Spice has her P.A.T. assessment next week! The lady sounds very nice over the phone and I have the guide on what Spice is 'expected' to be tested on, i.e. walk without pulling,not shy away and cower if the lady suddenly drops something onto the floor,then she has to allow her to look at her teeth,pet her,check her ears etc. but does anyone else have any tips for us to make sure she gets through these tests o.k. ?
She has a lovely nature and is good with people,but I AM SO NERVOUS! it's like having a child going through school exams all over again :D
Jacqueline & Spice :)

Don't be nervous, you will only make her that way...Have a drink and relax :D Don't worry...Good luck and Im sure she will do just fine...Can you go early so she is familiar with the place?

When I used to assess PAT dogs I used to find someone to take the part of a noisy patient. I found this would sometimes show up a nervy dog although I would not reject it for just backing off in surprise. I've not been called on to assess a dog for quite some time now though.

Best wishes, John

Be calm and have a cup of tea before hand. The assessors are really nice and as they say some places you go to have very "noisy/difficult" people and its best to see if your dog is suited before they go. My Assessor for Sal was a really nice man and put me at my ease. Sure yours will do the same, and he did the same as John got somone else to be the "noisy one" in our case a man who said loudly  "where's my breakfast" then dropped a tray on the floor.

What did Sal do - stood up looked around as if to say "breakfast,foods on then" (well thats what the assessor said it looked like she was thinking) then she sat down again to be fussed and when the man dropped the tray she just looked over her shoulder :) The man then came up and made a fuss of her.

Sal passed. I am sure your asssessor will be as nice yet as thorough as mine was.

Karen       

Sorry to be thick, can I ask what PAT testing is? :)

www.petsastherapy.org,you will need to cut and paste I still haven't tried to do a 'link', it tells you all about it Gonzo.
I had wanted our other dog to become part of this charity work,but felt she was too old and it would tire her too easily,but as soon as I could I have got my forms for Spice,she is now 9months old and a 'very laid back' friendly b.c. :D

Jacqueline

Apparently hubby tells me it stands for 'Portable Appliance Testing' too! not quite what I had in mind :D :D

Just to say Spice passed her assessment today !! it couldn't have gone any better,she did everything asked of her and the lady was very impressed especially as Spice is only just 9months old.Now we just have to wait for the paperwork to be sorted and she will be officially a P.A.T visiting dog :)

I'm so proud of her :D
Thanks for all your encouragement everyone!
Jacqueline.

congratulations, welcome to the club :D