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Frequently Asked Questions

Suitability

1) I have a small dog, is it suitable for PAT work?
Yes, all dogs, whether, small or large, are suitable for PAT work. In fact, we are encouraging owners with small dogs to join TDS because owners can bring their dogs to the residents' beds or let the dog sit on the residents' laps.

2) My puppy is only 6 months old, can we still join TDS?
No, your puppy must be more than 6 months old. However, you can still submit your application form and we can assess your dog as the age of 6 months.

Temperament/aptitude assessments 

1) My dog is quite playful and “cheeky” at times. Is this assessment designed to test how obedient my dog is?
The temperament/aptitude assessment is NOT an obedience trial. It is strictly an assessment to see how the dog reacts to strangers and to unfamiliar environments. Previous experience in pet therapy is not a requirement either.

2) Why is there a need for TDS to conduct this assessment?
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that no signs of aggression are made by the dog when they meet to the new people and are brought into new environments. Given that we work with a wide range of clients/patients who demonstrate various behaviours, we have to ascertain that the dog is able to cope and remain comfortable in the company of these individuals.

3) What exactly is going to happen during the assessment? What will the tester be looking out for?
Basically the assessment covers:

  • Static assessment : The tester will observe the expression of eyes, mouth & posture of tail, body posture, hair posture on dog's back
  • Kinetic assessment : You may be asked to move with your dog amongst a group of persons or around a single person and make stops in between
  • Sociability - How accepting your dog is of a friendly stranger
  • Reaction to another dog - This will assess if your dog can behave politely around other dog
  • Reaction to distractions - This will assess if dog is confident at all times when faced with common distractions: a) when a person bumps into the handler, b) when a book is dropped or when someone opens an umbrella c) when a wheelchair is pushed past the dog or when someone drops a crutch or cane
  • Basic obedience : The tester will observe if your dog is able to sit politely for petting) and if the handler is in full control of the dog when it goes out for a walk
  • Observation if the dog/handler team is appropriate for PAT i.e. to assess if the handler is in control of the dog at all times
4) When will I get the test results? What will happen if my dog fails the test?
Our testers will usually let you know the results on the spot and you’ll also receive an email from us. You will be pleased to know that most of the dogs we meet will pass the assessment. So it is very unlikely that your dog will fail the test. Some dogs many demonstrate certain behaviours/habits which may be somewhat undesirable (e.g. jumpiness) but if you are seriously committed to join our PAT team, our in-house dog trainer will help you to train and /or correct such behaviours. We are however, unable to have dogs with extremely aggressive temperaments join us given the nature of our work and the group of individuals that we’re serving.

5) How long will each test take?
The test should not take more than 20 minutes.

6) What must I do to prepare for the test?
No worries! There is no need for you to go through any strict/tough training sessions with your dog at all! Just relax, be natural and enjoy yourselves during the test!

7) Must I bring anything along with me during the test?
Just show up with your dog on his/her leash and also please remember the Health Certification as well!

8) Must I pay to have my dog tested?
Our assessments are conducted by our volunteers free of charge.

9) I have two dogs. Can I bring them down for the test on the same day?
Yes, you definitely can! The more the merrier!

10) When can I start attending PAT sessions after my dog passes the test?
You are most welcome to join us once your dog has been assessed to be suitable. Simple swing by our website www.tdspore.org for the listing of upcoming visits.