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Therapeutic Examples

While this is a small picture, the possibilities are endless to integrate amazing animals into engagements resulting in magical healing and recovery

Walking the Dog

therapy dog walking with elder with cane

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

Dog Care Activities

person dressing a dog

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​

Tug of War

therapy dog playing tug of war

A Few benefits are:

  • Trunk Control

  • Coordination

  • Balance

  • Upper Arm Strength

  • Abdominal Strength

  • Learning to compensate

  • Hand Strength

  • Reaching 

Sport Games

therapy dog hugging wheelchair bound person

Many activities to reach these goals:

  • Confidence

  • Coordination

  • Awareness  of Safety Precautions

  • Trunk Control

  • Strength

  • Endurance

  • Compensations

  • Fun & Enjoyment 

Fetch & Retrieve

therapy dog retrieving a bumper

Opportunities to increase:

  • Balance with Standing & Throwing

  • Weight Bearing

  • Fine Motor Control

  • Endurance

  • Trunk Control

  • Strength

  • Speech - Giving Commands

  • Range of Motion

In School Settings

therapy dog teaching children care of others

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

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