16 March 2021

Working labrador dogs, in Sydney and NSW courts

Labrador puppies ready to go into volunteers’ homes

Victims Services began trialling Therapy Dogs in Manly Local Court in Sydney in April 2017, promoted by NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman. He announced the rollout of a new Canine Court Companion Programme/CCCP, citing successful cases of dogs in courts in Canada and New Zealand.

The Programme received a very positive response to the pilot with nearly 100% of participants reporting reduced anxiety after interaction with a therapy dog at court. The pilot evaluation also found the dogs did not disrupt the general functions of the court and offered benefits to court users, court staff and stake holders. The trial at Manly Courthouse was then rolled out across Sydney and parts of rural New South Wales, having showed that the labradors could alleviate stress and anxiety in courts.

Guide Dogs for the Blind are easily identified by the special Guide Dog harness they wear. When a Guide Dog is wearing a harness, they are supporting people with blindness to navigate. It is important not to pat a working Guide Dog as this could create an unsafe environment for both the Guide Dog and the handler.

Unlike canine supporters for the blind, NSW’s Therapy Dogs provide support and affection for victims of crime attending court. Originally the Delta Society had owners willing to volunteer their time and to provide therapy dogs to nursing homes, hospitals, corporate clients.

Handlers and labradors in front of court
Cambelltown, NSW

Now the Canine Court Companion Programme/CCCP, with Therapy Dogs Australia Delta Society, is a Court Services initiative led by NSW Government, Dept of Justice (Victim Services). The dogs are on patrol at NSW courthouses in Manly, Campbelltown, Burwood, Sutherland, Nowra, Gosford, Goulburn, Lismore, Orange and Wagga Wagga. And in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. After a year-long COVID hiatus, Therapy Dogs have returned to work at NSW courthouses in urban and regional areas, and the programme may be offered at more sites in future.

More jurisdictions are recognising the value of making the court experience a more positive one for everyone involved, including police.

Attending court is often a stressful and confronting event. So the therapy dogs and their handlers play a very important role by easing the stress of court for children, vulnerable witnesses and victims of domestic violence. The Therapy Dog Teams attend nominated courthouses each weekday morning. During the sessions in publicly accessible areas, victims of crime and court staff can spend time with a specially selected Therapy Dog. Even with the heartbroken VICTIMS of crime in court, studies show the dogs help lower heart rates, increase speech and memory functions, and heighten mental clarity. Stress is eased.

Dogs and handlers going into publicly accessible areas
Cambelltown, NSW

Therapy Dog Teams receive special requests from police or court professionals to assist with especially anxious people, those who might benefit from spending time with a Therapy Dog. A recent evaluation found that 96% of dog engagements were very helpful, having a calming and uplifting effect on court professionals and volunteers, support networks, and the family and friends of people attending court.

Although Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs look similar, they perform differently. Firstly CCCP Dogs wear an orange Therapy Dog vest with the NSW-ACT logo, as opposed to the Guide Dog’s blue harness. Secondly being patted or hugged is part of the job description for Therapy Dogs in the CCCP! They are to provide comfort and affection for people who would like their company. There are a wide variety of types within the Labrador breed, from tall, powerfully built labs, to small lighter-framed dogs. Labradors are generally highly trainable . They can also readily transfer the affection and loyalty from one person to another without complication. Also Labs are renowned for the positive and warm reputation in the community. And happily the CCCP can also use Labrador/Golden Retriever crosses and purebred Golden Retrievers. The Labrador Retriever is not only a loving and loyal companion but also a quick learner. These qualities, combined with the dog's strong and ready physicality, predispose the breed to success.

Dog and handler working with policemen
Cambelltown, NSW

The Labrador has always been a worker, coming from the challenging climate of Newfoundland History of the Labrador dog. The dogs have to be trained from puppyhood so that their natural tendencies toward service can be cultivated and channelled. The process requires human attention and skill at each step of the way, starting with the early nurturing of the puppy in a loving home.

The volunteer socialises the puppies, then transfers them over to a trainer, who teaches the dogs the basic commands they will need in the courts. When the puppy's training is complete after 2 years, the guide dog school matches it with a new owner who seems to be a good fit. The dog and new owner then train together, learning to listen to and trust each other.

All photo credits: Dept of Communities and Justice NSW. All love for labradors comes from me.





20 comments:

Fun60 said...

I have not heard of the use of therapy dogs in courtrooms. It sounds a wonderful idea and I cannot think of any downside. Therapy dogs have been used for a long time in care homes and special schools here and I'm sure in Australia as well. When you think about it, there are many roles that working dogs play from guide dogs for the blind or deaf, rescue dogs, sheep dogs, therapy dogs.

Parnassus said...

