Dog assisted therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-oriented mediation, where dogs that meet specific criteria are an important part of the therapeutic process. The content of the programme – occupational therapy with the aid of dogs – is prepared by qualified professional staff (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, etc.). The programme for a therapy session is carefully planned and is adapted to an individual client. The execution of the programme is then regularly recorded, taking into account the criteria for progress. The session lasts from 30 to 40 minutes with breaks in between for the dog.
AAT is aimed at accelerating the improvement of a person’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual or cognitive state – so it is arranged for the individual and his/her state of health, or more broadly, psycho-physical condition, as it influences several spheres simultaneously.
The dog is the medium, the motivator for work, a companion, a co-worker, a friend, a comforter.
