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Directions to benchmark therapy8/31/2023 ![]() ![]() “With kids, we’ll often put weighted therapy vests on them to have that calming effect. Noodle’s weight will also be an advantage. If they’re having trouble with fine motor, they could put a shirt on Noodle and button her shirt.” “A child could learn to dress Noodle, learning those skills. These traits make her ideal for children practicing skills of daily living such as brushing hair and getting dressed. She also enjoys giving hugs, has thick hair that doesn’t shed, and can even wear clothes. Her size and playfulness are well-suited for children in particular. Noodle’s breed could have something to do with her popularity. “I’ve never had anyone not want to be around her. She always provides ways for students to let her know if they are uncomfortable with having Noodle in class. Scheiman is careful to ensure that students are comfortable around Noodle. Then the students meet each other she’s kind of a connector. If I walk her across campus, I always allow extra time because there’s going to be students coming over. “If a shy student walks Noodle around campus, they’re going to meet other students,” said Scheiman. Occupational therapy assistant students are learning firsthand about animal-assisted therapy, and Noodle serves as a stress reliever for those who need it, a comfort for those who are homesick, and a conversation starter for those who walk her. Noodle is also learning to connect with and trust the Huntington University students she encounters. She has to build confidence and trust in me, that I will always make sure her needs are met and she’s not put in a bad way.” “It takes time to build confidence and trust. Taking the time now to build trust will pay off later when they are working together in clinical and classroom settings. As Noodle’s handler, she wants Noodle to be used to working with her. Scheiman is actively involved in the training. Next, she will train in canine good behavior. ![]() Her first formal training was in general obedience. Passing the certification test is the only official step required to become a certified therapy dog, but Noodle is undergoing training at an obedience school to make sure she is in top shape for the test. “There’s a lot of training, a lot of time, a lot of patience,” said Scheiman. After that benchmark, when Noodle takes the test will be Scheiman’s choice. She will be eligible to take the certification test after she is more than one year old. Through it all, they must demonstrate that they will “attend to” (pay attention to and obey) their handler. Although the specifics vary by test provider, it is common for dogs to test in a loud environment, with kids, in a busy crowd, and around crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers, equipment that they would encounter in a hospital setting. ![]() The certification test will require Noodle to demonstrate that she can remain calm even in the midst of stressful or chaotic settings. Until then, Noodle is still a student “studying” for her upcoming exam. Scheiman is hoping that Noodle will be ready to take the certification test in 2024, at which point Noodle will be able to continue her work on campus as well as work in therapy settings. That’s the best training for them, to absolutely immerse them in anything they may encounter.” “The best way to train her is bringing her here,” said Scheiman, who is the director of HU’s occupational therapy assistant bachelor’s degree program. ![]() She is also getting used to campus and the variety of new things she can experience there. Her current “job responsibilities” include attending Scheiman’s classes and meetings, where she is learning to sit quietly in the background (a tough job for an excited puppy, but she manages it well). “Usually if I don’t bring her,” Scheiman said, “I hear, “Oh, Noodle’s not here?’”Ĭoming to campus a few days a week is part of Noodle’s therapy dog training. Since then, she has acquired a celebrity status that only a dog can achieve. Noodle the Doodle reported for her first day of work at Huntington University on January 13, 2023. And someday, if all goes according to plan, she will be a certified therapy dog. At less than a year old, she is still growing, but someday this young puppy could reach a mature weight of approximately 80 pounds. Visit Scheiman’s office on the right day, and a black and white sheepadoodle sporting a stylish yet functional hair bow or two will greet you at the door. In one respect, however, her open door in Dowden Science Hall is quite different than a door leading to any other faculty office: Scheiman’s has a pet gate. Nicole Scheiman keeps her door open during her office hours. Like other faculty members at Huntington University, Dr. ![]()
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