Dogotherapy – what is it and what does it consist of?

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Have you ever wondered how much power there is in a dog’s tail waving in greeting after a hard day? Or does your heart beat faster when you see the smile on the face of a child playing with a pet? Dogs are not only our faithful companions, but also play an important role in the therapeutic process. What is an everyday occurrence for many of us – walks, playtime, or even simply stroking our pet – can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of those in need of support. Dogotherapy, as we refer to it, is gaining increasing recognition as a form of therapy to help various patient groups. But what exactly is dog therapy? Who can benefit from it, what types are there, what dogs are suitable for it and what are its goals? We will try to answer these and many other questions in this article. We invite you to read it!

Dogotherapy – introduction

Dogotherapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is an innovative therapeutic approach that uses interaction with dogs to improve people’s quality of life. Dogotherapy is designed for different groups of people, both children and adults, aiming to benefit from the positive effects of interaction with dogs. When done properly, dog therapy can provide a wide range of benefits, from improving motor skills to developing social skills to promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Over the years, dog therapy has grown in popularity, mainly due to the positive effects it provides, as well as numerous scientific studies confirming its effectiveness. Its versatile use makes it an increasingly important element in both traditional and alternative medicine.

For whom is dogotherapy intended?

Dogotherapy is versatile and can benefit different groups of people, regardless of their age, gender or health status. Here are some groups for whom dog therapy can be particularly beneficial.

Children and adolescents often benefit from interacting with dogs in a therapeutic context. Dogotherapy can help children with behavioral problems, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, or difficulties establishing social relationships. Working with dogs can stimulate emotional, cognitive and social development, as well as teach children empathy and responsibility.

The elderly can benefit from dog therapy to alleviate symptoms of dementia, improve cognitive function, and increase physical activity levels. Contact with dogs can also help combat the loneliness that often afflicts the elderly.

People with disabilities can benefit from dog therapy to improve motor skills, motor coordination, and to increase independence and self-confidence. Therapy dogs can be trained to assist in daily activities, greatly improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

People with mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, can benefit from dog therapy as a complement to traditional therapy. Dogs can provide emotional support, help cope with stress and anxiety, and even motivate people to be active and socialize.

People in difficult life situations, such as victims of violence, bereaved people or patients in the terminal phase of illnesses, can find support and comfort in contact with therapy dogs.

Types of dog therapy

Dogotherapy is quite a diverse field and includes different types of therapy that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. There are several basic types of dogotherapy.

Individual dogotherapy is the most common type of therapy, which is tailored to the specific needs of one person. In this form of therapy, the patient works individually with the dog and the therapist, allowing them to focus on specific therapeutic goals.

Group dog therapy is a form of therapy that takes place in a group of people. This allows patients to interact not only with the dog, but also with other therapy participants. This type of dogotherapy is often used in educational institutions, hospitals or nursing homes, promoting social and team skills.

Dogotherapy in the patient’s home is a type of therapy in which a therapist comes to the patient’s home with a dog. It is ideal for people who, for various reasons, cannot leave their home. Dogotherapy in the patient’s home is especially helpful for the elderly, those suffering from chronic diseases or those with disabilities.

Another form is assistance dog therapy, which focuses on supporting people with disabilities in daily activities. Assistance dogs are specially trained to help with tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped objects and even pulling a wheelchair.

Dog therapy for people with mental disorders is no less important. Dogs can help people with mental problems, such as depression, anxiety or PTSD, by providing emotional support, helping them cope with stress and even by being a motivation to get out of the house and make social contacts.

Regardless of the type of dog therapy, the key aspect is to take an individual approach to the patient, tailoring the therapy to their needs and providing a safe and positive atmosphere during the session.

Dog breeds suitable for dog therapy

Although dog therapy can be performed by a variety of dog breeds, there are certain characteristics that make certain breeds more suitable for this role. Here are some dog breeds that are often used in dog therapy.

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds for dog therapy. They are very social, intelligent and easy to train dogs. Labradors are also very patient and tolerant, making them ideal for working with children and people with disabilities.

Golden Retrievers are another breed often used in dog therapy. Like Labradors, Goldens are gentle, intelligent and very devoted to people. They are also very patient, which is extremely important when working with patients in difficult situations.

Spitz breeds, such as the German Spitz or Samoyed, are also excellent therapy dogs. These dogs are usually very sociable, playful and energetic. They have a natural ability to relate to people and make those around them feel comfortable.

Sheepdog breeds, such as the Border Collie or German Shepherd, are also often used in dog therapy. These dogs are highly intelligent, loyal and easy to train. However, they can be more demanding in terms of physical and mental needs.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small but extremely sociable and gentle breed that is ideal for working with the elderly or children. They tend to be very quiet, which makes them ideal for work in hospitals or nursing homes.

Hybrid dogs are no less important. They are often characterized by an extremely balanced character and the ability to adapt to different situations, which is extremely important in therapeutic work.

Regardless of the breed, it is crucial that the dog is well socialized, gentle, patient and easily adaptable to new situations. When selecting a dog for dogotherapy, it is extremely important to assess the dog individually and its ability to work with different groups of patients.

Dogotherapy for children

Dogotherapy is extremely beneficial for children, especially those with developmental difficulties, emotional problems or behavioral disorders. Children often relate easily to dogs, which creates an ideal environment for therapy.

Dogs can help children with autism make social connections, improve concentration and support motor development. For children with emotional problems, interaction with dogs can bring relaxation, improve self-esteem and increase a sense of security.

