DOG VISITING STATIONARY CROWD
#7 A group of four to five people using canes, walkers or crutches form a circle. One person should wear a baseball hat. One of the crowd should be a child approximately 12 years of age (or an adult kneeling) holding a soft fuzzy toy under their arm/between their knees where the dog can easily get it. The team will walk around inside the circle with the dog closest to the crowd. The team will complete the circle twice. The first time around will simulate a first visit. The 2nd time around should be like the team is returning for a second visit. People with equipment may move slightly the equipment on the second circuit. Dogs less than 15 pounds may be carried but should also be closest to the people to allow petting. If the dog takes the fuzzy toy it must relinquish it immediately upon command of the handler or will fail the test. The person holding the fuzzy toy must not tease or tempt the dog to take the toy. The Evaluator will be looking at the dog's level of interest and also the handler's ability to interact appropriately with the people they are visiting. There should be a marked improvement in the 2nd visit.
#8 With the group still in the circle the team is asked to step away and turn their back to the circle. A volunteer that has not yet interacted with the teams will join the circle wearing a full length dressing gown and will stand motionless with head bowed staring at the floor and very softly mumble. The team returns to the center of the circle about 3 feet from Alzheimer patient and waits for the Evaluator to tell them to advance to greet the Alzheimer patient. The dog may sit, stand or down. The Evaluator will advise the Alzheimer volunteer when to pet with a slight hand tremor, for approximately 10 seconds, then the Alzheimer’s Volunteer will praise the dog to end on a positive note.
#9 The team returns to the center of the circle. The dog will sit beside handler facing the Evaluator. Upon a signal from the Evaluator the crowd will advance in unison with one arm stretched out and the fist closed. The crowd will call the dog’s name and greet it in a friendly manner. If the handler deliberately blocks contact between the dog and any person in the circle this would be a failure.
NOTE: The team will complete #10, #11, and #12 when called up.
The Evaluator will explain the category to all participants and then ask them to wait outside the Evaluation room until they are called for their turn, one at a time. The dog may be startled by the noise distractions and the excited child visitor but should regain composure. Any display of aggression or fear would be a failure.
WHEELCHAIR VISIT AND DISTRACTIONS
#10 Sitting in a wheelchair the Evaluator will approach the sitting dog and handler from behind. When approaching the team the Evaluator will use an excited manner and ask to pet the dog. A dog 15 pounds or less will be placed in the Evaluator’s lap (handler will keep hold of leash) – refusal to place dog on the Evaluator’s lap would be a failure. When evaluating a large breed, the evaluator will place their arm over the withers in a relaxed manner while gauging the dog for shyness, resentment or aggression that would result in a failure.
#11 The Evaluator will ask the handler if they may give the dog a treat – the handler’s refusal would be a failure. The handler may supply the dog treat and tell their dog to take it gently. The Evaluator will firmly hold the treat while offering it to the dog to ensure the dog takes it gently and displays patience. The dog may refuse the treat – this refusal IS NOT A FAILURE. If the dog does not take the treat gently and/or snaps or lunges for the treat it would be considered a failure.
#12 While the Evaluator is in the wheelchair petting the dog
a/ another assistant will drop one of the following approximately six feet behind the dog –
- bag of empty cans (assorted sizes for optimum noise)
- stainless steel bowl
- push over a chair (folding metal preferred)
b/ the evaluator will put their finger through the dog’s collar as a precaution while a child or assistant acting like an excited child runs up to Evaluator but on the opposite side that dog is sitting and excitedly tell them of something wonderful they just saw. The dog should show interest and mild excitement but any lunging, jumping towards child or any signs of aggression would be a failure. Dog should then be allowed to visit this person to end on a positive note.
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http://tpoc.ca/
http://www.sja.ca/English/Community-...s/default.aspx)