Animal Assisted Activities are casual activities
where people and pets connect. These meetings can happen
anywhere, at any time, and help make tough situations a
little easier for the people involved. These dogs might
conduct visits to nursing homes, childcare facilities,
schools, and even disaster sites. Though the dogs don't
need any specialized training, it is important that they
be calm and friendly and well behaved. These dogs work
with lots of different people.
Animal Assisted Therapy is when an animal such as a
therapy dog is an important part of someone's physical,
social, and emotional therapy activities. For example, a
physical therapist might work with a patient and therapy
dog to improve their physical fitness. Dog grooming,
walking and even Frisbee throwing can help with
coordination, strength, and flexibility. These dogs
require special training and work intensely with one
person at a time.
The idea of having dogs to help relay a message of
security, as well as to assist in humane education
programs in schools is catching on all over the nation.
Having dogs in the classroom brings the idea of
compassion into the discussion in a very direct manner.
