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.