Animal-assisted therapy

Animal-assisted therapy/activity – in our association, dog therapy – is the name given to programs that involve a dog in the learning and development process, which has passed a two-round exam with its owner. This pair works together with the group of children for a specific goal. The goal is determined by the professional working with the group (psychologist, (special) teacher).

For example, it motivates mentally disabled children to throw a ball, as dogs are happy to bring back the thrown ball, or the trick performed by the dog encourages children to exercise a lot. In the case of anxious children/adults and/or people with other psychological problems, being with a dog and solving tasks together alleviates the condition and motivates recovery.

In addition to the legal requirements, the question has arisen in several cases as to why a specialist and/or handler=owner is needed for dog activities. Perhaps this image illustrates it clearly: the handler is like a computer – he receives the information and then passes it on as instructions to the dog, who thus plays the role of the projector. For the safety of both the dog and the group, it is good if one person is responsible for the group and the dog separately.

Animal assisted activity (AAA = animal assisted activity), for example, is a regular visit to a nursing home, the main goal of which is to create pleasant, entertaining, loving and giving moments. In this case, a cat, rabbit, or dog can be used.

For example, experiencing harmony by petting an animal, or laughing happily at dog tricks, or just talking to the owner about the animal is a mental health activity in itself.

Animal-assisted education (AAE) is the learning process in an educational institution where – usually – a dog is used as a motivator. Involving a four-legged friend in school lessons or kindergarten activities can easily make a given topic or subject appealing to children, and motivate them to acquire information.

For example, who wouldn’t want to be given an assignment in math class that is delivered to them by a dog, or learn environmental science if mammals are illustrated by a live DOG?