pat dogs

has anyone got a pat dog?
i am thinking about working toby in this way when he is an adult.
how long does it take to become a registered pat dog and start working?
there is a few special needs schools around us and i think he would be really happy with all those kids giving him the thing he loves the most........attention.
do they have leo's as pat dogs because of their size?
he doesn't spook easy and takes most things in his stride at the moment but can get carried away still some times when hes playing.
this is why im waiting for him to mature and calm down before i have him assessed for pat work.
any info would be helpfull.

I have a PAT dog Leo. It's great fun to do. Here is the website address for them

www.petsastherapy.org.uk

Hi Leo, here is the Pets as Therapy website, it gives you lots of info on there including a fact sheet containing the things that are required of a PAT dog.

http://www.petsastherapy.org/

Edited to add - oops sorry staffy posted at the same time

Thas okay Dreamon, these things happen

thanks for the info i will look into it.
i have just thought of some thing i wonder if they will have a coat big enough for him?

Yeah they should do Leo, they have Great Danes, Newfoundlands, all sorts really as PAT animals so they should have a coat that fits. They have elastic on them aswell so they will find one that fits don't u worry

I've saved the website as I think that Basil would make a great Pat Dog! I'll be reading all the info, as I'd love someone to enjoy meeting Basil! He'd love all the attention and gets on well with all humans.

i think thats it for me,i want people to understand that giant breeds are dogs and can be as gentle as the smaller breeds plus it would be great to see people smile and bring a bit of sunshine into their lifes.i'm at home during the day so for the sake of a few hours a week to take him and see the pleasure for him and the humans would be well worth it to me.
every one wins if people would take the time out and they can make a big effect on the ill kidsand old people and if it helps them to recover or get better where do i sign up.

I love taking Jas on his PAT visits. We visit the local Special Needs Unit at my children's school and they love seeing him. Jas is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and it has really opened peoples eyes to the gentleness of the breed as so many people believe the hype in the paper's about staffies being dangerous.

It's the look on the kiddies faces when they see him and they are alway's asking me when am I gonna take him up again to see them. The school has asked me to do a school assembly on PAT dogs and we are going with a vet up to the school to educate children in the care of pet's.

It's very enjoyable

leo i have just recieved the paperwork for my dog to become a pat dog
he is a rottie and i know he,d make a great pat dog
have been asking staffy all sorts of questions
driving her mad i suppose