Can my Dog do Animal Assisted Therapy?
Therapeutic Examples
While this is a small picture, the possibilities are endless to integrate amazing engagements, with our dogs, resulting in magical healing and recovery.
Having a dog that loves to engage and interact with others during activities is a step towards an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog!
Walking the Dog
Aside from beneficial movement you work:
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Balance & Stability
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Walking while freestanding or from, walker or wheelchair
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Endurance
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Walking dog for increased amount of time
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Problem Solving
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Choosing direction
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Dog Care Activities
Many opportunities to develop:
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Fine Motor Skills
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Grasping or reaching for treats
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Brushing the dog's fur or his teeth
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Working the knots, buckles, zippers
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Opening and closing treat container
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Dressing or undressing Dog in uniform
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Memory/Cognitive
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Telling about the dog's breed or history
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Tug of War
A Few benefits are:
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Trunk Control
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Coordination
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Balance
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Upper Arm Strength
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Abdominal Strength
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Learning to compensate
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Hand Strength
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Reaching
Sport Games
Many activities to reach these goals:
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Confidence
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Coordination
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Awareness of Safety Precautions
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Trunk Control
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Strength
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Endurance
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Compensations
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Fun & Enjoyment
Fetch & Retrieve
Opportunities to increase:
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Balance with Standing & Throwing
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Weight Bearing
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Fine Motor Control
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Endurance
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Trunk Control
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Strength
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Speech - Giving Commands
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Range of Motion
In School Settings
Many Opportunities for aiding Individuals:
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Speech - Giving commands
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Care - Gentleness, Responsibility, Hygiene
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Self Esteem - Undivided Dog Attention
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Acceptance - Unconditional Dog Love
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High Energy - Sports Activities w/dog
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Lack of Focus - Giving commands and getting positive response
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Behavioral Rewards - Return sessions
THE NEXT BIG THING
When you decide you are ready to facilitate membership as a Dog Therapist Team register as a potential member. You will be directed through the onboarding process to prepare you to participate in the most enjoyable sessions that result in amazing experiences for BOTH the dog and the client!
