Dog therapy is a method supporting the rehabilitation, therapy and development process. It involves consciously selected and trained dogs. What is more, this method is used by a qualified dog therapist who has knowledge about both people and dogs.

In dog therapy goals are not always achieved quickly. It’s sometimes a long-lasting process, such as learning how to express emotions, developing a physical fitness or improving a concentration. During classes a child must feel important, needed and safe.

This kind of classes makes children expand their knowledge about animals’ world, develop empathy and a sense of responsibility. The main aim of such a meeting is to make a positive contact between participants and a dog.

Besides, children can be emotionally charged in a positive way, be satisfied with having fun with a dog, overcome their fears, develop their senses and ability of perception. What is more, they can forget about their everyday lives.

Not only can a dog be our friend, but also a perfect helper of a teacher. Due to a dog’s presence a child learns easier and faster. What is more, a child is more eager to take various actions, make friends and learn how to be responsible.

The main aim of Animal Assisted Education is to develop children’s cognitive functions. Not only must teachers have extensive knowledge and abilities, but also they must be properly prepared. They focus on supporting children with learning difficulties, showing children how to take care of a dog, responding to any aggressive animal behaviour, counteracting violence of animals and overcoming children’s fears of animals, as well.

A dog can be also a therapist’s assistant as an animal never judges, never expects anything and never restricts. A dog always cheers us up, raises our spirits, helps us keep calm and feel safe. Besides, children are encouraged to take various actions and thanks to a dog’s presence even tedious exercises can be fun.

Children follow a dog in a natural way and are interested in having fun with an animal. Thanks to a dog, we can achieve various purposes of a therapy designed to a child’s individual needs. A therapy with a dog’s participation must be well-organised, planned and conducted by a specialist to achieve a defined purpose.