Goals set for dogs in dog therapy

Dogs play a key role in dog therapy, and the goals set for them are varied and depend on the needs of the patient. Here are some of them:

  1. Building relationships and trust: The first and most important goal is to build a positive and safe relationship with the patient. The dog should be gentle, calm and patient, allowing the patient to establish rapport and build trust.
  2. Emotional support: Dogs in dog therapy act as “emotional helpers,” offering comfort, companionship and unconditional acceptance. They are meant to relieve stress, anxiety and other negative emotions.
  3. Stimulating physical activity: Dogs can motivate patients to be physically active, such as through games and activities, which helps improve physical fitness, motor coordination and overall health.
  4. Supporting social development: Working with dogs can help patients establish and maintain social relationships. Dogs can act as “catalysts” in social interactions, making it easier to connect with other people.
  5. Support in daily activities: In the case of assistive therapy, dogs are trained to help with daily activities, such as opening doors, picking up objects, or assisting with mobility.
  6. Developing life skills: Dog therapy can help develop life skills, such as responsibility, caring for others, communication or coping with stress.
  7. Helping to convey therapeutic information: Dogs can help therapists convey information and conduct therapy sessions, providing a “bridge” between therapist and patient.

Effectiveness of dog therapy

Scientific studies prove the effectiveness of dog therapy in various areas. According to research, interactions with dogs can lower stress levels, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve mood. Studies also point to physical health benefits, such as improved mobility and motor coordination, and even lower blood pressure.

It’s worth remembering, however, that the effectiveness of dog therapy can vary depending on a patient’s individual needs and circumstances. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

Advantages and limitations of dogotherapy

Dogotherapy has many benefits, but like any form of therapy, it also has its limitations. Below are both sides of dogotherapy.

Advantages of dogotherapy

  1. Improved emotional health: Dogotherapy helps relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Dogs are known for their ability to provide emotional support and promote a sense of security.
  2. Physical stimulation: Working with dogs can improve motor skills and coordination, and increase patients’ physical activity.
  3. Social skills development: Dogs are great catalysts for social interaction, helping to develop communication skills and build relationships with others.
  4. Improving self-esteem: Working with dogs can increase self-esteem and self-confidence, especially in people with difficulty establishing social relationships.
  5. Teaching empathy and responsibility: Caring for a dog requires responsibility, as well as learning to understand and respect the needs of another living being.

Limitations of dog therapy

  1. Allergies: Some people may have allergies to dogs, which can be a hindrance to using dog therapy.
  2. Fear or phobia of dogs: For people who have a fear of dogs, dog therapy may not be suitable. In such cases, appropriate therapeutic work is needed to reduce anxiety.
  3. Inappropriate dog behavior: Dogs, even well-trained ones, are still animals and can exhibit unpredictable behavior. Therefore, proper training and supervision by professionals is crucial.
  4. Does not replace traditional therapy: Dogotherapy should not replace traditional therapy, but be a complement to it.
  5. Accessibility: Dog therapy is not available everywhere, and the costs associated with such therapy may be out of reach for some people.

Training dogs for dog therapy

Training dogs for dog therapy is a key element that ensures the effectiveness and safety of the therapy. Dogs must go through a series of tests and training before they can be considered therapy dogs. This includes obedience training, socialization and specialized training, such as animal-assisted therapy.

The dog must also be healthy, with good physical and mental health. The dog’s owner must be responsible and committed to ensuring that the dog is properly trained and cared for.

Role and tasks of a dog therapist

The dog therapist plays a key role in the therapy process. His task is not only to carry out the therapy, but also to evaluate the patient, choose the right dog, and monitor the progress of the therapy.

The dog therapist must also take care of the dog’s well-being, monitor its behavior and reactions, and ensure that it has the right environment to work in. To do this, a dog therapist must not only have knowledge of animal psychology and health, but also the ability to build relationships with dogs.

How to become a dog therapist? Dog therapy course

To become a dogootherapist, training and certification are required. There are several organizations offering courses in doga therapy, which cover both theory and practice.

These courses usually cover topics such as animal psychology, animal-assisted therapy methods, as well as practical skills for working with dogs. After completing the course and passing the exam, the student receives a certificate as a dog therapist.

Price of dog therapy

The price of dog therapy can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of therapy, the duration of the session, and the experience of the therapist. The average price for a therapy session in Poland can range from PLN 100 to 200.

However, it is worth remembering that the cost of therapy is an investment in health and quality of life, and the benefits of dogotherapy are often invaluable.

Dogotherapy Day

Dogotherapy Day, celebrated annually, is a unique opportunity to celebrate and highlight the importance of animal-assisted therapy. It is also an excellent opportunity for public education about dogotherapy, its benefits and advantages.

Polish Association of Dogotherapy

The Polish Association of Dogotherapy is an organization of professionals in the field of dogotherapy. The association aims to promote animal-assisted therapy, provide standards for training and practice, and support therapists and patients.

The association offers a range of resources, including training information, research on dogotherapy, and a platform for therapists to share experiences and best practices.

Summary

Dogotherapy is an effective and versatile form of therapy that uses positive interactions with dogs to improve patients’ health and quality of life. While dog therapy has many benefits, it is also important to be mindful of its limitations and to provide adequate training and care for therapy dogs. With the right approach and support, dog therapy can bring invaluable benefits to many groups of patients.

Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.

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