What is dog therapy?
Dog therapy is a treatment method in which specially trained dogs are used for therapeutic support. In dog therapy, dogs are used as "co-therapists", supporting the work of psychotherapists, physiotherapists, or speech therapists. Benefits of dog therapy include mood improvement, stress reduction, and increased motivation for treatment and rehabilitation.
Dog therapy is primarily aimed at children with difficulties in social adaptation, emotional disorders, but also for those with various developmental problems, such as autism, ADHD, or sensory disorders.
Dog therapy sessions consist of a series of meetings with a therapist and a dog. Exercises may include interactions such as petting, feeding, as well as various games and tasks that help in the development of the patient's skills.