Hospital Programs

We have been building dog handler teams for Hospital programs since 2002 and building dogs for specialized work since 1980.  As of April '09 we have trained over 209 teams specifically for hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. 

We currently contract with Edward Hospital-Naperville, Northwest Community Hospital-Arlington Heights, Palos Community Hospital, OSF St. Anthony's-Rockford, and OSF St. Francis-Peoria.  As of May '09 we have trained over 209 teams specifically for hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. 

If you are interested in setting up a dog program in your hospital, school, prison, nursing home, or rehab facility call Sue at 815-590-8008 click here or contact Patty at www.paws4therapy.com.

Rehabilitation Programs

We can train and supply Professional Rehabilitation Dogs for your facility, or we can locate and train volunteers to come work with your physical, occupational, and speech therapists.  We have established polices that encompass all needs for staff, patients, and dogs. 

We have trained over 10 dogs for use in specific, therapeutic programs at Linden Oaks Behavioral Healthcare Facility.  Units include the Child/Adolescent Units, S.A.F.E Alternatives (for treatment of individuals who self-injure), eating disorders, and adult inpatient programs.

School Programs

The use of therapy dogs in schools is most popular in reading programs, but we forget that the middle age and high school students need help too.  Dogbuilders offers counseling programs for those troubled teens and 'tweens that do not understand the concept of unconditional love.  

Teen Groups - this goal directed, creative program will help students learn how to use dogs to facilitate communication, empower students, teach responsibility, kindness, and trust without discrimination. 

Middle Age kids - the 'tween phase is a difficult stage for boys and girls.  We build self-esteem, discuss the effects of positive and negative reinforcement, and teach responsibility and boundaries, etc. 

Elementary Schools - The use of dogs has proven to be a highly effective tool to help these young students improve their reading skills. We also offer dog safety programs to help reduce dog bites.

Dog Evaluation and Training

Since 2001, we have evaluated over 2,000 dog/handler teams for therapy work.  We have been bite by, growled at, and jumped on by several 'registered' therapy dogs and one Service Dog. 

Dogbuilders makes sure our dog/handler teams are safe, well-trained, compassionate, and presentable so that your legal department and any infection control issues are not a barrier to allowing dogs in your facility. 

We continue to streamline and modify policy and procedure to meet the ever changing demands of AAT work in all settings.  Contact us if you are interested in setting up a dog program in your hospital, school, prison, or rehab facility. 

Sue at 815-590-8008 or click here

Patty at www.paws4therapy.com.