Animal-Assisted Therapy & Canine-Assisted Intervention: Finding a Certified Canine-Assisted Interventionist!
The use of an animal in a therapeutic or personalized support setting is often referred to by the general term "animal-assisted therapy." However, in the canine sector, the term "canine-assisted intervention" is increasingly used to describe the professional supervision of these activities. In the equine sector, the applied term is either "equine-assisted intervention" or "equine-assisted therapy," depending on the specific needs.
To help you find the most suitable support and the most qualified professional, ServicesPourAnimaux explains the objectives of this discipline and the crucial importance of canine-assisted interventionist certification.
1. Animal-Assisted Therapy & Canine-Assisted Intervention
A Matter of Framework While "animal-assisted therapy" is the historical and popular term, professionals today prefer more precise terms that define the practitioner's role and the session's objectives.
_ Animal-assisted therapy: Includes any activity where a pet, including dogs, cats, rabbits, etc., participates in sessions designed to improve physical, social, or psychological well-being. The animal is used as a tool for human well-being.
_ Canine-Assisted Therapy: This involves interventions led by a professional to achieve specific goals through interaction with a specially trained dog. Canine-assisted therapy is suitable for a variety of populations, including the elderly, children with difficulties, and inmates. The dog is used as a relational, emotional, or social mediator.
_ Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI): This is the term most recognized by health and social institutions, encompassing all forms of professional support. The common thread is that the dog acts as an emotional facilitator and sensory stimulator through petting, walking, and play, improving communication, fine motor skills, and reducing anxiety.
2. The Crucial Role of the Certified Canine-Assisted Interventionist
The effectiveness and safety of an animal-assisted therapy session depend not only on the dog but also on the training and ethics of the canine-assisted interventionist.
In order to ensure safety and well-being, the canine mediator must possess dual skills, namely:
_ Animal handling skills: The canine mediator must be able to understand canine communication, ensure the dog's well-being during the therapy session (including breaks), and guarantee that the dog is suitable for the target audience's environment (e.g., not placing a fearful dog in the presence of shouting children).
_ Human skills: The canine mediator must have knowledge of psychology, special education, or the health field to define clear objectives and measure the participants' progress.
To protect both the public and the animals, it is essential to choose a certified professional:
_ Training verification: A qualified canine mediator should have completed recognized specialized training, often combined with a degree in special education or psychology.
_ Dog assessment: The intervention therapy dog must itself undergo a rigorous behavioral assessment by a veterinary behaviorist or a recognized canine behavior expert in order to guarantee its balance, sociability and ability to manage stress in an unfamiliar environment.
3. Find a qualified canine mediator
A good canine mediator always works based on a defined project, in collaboration with the care or educational team of the institution concerned (nursing home, hospital, school, etc.). For comprehensive and personalized support, it is recommended to find a certified canine mediator trained in Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) protocols in your area.
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