Skippy The Therapy Dog
What Does Skippy Do?
Skippy is known to be a friendly and gentle soul who is happy to meet everyone who would like to interact with him. His happy-go-lucky demeanor often brings people around even if they are not so sure of dogs.
His Meeter & Greeter approach to life enriches everyone who comes into contact with him and he is awaiting to meet new friends all the time!
We (Skippy & Charlotte Erika as his Handler) can offer Animal Assisted Therapy as a Service to many organisations across Dorset; whether that be Schools, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Hospices, Day Care Centres for Children or Adults with Physical or Learning Difficulties, or Mental Health Care Facilities, etc the list is endless.
If You Would Like to Book a Session with Us Click HereWhat Is Animal Assisted Therapy?
International Association Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (AHAIO) Guideline Definition, WHITE PAPER 2014, updated for 2018:
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-oriented, planned, and structured therapeutic intervention directed and/or delivered by health, education, or human service professionals, including e.g. psychologists and social workers. Intervention progress is measured and included in professional documentation. AAT is delivered and/or directed by a formally trained (with active licensure, degree, or equivalent) professional with expertise within the scope of the professional’s practice.
AAT focuses on enhancing the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and/or socio-emotional functioning of the particular human recipient either in the group or individual setting. The professional delivering AAT (or the person handling the animal under the supervision of the human service professional) must have adequate knowledge about the behavior, needs, health and indicators, and regulation of stress of the animals involved.
Animal Assisted Therapy can come in many forms.
‘Reading Dogs’- is the most basic form of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). It can be done in small groups or individually depending on individual needs. Dogs are perfect reading buddies as they are non-judgemental, and give unconditional love and because of this they can build confidence and encourage attentive and perfect reading abilities by increasing self-esteem.
1-to-1 sessions – dogs naturally can lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol stress levels and heart rate when they are stroked as the happy hormones of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin (love), and endorphins, are released; these naturally relax and encourage a comfortable state.
These sessions can also increase self-esteem, development of social skills, develop emotional skills, talking about sensitive issues, face fears and phobias, tackle anger issues, life coaching, and encourage the enjoyment of interaction.
Group sessions – Group sharing communications, sharing and taking it in turn, dog safety sessions and understanding body language-linking with human body language and interactions, team-building exercises, story time, cooking treats for the dog, Mindfulness/Meditations - calming exercises, TTouch HeartHug™.
Dog Safety Training: Teaching young people how to be safe around dogs in the community, could incorporate an Award/Certificate to show confidence building, understanding, and compassion.
If You Would Like to Book a Session with Us Click HereContact Charlotte Erika & Skippy:
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