Cane di San Bernardo - Pet-therapy

All pure-breeds, even half-breeds, are eligible for "Pet Therapy", but not all dogs (subjects) are.
The Saint Bernard is particularly eligible thanks to his meek temperament and his natural predisposition towards man, he is reliable, easy to train and to love, yet the dog being eligible is not all it takes: the conductor has to be eligible too.
After taking the theory course, one has to submit to a practical exam along with his dog; if dog and conductor pass an certificate of eligibility is issued to both.
"Pet Therapy" TAA (Terapia Assistita da Animali) or AAA (Attività Assistita da Animali) can be practiced only and exclusively under doctor's supervision; the doctor decides its course and the aim.

IRIS, an excellent exemplar of long-haired Saint Bernard, was the first of her breed in Italy to have successfully taken both PET THERAPY exams, the T.A.A. (Terapia Assistita da Animali; Animal Assisted Therapy) and the A.A.A. (Attività Assistita da Animali; Animal Assisted Activity), in A.I.U.C.A. (www.aiuca.org) national member of IAHAIO (www.iahaio.org) affiliate of the Delta Society Pet Partners (www.deltasociety.org) member of the A.D.Eu. (www.assistancedogeurope.info) Board of Governors.

Why A.A.A. or A.A.T. (Pet Therapy).

Talking to doctor Aldo VIOLET trainer and dog behaviourist, I found out about the existence of animal assisted therapy and of the possibility of training and evaluating dogs for eligibility.
I was impressed and intrigued when I learned I could do something with my dog to help other people. I have always had dogs, but Iris is, without a doubt, the finest and most patient among them.
Although she is animated around children, when facing an older person or someone in distress, she seems to understand the difference, and her exuberance turns into gentleness, she lets people pet and touch her without moving, and all this without ever being trained for.

The obedience training, at "la cuccia" of Ancona, taken by doctor Aldo VIOLET uses the "Dog Training Relazionale®" method, based on the correct relationship between owner and dog; this method uses the cognitive capabilities of the dog, rewarding him with tip-bits and especially with petting after a well completed exercise.
IRIS seemed happy to take the course. In front of the school entrance she instinctively stopped, and when the door opened she entered right away. She let everybody pet her and then the non compulsory training begun.