Canine Assisted Therapy
“The positive effects of dog- human bond are recognized by the scientific community
& the medical world”
Canine Assisted Emotional Support
Canine Assisted Therapy falls into two main categories, Canine Assisted Emotional Support and Canine Assisted Intervention.
In Emotional Support a Visiting Dog Handler and a Visiting Dog spend time in hospitals, nursing homes, special education schools, typical schools, orphanages, etc. The purpose of visitations is for individuals to interact with the dog through simple actions like petting, feeding and playing. It has been observed that the presence of the dog and these simple interactions reduce anxiety, increase will for change and facilitate the accommodation of individuals in such places. The Dog Handler needs to have theoretical knowledge and practical training in Dog Assisted Services, as well as theoretical and practical knowledge in handling a visiting dog. The dog needs to have successfully passed the PADA Test and be trained in basic obedience.
Canine Assisted Intervention
In contrast, in Canine Assisted Interventions specific therapeutic goals are set. The dog and its handler are asked to perform specific tasks aimed at improving a specific difficulty of an individual. The course of the therapeutic intervention evolves based on specific evaluations and is carried out by a Certified Professional in Canine Assisted Intervention and a Certified Therapy Dog. To perform Therapeutic or Educational Interventions, the Dog Handler needs to be a health, mental health professional or educator. However, if not he/she must collaborate with the professional who follows the treatment of the individual. The dog needs to have passed the PADA Test successfully, be trained in activities of Canine Assisted Intervention and be Certified by an International organization.
Benefits & Applications of CAI
CAI is used in Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychological Support, Psychological and Physical Support of the Elderly, Medicine, Paediatrics, Physiotherapy and Education.
It offers a variety of techniques that can be applied individually and in groups. In addition, it can be integrated into different therapeutic and pedagogical approaches in a direct or indirect manner. CAI contributes significantly to the improvement of cognitive, behavioural, social, emotional and physical functions of an individual .
CAI is a complementary type of therapy for:
- children and adults facing PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
- elderly people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s or mobility problems
- children and adults with mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression
- children and adults in rehabilitation centres, nursing homes and hospitals
- children and adults in special treatment centres and schools
Occupational & Speech Therapy
The main purpose of this intervention is for the child to practice his/her sensory skills through the dog. Hair, tongue, paws, barking, the sounds a dog makes while playing, and movement are powerful “sensory stimuli”. Children with PDD cannot easily manage environmental stimuli due to sensory overload. A therapy dog is a strong motivator for the child, because through his/her desire to touch and play with the dog, is guided through a series of exercises more naturally. At the same time the therapy dog, interacts with the child, fetching things, carrying out commands and moving close and around the child. Therefore, occupational and speech therapy tools become more interactive as playfulness is enhanced, with the creation of several canine assisted games, which are more enjoyable and engaging for the child.
Psychological support
A therapy dog’s contribution in this area concerns the recognition and externalization of emotions. During the intervention and through the contact with the dog, traumas and negative emotions are revealed in a more “pleasant manner”. The presence of a therapy dog creates a happier and more relaxed environment, resulting in better acceptance of the therapeutic process, more positive reaction to the therapist and faster establishment of patient-therapist trust.
Psychological and Physical support of the elderly
In nursery homes, therapy dogs provide assistance to the Elderly through the reduction of feelings of depression, loneliness and disorganization that may be present when they arrive at a long-term facility. Additionally, Canine Assisted Therapy increases their motivation to participate in interventions and activities during their stay. Furthermore, Canine Assisted Intervention makes an important contribution to dementia, as it has been shown it improves physical, social, emotional and cognitive functions of the Elderly with dementia, thus contributes to their overall well-being (1).
Medicine - Paediatrics - Physiotherapy
In medicine, Canine Assisted Therapy has been shown to reduce stress and alleviate the fear that accompanies hospital visits for chemotherapy, transplants, dialysis etc, or doctor visitations e.g. to the dentist (2). Also, it has been revealed that During physiotherapy processes, therapy dogs are very important as they increase patients’ motivation, will for change and feelings of joy. Through the desire of the patient to interact with the dog, he/she formulates a strong motivation to walk, approach, feed, touch and play with the dog. Therefore, as the patient focuses on the dog, passes through the exercises more quickly, pleasantly and with better results.
Coping with Specific Phobias
Canine Assisted Intervention is instrumental in addressing specific phobias such as zoophobia in individuals with typical and atypical development. Many children with ASD develop phobias about animals, usually dogs and birds, which makes their daily life extremely difficult . An encounter with a dog on the street can cause a crisis, which can be difficult for parents to manage. Canine Assisted Intervention leads to a “gradual desensitization” of the stimulus that causes fear in children and the child gradually realizes that it is just an animal and there is no danger. With systematic sessions the child manages to feel safe around the dog, which results in a more functional everyday life.
Canine Assisted Intervention in Education
The use of therapy dogs in schools has excellent results in enhancing students’ motivation for learning, which results in increasing their school duties performance. This is because the dog is used to support children in their social and emotional educational needs, which facilitate the development of reading and writing. More specifically, Canine Assisted Interventions in schools increase children’s attendance in class, improve their self-confidence, reduce anxiety about learning and improve students’ relationships with each other as well as their relationships with their teachers (3). Accordingly, in university settings, a significant reduction in stress and anxiety of students has been noted, while their happy feelings and energy increased immediately after a session with a therapy dog (4).
Sessions take place on an individual or group level, in a specially designed indoor or outdoor space or in cooperation with treatment facilities and schools. For an intervention to take place the participation of both the dog handler and the specialist of our organization (doctor, psychologist, etc.) or the one who monitors the patient is necessary. In case of group interventions, groups are selected according to the needs of each patient and their suitability to join a group. Before the beginning of treatment, the treatment facility’s psychologists deliver the assessment to our scientific team and we formulate a “targeted intervention”, in collaboration. Specific goals are set every quarter or six months at the end of which an evaluation is taking place to check the goals and the progress of the individual or group. At the end of each year an overall evaluation takes place.
Are you interested in Canine Assisted Therapy sessions?
1) Klimova, B., Toman, J. & Kuca, K. Effectiveness of the dog therapy for patients with dementia – a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 19, 276 (2019).
2) Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(10), 5801
3) Joanna L. Becker, Erica C. Rogers & Bethany Burrows (2017) Animal-assisted Social Skills Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anthrozoös, 30:2, 307-326, DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2017.1311055
4) Ward-Griffin E, Klaiber P, Collins HK, Owens RL, Coren S, Chen FS. Petting away pre-exam stress: The effect of therapy dog sessions on student well-being. Stress and Health. 2018; 34: 468–473. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2804