Every day, dachshunds are making a difference in the lives of people all over the country. Foryears, research has linked dog ownership with improved quality of life, longevity, and mental and physical health. In the past decade, the role of dogs has increased from beloved family pet to a vital part of a patient's treatment care plan. What this means is that for a senior in a long-term care facility, the visiting therapy dog has become much more than an afternoon guest.

Dachshunds certified in AAT are considered as vital to patient recovery as physical, occupational, and speech therapies. The medical staff involved in designing the particular patient's care plan determine what the AAT dachsie is to accomplish with a patient during each visit. For example, a patient recovering from hand surgery may be asked to pick up small pieces of carrot and feed the treats to the dachshund. What people will do for a dog often surpasses their normal efforts.

In order to be certified as an AAT dog, your dachshund must have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate, complete a training class provided by the AAT certifying organization in your area, and pass an AAT certifying test. This test includes an interview with you and your dog and a performance segment, in which your dog is tested for his reactions to people in walkers, odd gaits, sudden noises, loud and incoherent shouting, flapping white medical coats, people in medical masks, and other such hospital sights and sounds. Once certified, you will begin volunteering with another veteran AAT dog/handler team until the organization is certain that you and your dachsie are able to work on your own.