Oliver "Ollie", THD, CGCA, TKI

Breed: Cockapoo- a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. 

Birthday - 5/24/2022

Hobbies: Begging people to pet me, chasing tennis balls

Titles - Therapy Dog (THD), Trick Dog Intermediate (TKI), Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) Community Canine.

 Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort, support, and affection to people. Their role is to help others feel calmer, happier, and supported when they need it most. Therapy dogs receive training in obedience, behavior, and socialization to ensure they can interact safely and appropriately with clients. Therapy dogs are not service dogs and do not have special privileges in public spaces such as shopping centers, airplanes, or restricted housing. Ollie receives special access only at Prairieville Counseling with our therapists and clients. 

 Ollie has proudly earned several certifications and titles, including AKC Therapy Dog, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Community Canine or Canine Good Citizen Advanced. He has also earned his Trick Dog Intermediate title and continues learning new tricks. Ollie is a member of the Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy Program through the Louisiana Capital City Obedience Club. 

Ollie responds to both hand signals and verbal commands. Clients are welcome to help reinforce his training by waiting to pet him until he is calm, not allowing jumping or nipping, rewarding calm behavior with treats, and using basic commands such as sit, stay, down, and come. If a client prefers Ollie to be in another room or resting in his bed during session, Prairieville Counseling staff can accommodate that request.   

Ollie has designated spaces within the Prairieville Counseling office where he can rest, sleep, or take breaks. These areas include his beds and kennel. When Ollie is in these spaces, clients should not interact with him so he can recharge and stay regulated. 

 Research shows that animals in therapy can provide many emotional and physical benefits. Interacting with animals has been shown to increase oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which help improve mood and reduce stress. Many clients, especially those processing trauma, find comfort in simply being near Ollie or gently engaging with him during sessions. Animal Assisted Therapy has been shown to support the following benefits: 

• Reduction in blood pressure
• Lowered stress and anxiety levels
• Enhanced self esteem
•  Increased emotional awareness and regulation
• Reduced aggression
• Reduced loneliness
•  Improved immune system
• Increased trust and trustworthiness
•  Reduction of depression and sadness.
• Stimulates positive communication

ALLERGIES -  Although not every client interacts directly with Ollie, he may be present in the Prairieville Counseling office. If a client has allergies or concerns related to dogs, please let us know so appropriate accommodations can be made. . 

SANITATION - Hand sanitizer, soap and lint rollers are provided in our bathrooms.

OTHER ANIMALS -   To protect the safety and wellbeing of Ollie, our clients, and our staff- no other pets or emotional support animals are permitted at Prairieville Counseling. Trained service animals are always permitted. Please notify our staff of your intent to have them accompany you to your therapy session so that Ollie can be removed from the premises or secured prior to their arrival.