Dentist THERAPY DOGS
With our therapy dogs, Jara and Elsa, we aim to provide a pleasant dental experience for anxious patients of all ages.
The presence of one of these two therapy dogs at our practice in Karlsruhe helps create a calming atmosphere, which is particularly beneficial for patients who are apprehensive about visiting the dentist.
In doing so, we strictly adhere to RKI recommendations, high hygiene standards, and the Animal Welfare Act.
This is ouR Therapy AccompanY Jara
Breed: Japanese Spitz
Gender: female
Height: 34 cm
Temperament: playful, lively, intelligent, loyal, reserved, affectionate, obedient, companionable, proud
Weight: approx. 8 kg
Born: 12.1.2016
Color: White
Origin: Thuringian Forest
Training: special therapy companion dog team training (112 hours through the Canoidea dog training school)
This is Elsa, our next-generationtherapy companiondog at
Breed: Japanese Spitz
Gender: female
Height: 33 cm
Temperament: playful, intelligent, companionable, very friendly, loyal, bold, curious
Weight: approx . 7 kg
Born: January 13, 2023
Color: White
Origin: Bavarian Forest
Training: special therapy assistance dog team training (112 hours through the Canoidea dog school)
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Jara (or Elsa) is primarily intended for patients who find it difficult to visit the dentist and/or struggle with a fear of the dentist. In particular, children aged 5 and older and dog-loving adults will receive animal-assisted treatment.
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Due to the high hygiene standards in German dental offices, the risk of transmission from dogs to humans—and from humans to dogs—must be minimized. To this end, an additional hygiene plan tailored to Jara and Elsa was developed in addition to the general hygiene plan.
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To ensure that Jara and Elsa are treated in a manner appropriate to their needs, patients are informed of the relevant guidelines prior to treatment.
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The Lieblinsgzahn team receives training once a year on how to handle Jara and Elsa, as well as on the relevant hygiene and general guidelines.
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Patients must sign a declaration of consent before each treatment. This confirms that animal-assisted therapy is desired and that there are no contraindications, such as dog phobia, infections or allergies.
In the case of treatment of children, at least one parent or legal guardian must sign the declaration of consent.
Possible uses of the therapy dog
Basically, the task of a dentist's therapy dog is very simple: the therapy companion dog must first and foremost simply be present and evoke a positive feeling with its friendly, fluffy appearance and charming, gentle nature. Our therapy dog Jara can be stroked by the patient in the run-up to the actual treatment in the practice in Karlsruhe.
After the treatment, Jara or Elsa can perform a little trick, especially for the children, such as giving a paw, doing a high five, sitting, or lying down. Of course, the therapy dog should be rewarded for the successful treatment of the patient and receive a treat from the patient themselves. Linking the patient’s own treatment to the reward for the therapy dog is intended to have the psychological effect of making patients feel more courageous. This should promote successful treatment and, above all, associate dental treatment with positive emotions.
Due to the high hygiene standards in dental offices and time constraints, Jara and Elsa should not be given a long “active” task during the dental appointment. In addition, materials associated with Jara and Elsa can help link the dental visit with positive expectations and increase motivation for oral hygiene at home, such as the Jara storybook, the Jara toothbrushing video, or stickers and photos of Jara and Elsa.
TREATMENTS
TREATMENT CHILDREN
Children are encouraged to interact with the therapy dogs, Jara or Elsa, by petting them in a way that is appropriate for animals before and after treatment, performing a “trick” with them, and, of course, giving them treats—with or without playing “Jara dice.”
TREATMENT ADULTS:
The dental therapy dog is intended to create a more pleasant treatment atmosphere simply by being there. Additional ways to help patients feel more at ease include giving Jara or Elsa a treat and/or petting the therapy dog.
Alternatively, adults can also perform a “trick” with Jara if they wish.
OUR THERAPY DOG - Presentation book
In it, Jara introduces herself and patients can get an idea of Jara in advance. In the book, Jara encourages children in particular to brush their teeth and tries to arouse their curiosity about the treatment.
THERAPIEHUND tooth brushing video
Our therapy dog Jara loves brushing her teeth. That's why we made a little toothbrushing movie to motivate children in particular to brush their teeth. It can be played on the tablet if required.
Report on therapy dog Jara in the SWR Landesschau program
Landesschau Badenwürttemberg and SWR report on Jara. We think that's worth seeing.
Therapy dog ERsatz:
Japanese Spitz cuddly toy
A very original and Jara-like looking cuddly toy is intended to demonstrate to children and possibly adults how to stroke and approach dogs. The "hand movements" can be practiced on this cuddly toy. In addition, the cuddly toy can "stand in" if Jara is unexpectedly absent for any number of reasons, e.g. indisposition, diarrhea, accident, etc.
Autograph cards, photos, and stickers of therapy dogs Jara and Elsa
Above all, we want children to receive a tangible memento of our therapy dogs, Jara and Elsa, to serve as a source of comfort after a successful dental visit. They can choose either a photo, an autograph card, or a sticker featuring the dental therapy dogs to take home with them.
