Regardless of whether humans domesticated wolves, or, as some claim, the wolf chose domestication, humans have had faithful four-legged companions for a very long time, and the friendship between humans and dogs has been recorded many times in history and in cultural texts. The saying "faithful as a dog" did not come from nowhere. Dogs are devoted, they love their owners unconditionally, they sense their moods, they are willing to work and play together.
THE BEGINNINGS OF DOG THERAPY
As we read on the blog JOHN DOG LIFE WITH A DOG, in the 18th century, in a psychiatric hospital in England, doctors came up with the idea of patients taking care of animals. This was to help patients develop self-control. Another important moment in the history of dog therapy was the successful attempt to establish contact with a mentally ill man, which was undertaken in 1958 by the American psychiatrist Boris Levinson. In 1964, he described his experiences in a book entitled: "Therapy Dog". In the 1970s, Samuel and Elizabeth Corson, working at the University of Ohio, developed a method they called pet-facilitated psychotherapy. It involved regular interaction with dogs by individuals with mental health issues. The Corsons' form of therapy yielded very good results, positively impacting the patients' well-being.
DOCTOR DOG
Since then, the new field has developed its own terminology, has many scientific publications and has significantly expanded its scope. Currently, the term dog therapy or cynotheraphy refers to therapy with the participation of a dog, i.e. a method that enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation, in which the motivator is an appropriately selected and trained dog, led by a qualified therapist. Specialists emphasize that dog therapy is most effective in the rehabilitation of children, due to the "hiding" of rehabilitation exercises in the form of playing with a dog. It also brings effects in the therapy of sick, lonely and elderly people. In this case, the action primarily consists in establishing a psychological bond with the animal, which speeds up treatment or facilitates the passage of the disease.
EVERYDAY THERAPIST
Although not every activity involving a dog can be described as dog therapy, as dog owners admit, the beneficial influence of a dog's company can be felt every day. Walks, playing together, feeding, grooming and training - ordinary, everyday activities that allow you to build an extraordinary bond. For the youngest, it is a school of responsibility, for seniors an incentive to spend time actively, and for everyone the joy of having a friend.
What about allergies to dog hair? Are there breeds that do not cause allergies? Can contact with a dog pose a threat to the health of a small child? Ask your doctor. We are waiting for questions at: zapytaj@localhost