Dogs are one of the friendliest animals that exist, which is not surprising, considering that they are the result of centuries of breeding programs selecting traits of prosocial behavior and affinity with human beings. In fact, for several decades the psychological and therapeutic benefits that working together with these animals can offer have been demonstrated.
The friendship and unconditional affection that they bring to human beings, as well as their desire to play and other virtues, have proven to have a very important therapeutic effect in people with certain psychological, physical or neurological disorders.
What are the main psychological benefits of dog-assisted therapy?
Here you will find a summary of the main benefits that dog-assisted therapy offers us.
1. Helps combat unwanted loneliness
Loneliness is an illness that affects more and more people in Western societies due to new social dynamics that are more focused on the individual and less on the creation of collective bonds.
Dog-assisted therapy It has turned out to be very useful for people who feel alone or isolated from the world in their daily lives.since these animals are a perfect companion to lift anyone’s spirits.
2. It is a therapeutic resource for anxiety and depression
Another of the most recognized benefits of dog-assisted therapy is found in people who suffer from anxiety or depression.
There are many who come to therapy with this type of alterations, as well as with feelings of monotony, apathy or disinterest in any area of their lives. In these cases, the incorporation of a therapeutic assistance dog has more than demonstrated its usefulness and effectiveness.
Dogs are animals capable of detecting suffering in a person, which is why during the therapeutic accompaniment process they can provide valuable support based on company, play or affection, something that undoubtedly helps rehabilitate people with anxiety or depression. Of course, dog therapy must be combined with other forms of psychotherapeutic intervention.
3. Enhances psychomotor skills
Other basic functions that dog-assisted therapy has are the rehabilitation of various motor activities that may be damaged in people of any age, especially in older people.
This type of therapy is based on training and motor stimulation to carry out activities of all kinds, from brushing and stroking, to walking, teaching certain tricks or playing sports.
4. Mental stimulation
As with motor functions, some damaged cognitive functions can also be stimulated through dog-assisted therapy, and also to treat all types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.
In this type of case, the very incentive and motivation that working with a dog entails for the assisted person, already has a therapeutic value in itself that helps stimulate certain brain areas.
5. Social skills
Deficits in social or communication skills are one of the most common reasons for consultation in psychology centers around the world and dog-assisted therapy has also proven to be useful in treating these types of disorders.
Dogs’ positive attitude and ability to constantly interact help many people acquire or improve your relationship skillsas well as skills such as empathy, greeting and interest in others.
6. Training in attentional focus management
As indicated, working with dogs is highly beneficial for stimulating many cognitive skills, and for several decades, it has also been used to train attention and treat cases of ADHD in boys, girls or adolescents.
Dog-assisted therapy also serves to promote responsibility, for example by assigning care tasks to children with attention or concentration difficulties.
7. Support for autism spectrum disorders
Another of the proven benefits of dog-assisted therapy can be found in children with non-verbal autism spectrum disorder.
Likewise, working with dogs also encourages physical contact, something that is of great importance for those people with difficulties in social skills or communication problems.
Boys and girls with a very severe and non-verbal type of autism usually relate very satisfactorily with these and other animals, since it is not necessary to speak.
You may be interested: “The 4 types of autism and their characteristics”
8. Acceptance
Most dog lovers highlight the selfless and unconditional acceptance that dogs offer to their owners or anyone they live with.
This phenomenon is of great importance for many people with psychological disorders of all kinds, mainly those with low self-esteem, complexes or who have the feeling that they are worth little.
One more way to promote general well-being
All the beneficial elements of dog assistance that we have discussed aim to improve the physical or intellectual well-being of the person being cared for and involve a very useful strategy that psychologists can use in their consultations.
The positive bond that is built with the dog during the process of working together is a therapeutic element that helps improve the mood of the person being cared for and contributes to their happiness.
If you are interested in having general psychotherapeutic support with the possibility of using dog therapy, please contact us.
