised situations and violent tendencies
Clients Relationship with the Dog � The client will treat dog with appreciation and respect. � The handler is obligated to educate the client about handling of dog, rules for safety, etc. prior to interaction with the dog. � The dog handler must provide that issues related to illness, injury, retirement, death and dying of an dog are to be appropriately handled.
Clients Evaluation of the therapy process Clients must be surveyed about their likes and dislikes of treatment on a regular basis.
General Public � Legislation � Dog's health issues
Legislation Therapy professionals and handlers will obtain and maintain liability insurance as required by their county, state, and local government as well as professional/facility requirements, and will not in any way jeopardize the implementation of the service due to violation of law.
Dog's health issues Dog must be free of disease that may pose harm to the general public: Negative fecal exams � must be completed Heartworm and flea/tick � control used routinely
Evaluation � Dog handler and/or therapist who is a handler, are evaluated with each dog that they handle with 90% accuracy. � The dogs evaluation includes reaction to: • Strangers • Acclimation • Level of obedience • Resilience • Grooming acceptance • Separation from the handler • Walking on loose leash • Aggression • Ability to respond off-leash if • Resource guarding appropriate • Retrieving • Behavior in a crowd • dominance arousal and resilience • Responding to it's name • handlers and dogs mutual behavior • Interest in another dog and understanding. • Reaction to distractions • Acclimation to healthcare equipment • Confidentiality
Evaluation � Dog must be evaluated in the environment, similar conditions, and with a similar population to which it will be working. � The team will be evaluated prior to a session, and then during a mock or actual session. � Dog must be wearing a flat buckle collar or no- pull harness. No choke chains or prong collars can be worn during evaluation or professional sessions. A 6-foot lead, or shorter, must be used. No flex-leads allowed. � If dog is expected to participate in off lead work, it must be evaluated off lead.
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