Can my Dog do Animal Assisted Therapy?

Aside from beneficial movement you work:

• Balance & Stability

  •  Walking while freestanding or from, walker or wheelchair

• Endurance

  • Walking dog for increased amount of time

• Problem Solving

  • Choosing direction

Many opportunities to develop:

• Fine Motor Skills

  • Grasping or reaching for treats

  • Brushing the dog's fur or his teeth

  • Working the knots, buckles, zippers

  • Opening and closing treat container

  • Dressing or undressing Dog in uniform

• Memory/Cognitive

  • Telling about the dog's breed or history​

A Few benefits are:

• Trunk Control

• Coordination

• Balance

• Upper Arm Strength

• Abdominal Strength

• Learning to compensate

• Hand Strength

• Reaching 

Many activities to reach these goals:

• Confidence

• Coordination

• Awareness  of Safety Precautions

• Trunk Control

• Strength

• Endurance

• Compensations

• Fun & Enjoyment 

Opportunities to increase:

• Balance with Standing & Throwing

• Weight Bearing

• Fine Motor Control

• Endurance

• Trunk Control

• Strength

• Speech - Giving Commands

• Range of Motion

Many Opportunities for aiding Individuals:

• Speech  - Giving commands

• Care - Gentleness, Responsibility, Hygiene

• Self Esteem - Undivided Dog Attention 

• Acceptance - Unconditional Dog Love

• High Energy - Sports Activities w/dog

• Lack of Focus - Giving commands and getting positive response

• Behavioral Rewards - Return sessions