PAT dog

[bluesmum]

I am constantly being told how very laid back Blue is for a spaniel, and how he has such a lovely temprement, i was wondering how we would go about having him assessed as a PAT dog and what the requirements are?, he loves nothing better than a good cuddle and thrives on attention, i think Blue would absolutely love it :wink: and as i now have plenty of time on my hands i think it would be good for me too!

If anyone has any information on this i would very much appreciate it                    

[Jane S]

Hi Maria

You can find all the info you need on the Pets As Therapy website at http://www.petsastherapy.org/

Good luck

Jane                    

[*Jay*]

Maria,

I just read an article on PAT dogs today and sent off for an information pack as I think vegas would be suitable for it - and he loves the attention too :roll:    Good luck with Blue if you decide to go ahead                    

[tracey]

I hope you find the link Jane provided helpful.

Two dogs I have bred have gone on to become PAT dogs, both owned by the same dedicated person  I know they have a lovely time on their visits and bring such joy to the people they visit.
Go for it if you think you and Blue would enjoy it :wink:
Tracey                    

[PennyB]

I think you have to wait until they are about 9 months old (you have to have had them for at least 6 months). Wilf's laid back but I think I'll have to wait a while as he's turned into a naughty teenager for now until he settles down.                    

[bluesmum]

Thank you all so much for your replies ,

 The web site you recommended did supply me with everything i needed to know and from the information given hopefully Blue should be suitable  :wink: , i've just sent for my application pack but was informed that it could take up to two weeks before i receive it worth the wait though dont you think!! :wink:                    

[Magic Star]

Hi Maria

Blue would certainly make an excellent PAT dog in my opinion anyway.  He is very well mannered and as you say soo laid back   You go for it                    

[Pammy]

I know a lady who's cocker used to be a PAT dog - they both got an awful lot out of it - let alone the people they helped. Good luck, hope it works out                    

[bluesmum]

Maria,

I just read an article on PAT dogs today and sent off for an information pack as I think vegas would be suitable for it - and he loves the attention too :roll:    Good luck with Blue if you decide to go ahead

  good luck with Vegas too Gill. x                    

[padfoot]

I've sent off too (was it "your dog" you saw it?), but for Millie my setter. It sounds like it would be great for the dogs as well as the patients.                    

[*Jay*]

I saw the advert in Your Dog too :wink:  Good luck with Millie  I know its something Vegas would love - just have to hope he passes his assessment :roll:                    

[stueymac]

When we had Sweep as well as Libby we were told not to apply for Libby to be a PAT dog as we had two dogs. The lady said that because we had two there's a sort of 'pack' system between the two thus making her unsuitable. Don't know if the rules are different now, this was about three years ago.                    

[Jane S]

That's odd Stuart - I used to know someone with a Rottie & several Pomeranians & all were PAT dogs (that was a few years ago) & I know Linda W goes PAT visiting with her Pippa & she is a multiple Cocker owner I'm sure Linda will be along later to confirm whether this "rule" exists or whether it was just someone being over zealous in your case :wink:                    

[PennyB]

Could it be an individual assessor and their bias. I know others who've had more than one dog to be successful.

Am curious to know what the woman meant by pack system. I would've have thought the dog would be assessed on their merits (and a health check from the vet).

I want to eventually put forward Wilf to be a PAT dog but not Ruby—Wilf is the more laid back of the two.                    

[LindaW]

Two of my dogs that I own and have bred are registered PAT dogs - Pippa and Daisy.  

I cannot understand why Stuart was not allowed to have a second one.  There are no rules that I am aware of about this.  It may depend on the establishment that you are visiting whether they will allow one handler with 2 dogs but there is nothing to prevent you having more than one PAT dog.  I plan to get more of mine registered when I have time.

I have been picked to attend the PAT dog parade at Crufts with one dog (they do say one dog and one handler for that event). I am taking Pippa as Daisy is on maternity leave!