Are you looking for a new and meaningful way to work with your dog? Do you want to improve the lives of those who would benefit from visits with a volunteer canine "therapist"? Then think about becoming a Therapy Dog team. The 2nd edition gives you all the information you need to select, socialize and train your dog for this important and rewarding work. Learn about certification, liability, and getting started. Includes a complete course outline for teaching therapy dog classes!

Looks at how dogs are chosen to become therapy dogs, the training they go through, and the type of work they do.

Therapy Dogs Today explores the complex issues that surround the environments in which therapy dogs do their jobs.

Dogs that visit patients with cancer have been convincingly shown to reduce stress, loneliness, and mood disturbance that may complicate cancer care. In addition, dogs may provide important motivation for patients to maintain rehabilitation programs that have been shown to reduce cancer risk and improve cancer survival. Outlining all of these issues and many more, Therapy Dogs in Cancer Care: A Valuable Complementary Treatment is a ground-breaking, highly innovative addition to the literature on cancer care. Detailing a comprehensive summary of truly impressive research demonstrating the ability of dogs to serve an important therapeutic role within the cancer arena and in other serious medical conditions, the text provides highly practical advice and very helpful “tips” to ensure that those who wish to employ dogs to assist the cancer patient have the necessary knowledge and “tools” to optimize outcomes. Authored by Dawn A. Marcus, MD, an expert in both pain management and health improvement through human and dog interaction, Therapy Dogs in Cancer Care: A Valuable Complementary Treatment is an extremely well-organized, well-researched, and highly readable book. Providing practical suggestions to effectively incorporate dogs into cancer care, with detailed instructions about requirements for therapy dogs to ensure visits are safe and limit unwanted spread of infection, Therapy Dogs in Cancer Care: A Valuable Complementary Treatment is an invaluable reference that will inform and delight both the clinician desiring a “how-to” text as well as the casual reader.

How unwanted dogs are rescued and then trained as service dogs to help people with disabilities. WINNER--2016 Midwest Book Award. All proceeds will go to the 501(c)(3) charity, Pawsitivity Service Dogs. "Simply astonishing in its volume, information, approach-ability, readability, transparency, experienced voice, helpfulness/usefulness and honesty. It's inspirational, as well as competent, realistic, transparent, practical'. Its tone is forthright but kind."--Dr. Beth Rausch, DVM, University of Wisconsin, River Falls "Our service dog is better than any medication. She has not just helped my daughter but the whole family. Millie is the best, most loving and loyal companion for my daughter. Tom and Julie of Pawsitivity are the kind of people that really care and just keep giving. I can not say thank you enough."--James Artisensi, father of a child with a Pawsitivity service dog

Dive into the profound impact of therapy dogs on student well-being and inclusivity with 'Implementing Therapy Dog Teams in Partnership with Schools'. This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies for integrating certified therapy dog teams into educational settings, enhancing the learning experience for students. Grounded in research and real-life case studies, this book goes beyond theory, providing actionable advice on how therapy dogs can creatively improve mental health, academic performance, peer relationships, and social skills. Their presence in schools fosters a positive atmosphere, boosting mood, confidence, and self-esteem while promoting self-regulation and reducing absenteeism. Addressing the increasing emotional health challenges among youth, this resource offers clear guidance on selecting, implementing, and evaluating therapy dog programs. It's structured for easy navigation, making it an essential tool for educators, dog handlers, and volunteers dedicated to creating supportive learning environments. Discover how therapy dogs, like Mac, can transform school communities, fostering connections and enriching the educational journey for every student.