Hello Hels, In all movies and tv shows about courtrooms, female witnesses always break down sobbing, and then the real culprit always springs up from the gallery and admits to the crime. With therapy dogs calming everyone down, all this drama and confession would be lacking. Besides, if someone were charged with cruelty to dogs or other animals*, with this program in place, the accused would not stand a chance!
--Jim
*not that I condone that in any way, but the trial should still be impartial.

Train Man said...

I am very pleased to note that the police feel supported by the labs. Normally noone loves police.

Hels said...

Fun60

quite right... I cannot think of a role that working dogs cannot do, and do well.

The amazing thing about the court story was that I had never heard of dogs' involvement before. And even now, I am still sooooo impressed. It should make us think.... what other tasks need to be done in the community, that labrador puppies etc could manage with quality training?

Hels said...

Parnassus

and not just witnesses - victims as well. Imagine a rape victim or a young person beaten up by thugs on the street ... who then have to face those very thugs in court. I would be very nervous :(

Re your comment about "cruelty to animal" cases - that would be hilarious! The individuals on the jury would have to be tested for speciesism before they were accepted.

Hels said...

Train Man

even if police officers are largely respected by the community they serve, they know that the criminals will eventually get out of gaol. So getting the dogs to build up the police officers' confidence, and to reduce their anxiety, can only help with the quality of evidence given in court.

bazza said...

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is based in Woodford Bridge, near to where I live and we often see the trainers walking the local streets with the dogs under instruction. Locals know not to approach them or distract the dogs. I am a sucker for doggy pictures and the one you used at the top is really lovely!
I am fascinated by therapy dogs and also by the fact that canine sense of smell is said to be 1,000 times that of humans. They are being used to detect cancers and other conditions before any medical person or device can do so. Our best friends indeed!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s mathematically magnificent Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Anonymous said...

Nor did I know of the dogs being used in courtrooms. Now you wouldn't be a little biased towards Labs at all, would you.

Hels said...

bazza

I too am impressed by dogs' special skills, both innate and learned. But it would all come to nothing if the labradors weren't also endlessly affectionate, loyal and energetic. I cannot imagine an English bulldog, for example, attentively guarding school children at a school-crossing.

Hels said...

Andrew

totally biased :) Towards golden retrievers as well.

Oranim Academic College, Israel said...

The Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Certificate Program in Israel trains professionals for Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy in various special needs populations (eg in mental health settings, group homes for at-risk children, hostels, senior homes). This program is for college graduates with an academic background related to therapy or education. Academic training has theory courses and clinical workshops in 3 disciplines: 1) Psychology and Psychotherapy; 2) Animal Studies; 3) the Human-Animal Connection and Animal-Assisted Psycho¬therapy. The program includes practical training and a field placement one day a week in a clinical settings.

Oranim Academic College
Kiryat Tiv'on, Israel

Hels said...

Oranim College

many thanks for telling us about the Psychotherapy Certificate Programme which I had not heard of before, not in Israel nor anywhere else.

Since schools, mental health settings, courts and children's services are going to allow their vulnerable clients to place their trust in therapy dogs of all sorts, it will be increasingly important that the services become professional. The theory bases will be vital, as will the practical training.

Sue Bursztynski said...

I knew about therapy dogs, but haven’t heard of their use in court before. You’d be nervous and stressed coming into court, and dogs are so unconditionally loving. A good idea!

Hels said...

Sue

I certainly would be anxious if I had to stand up before a judge (and jury, even worse) as a victim or witness. But like you, I had never heard of the NSW Canine Court Companion Programme until it closed down for the duration of Covid. Hopefully 2021 will be a much better year.

Pipistrello said...

This is lovely news! I wonder how distracting it might be and if the dog-lovers sitting at the bench make googly-eyes at the dogs when they should be attending to legal arguments and cross-examination? I know it's almost irresistible to not fix attention on a seeing-eye dog when they're out and about!

CherryPie said...

This is a lovely initiative to help those who are venerable.

Hels said...

Pipistrello

I knew from years ago that guide or therapy dogs must _never_ be disturbed in training. As did bazza know in his comment above. But I agree that most people would melt when they saw the young labrador's eyes, face and paws. I used to tell puppy owners at the coffee shop that, if their puppies are ever lost, look at my place first! ��

Hels said...

CherryPie

Until my late parents became physically frail, I knew about vulnerability mainly from a distance eg seeing a blind person being guided around a busy street corner.

Now I totally agree with you that the more new initiatives set up to help the elderly, blind and the vulnerable, the more those brilliant dogs will improve human lives.

Luiz Gomes said...

Bom dia Hels, a matéria ficou muito linda.

Hels said...

Luiz

there is so much horror in the world today, just occasionally I am thrilled to see some good news. The dogs don't hate blacks, Catholics, Jews, blind people, Asians, handicapped people ... they just want to be close and secure companions.