Dog Safety Statement
Mentors are expected to demonstrate in sessions with their working dog and use the dog as a learning and motivation tool in their lessons. If the mentor feels as though their dog is going to be put in harm’s way the dog will be moved to a safe place such as a corner in the room, an office in the school or even the back of the mentor's car. Mentors will discuss with the client and stakeholders a safe place to remove the working dog if an event requires it.
It is the responsibility of the mentor and any other adult present to be aware of the safety of the dog. Students are never to be left alone with our AAT dogs.
Venue Animal Management Plan
The Difference Between An Assistance Dog And A Therapy Dog
Assistance Dogs provide assistance to individuals with disabilities (mobility, sight, hearing, and other physical and/or psychiatric issues). They must pass a strict Public Access Test which is assessed by a qualified Canine Behaviourist. They are placed with the disabled individual or, in some cases, are trained by the disabled owner with the assistance of a qualified certified professional dog trainer. In this case, the owner-trained dog must still pass a strict Public Standards Assessment which is assessed by a qualified Canine Behaviourist. Assistance Dogs have public access rights and are now protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Canine Comprehension working dogs are classed as therapy dogs.
A Therapy Dog provides visitation to places where their presence is therapeutically required, such as hospitals, nursing homes and Schools. They do not have public access rights. Basic “good manners” skills should be evident such as sitting, dropping and coming when called. The dog should also be calm and maintain appropriate social behaviour in a variety of environments. The dog should also be taught skills in order to be able to interact with people that have a variety of developmental/physical disabilities.
Canine Comprehension therapy dogs must have pre-approval by clients or stakeholders before entering a workplace or school. This can be through verbal consent, email or an MOU.