These dogs fulfil an important social function and promote (re) integration into society.
When we are visiting different locations we usually take dogs and occasionally cats. When people chose to visit us at home then other animals can be introduced into the session.
These animals are appraised by behavioural assessors. The tests involve: being stroked by different people, obedience, response to movement and sound, responses to touch, stress resistance, socialization, pain sensitivity, and so on.
They must be well cared for and healthy, well socialized, fearful. They must have a stable character.
Contact with animals and petting animals can result in any number of positive reactions:
- Many people often had an animal in the past so there is recognition.
- People feel lonely and because of the presence of the animal the feeling of loneliness is reduced.
- Being with an animal gives people a feeling of coming home.
- Shifting/avoiding attention, because everyone is focused on watching the animal’s actions.
- People can enjoy the individual attention of the animal. An animal can be an answer to all basic human needs; namely giving and receiving love and affection, helping with emotional problems.
- When they are stroking an animal patients need to make a movement and they will also push their limits. Mobility is encouraged.
- The animal invites social contact and provides a topic of conversation. The cognitive capacity is stimulated.
- Heart rate and blood pressure tends to drop when a friendly animal is present.
Contact us if you are interested in this service: info@therapiedier.be
Do you want to become a volunteer and is your dog suitable to use as a petting dog? Contact us to submit an application at info@therapiedier.be.
Requirements:
- Become a member of this association
- You agree to work voluntarily
- Your dog must be assessed for both health and behavioural issues (Toscanzahoeve)
- You need to follow an appropriate recognized volunteer training course
