Dog therapy:
what it is
and how it helps
Dog therapy
is a wonderful use of a canine's natural affinity for humans! In these
animal assisted programs, trainers take specially trained dogs (and
other animals) to hospitals and nursing homes to brighten the days of
patients and residents.
But it goes
beyond merely making someone sick or older smile when they see and get
to pet a therapy dog. Studies have shown that recipients see real,
tangible improvements in seemingly purely physical ailments.
Apparently, interacting with the dogs is therapeutic for the body and
helps it work harder
at fighting the illness or disease.
A good
example of the positive effects of therapy dogs is the documented
lowering of blood pressure while stroking and murmuring
to the dogs. Another study showed a clear increase in the release
of chemicals called endorphins that stimulate pleasure in parts of the
brain.
Of course,
the most consistent and widespread effects of animal therapy with
trained dogs are psychological. A happy, energetic dog causes
infectious laughter and interaction between otherwise aloof patients
or residents. For many folks living in constant pain or who are
depressed, just having the weekly dog visit to look forward to is the
best therapy and results in marked improvements in their quality of life.
So what kind
of dog make the best therapist? It's actually pretty hard to find the
perfect balance between a calm demeanor and an energetic (but
non-invasive) personality. It's very difficult to force an animal into
therapy work if he doesn't possess innate traits that lend
themselves to it.
Certain
intelligent and friendly dog breeds make the best candidates for
therapy jobs. These include (but are not limited to by any
means): Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Anatolian
Shepherds, and Welsh Cardigan Corgis.
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