Animal Assisted Therapy

Society is starting to recognize that dogs have more value to offer those in need beyond the scope of assisting the physically handicapped.  A well trained obedient dog can offer a tremendous service to hurting people.  The concept and merit of “animal assisted therapy” is well known and accepted.  Even despite the lack of large-scale research studies on the emotional aspects of the topic.

Who was the first to discover the importance of dogs as therapy?

It’s hard to pinpoint when the therapeutic potential of animals was first recognized.  Many credit Florence Nightingale, an influential figure in the development of modern nursing, with discovering the significant anxiety-reducing effects of small pet animals on children and adults living in psychiatric institutions. In the 1930s, Sigmund Freud nudged the field forward when he began using his Chow, Jofi, during psychotherapy sessions. His findings in turn lent legitimacy to a paper on animal assisted therapy.  This paper was submitted by child psychologist Boris Levinson at an American Psychological Association meeting in the early 1960s.

Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits

Decades later, AAT programs can be found in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, homes for disabled children, residential treatment facilities, as well as some libraries and schools. And we know for a fact that animals are good for our physical health. By their mere company, they reduce our blood pressure, slow our heart rates, facilitate faster healing, and improve our life expectancy.   (See, for example, the American Heart Association’s 2013 scientific statement saying that owning a dog lowers the risk of heart disease).

But there are strong indications that the positive effect of canine company extends to emotional and mental trauma, too. Dogs seem able to connect with autistic children and patients with Alzheimer’s. Petting a dog is cited by many mental health professionals as a catalyst that can help people otherwise silenced by grief and shock to open up.

How can Animal Therapy help me?

But why? The precise biological process behind the effect eludes researchers, but a number of theories exist. One component is a dog’s complete absence of judgment. Calm, well-trained dogs (and other pets) provide gentle physical affection and quiet presence.  This allows patients to focus their attention away from internal trauma and external environments—like hospital rooms or psychiatric institutions—that can exacerbate fear and loneliness. Some describe it as a “healing space” accompanying the dog, in which AAT recipients can feel safe and secure.  Therefore better able to express themselves and connect with healthcare providers.

The takeaway?  The benefits dogs can offer to members of our society is abundant.  As research continues, dogs seem destined for greater recognition as therapeutic partners.  Dogs can become these great partners by getting some strict obedience dog training.

If you think your dog would make a great therapeutic dog, give us a call to start your training today!
602-237-6775

As a certified dog trainer, you can join this up and coming career opportunity!

If you love helping people in need, becoming a dog trainer is something you should consider.

 

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