Canine Concern Scotland Trust has been carrying out Phobic work with children and adults for well over ten years.

 

The work is carried out through NHS GP referrals from child Psychology units the length and breadth of Scotland. This work is undertaken by specially assessed therapets who take part in our visiting service.

 

The criteria for this is the therapets must have been visiting for at least one year, then be reassessed for their suitability and the volunteer will have another disclosure check carried out as well.

 

In the main the sessions are controlled by the Psychologists who have asked for our help with their clients. This is because they have a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of their clients needs at this time. The therapet volunteer will have input into what will happen during the sessions using their skill and previous knowledge gained from a practical sense rather than clinical one. This then draws off skills from both parties which enables everyone to provide a high level of service to person who needs this service.

 

The number of the sessions required is usually around four to six, but can vary depending on the issues involved. The length of each session varies but the norm is around one hour duration. This again is normally controlled by the Psychologists.

 

Some end results we would try to aim for could be;

The child could sit in a room with the dog in close proximity, on a lead and under control of the handler, without showing any serious signs of fear or anxiety.

The child would be able to walk happily without showing any fear in the company of a small group of two or three adults one of whom has the dog under close control on a lead. Leading up to the child taking the lead while walking the dog with the small group of adults, including the dog's handler who retain's close supervision of the dog's movements.

The child would be able to touch the dog on the rump, back or head while the handler retains close control of any movements.

The child would be able to face the dog and stroke its head while the handler retains close control of the dog.

Sometimes all that is achievable is that the child will show less signs of anxiety in the presence of the dog or any dog that he or she may come into contact with. Wither this be in a room, in the park or just walking along the street.

At present we are drawing up guidelines for our therapet volunteers who wish to take part in this part of Canine Concern Scotland Trust work with our volunteers and their therapets. In doing this it will enable Canine Concern Scotland Trust to offer this service to more areas via the NHS GP referral system and at the same time maintain the present high standard.