Pet therapy at school

With the term pet therapy, or AAT ( Animal-Assisted Therapy ), we mean a gentle therapeutic system focused on the interaction between humans and animals. The animals are different, as well as the therapeutic purposes and areas of application of pet therapy : hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, rest homes and schools. All structures interested in new recreational methods to be included in their programs to increase the quality of life within their structures. 

In  Italy , in fact, the interest in pet therapy activities has grown and the demand on the territory has increased. The recognition of pet therapy took place with the Prime Minister’s  Decree of February 28, 2003, which acknowledges the agreement between the Ministry of Health , the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces, regarding the welfare of pets and pet therapy . The attention paid to pet therapy at a legislative level allows the discipline to have a scientific and procedural dignity in Italy as well. The attempt to regulate the AAT programs at a national level frees these contributions from the ‘do-it-yourself’ forms. 

Benefits of pet therapy at school

For a child, school can represent a difficult universe to face. Pet therapy at school works both with “difficult” children, with behavioral disorders or intellectual retardation (therefore working on the single individual) and with the normal class of students, working on the dynamics of sociality. In both cases, the benefits of pet therapy at school are remarkable.

Children with intellectual retardation , with behavioral and personality development disorders arrive at the school with a baggage of disappointments, accumulated in the daily confrontation with others, such as to trigger a series of defensive reactions that compromise a balanced personal and social development. For these children, the dog represents an element of emotional exchange and a stimulus for communication. It is positive and rewarding reinforcementto the efforts made by children in every field. Promotes awareness of one’s emotions, instills self-confidence. It supports social relationships and helps to create a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere in the classroom. Scientific studies have shown that contact with animals increases attention and concentration times, decreasing anxiety . Playing with four-legged friends at school means stimulating social interaction and promoting self-esteem .

Pet therapy at school allows the dog to play a notable affective role, thanks to the relational capacity of the animal itself which allows children a continuous emotional exchange. Children and young people of different ages establish a mimic and gestural relationship with the dog, rediscovering the non-verbal ability to communicate and refining the sensitivity and receptivity to the external signals of pleasure and stress of the furry playmate. These are fundamental factors in social life between peers and adults, useful for a balanced structuring of the personality. But what does the child learn in a pet therapy session at school?

Also find out what  the therapeutic power of the cat is

What children learn

All children like animals, and therefore dogs. Dogs fascinate children with their intelligence . Pet therapy at school is able to propose educational paths based on dog breeds that allow you to tackle topics of great relevance , such as respect for all living creatures, a sense of solidarity and hospitality and respect for the rules. 

During the sessions, doubts and curiosities often arise, to be addressed to the instructor, about the training of the dog, about how to be obeyed. Here the child discovers that the dog learns through play, gentleness, respect for the rules, gestures, consistency, patience and trust. Behavior consistency is crucial, otherwise the dog gets confused. Good manners always reward and the dog, when he has done a good job, must be gratified, with his voice and gestures. The child begins to assimilate what a dog feels and thinks, and relates it to the human being. 

At school we learn that disobedient dog is so because of his owner that he prevented him from learning any rules of life. You learn that stray dogs are the result of human selfishness and inhumanity, because when you decide to take a dog into your home, it is necessary to evaluate the situation in all its aspects. This is because a dog needs affection, care, time, financial resources. And he needs to be educated in good civil coexistence and knowledge of the rules of life . Like children, who go to school to learn how to grow in the community and to learn about the disciplines that will guarantee them a basic culture that is indispensable for interacting with modern society.