FAQs
FAQs
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Who owns the dog?
Dogs in the Grundy Center Therapy Dog Program are 100% purchased and owned by individuals who work in the Grundy Center Community School District. These owners volunteer their dog therapy services free of charge.
Is having a dog in the building a liability?
The therapy dog will be covered by school insurance when on school grounds and owner insurance when off of school grounds. The therapy dog will have intensive training by highly qualified staff in order to set the dog up for success.
Is having a dog in the school a danger to staff and students?
The therapy dog will be certified by a trainer to display non-aggressive temperament that indicates he/she is very unlikely to ever show aggression and is suitable for therapy work. The dog handlers must read and sign a list of dog handler ethics, which includes how to monitor the dog for signs of stress. Grundy Center therapy dogs must be trained by Therapy Dogs International and/or pass the Canine Access Test.
What if my child has allergies?
The therapy dog will be regularly groomed to prevent dander/shedding. Interaction with the dog is voluntary and children/staff with severe allergies will likely not give consent. Classrooms with students with severe allergies will not host therapy dog visits.
What if my child is afraid of dogs (cynophobia)?
Working with the therapy dog is completely voluntary, requiring consent. If a student/staff member is fearful of the dog, they will not interact with them, but it should be noted the research has shown that with proper support and encouragement children and adults can overcome this fear, replacing it with respect and enjoyment. The Cleveland Clinic offers the following information regarding exposure therapy which could be utilized at home or in a school setting.
Exposure therapy: There is gradual exposure to dogs. Over time, sensitivity to dogs decreases and you become less fearful. This therapy may include:
Closing your eyes and imagining an encounter with a dog.
Seeing pictures or videos of dogs.
Holding a toy dog.
Watching dogs play from a distance and slowly getting closer to the dog.
Petting a dog while it’s on a leash.
Spending time with a dog off of a leash.
How will students know how to interact with the therapy dog?
Students and staff will be informed when and where they may see the therapy dog, such as greeting at the door in the morning, sometimes in the classroom, in the hallway, at recess, or in the school office. Students and staff will also be taught R.O.A.R. (Respect Others and Act Responsibly) and to learn these 4 steps: 1) ASK for permission to pet 2) APPROACH calmly 3) PET for a count of three and 4) Say GOODBYE.
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