Kynotherapy (Dogotherapy) is a method in rehabilitation with the participation of dogs. The therapy is mainly used when working with children with motor and intellectual disabilities. Contact with a dog evokes extremely positive reactions in children and motivates them to exercise. The dog accompanies the child during gait training, for example, which determines the little patient to make a greater effort. In addition, the children feel great in the company of the dog, who shows them a lot of positive feelings.
Kennel therapy is the most natural way of introducing difficult, sometimes arduous exercises to support motor rehabilitation using appropriately selected and prepared dogs. Children do not like to make “dry” gestures with nothing behind them. The dog gives the opportunity to perform exercises in a natural way and at the same time triggers the display of feelings.
Dog therapy is a set of exercises planned for a specific rehabilitation goal . It is characterised by an individual approach to each patient, to his/her abilities and needs…,
General development activities with a dog are conducive:
- arousing positive emotions in the child – a positive mental state is the basis for recovery
- the release of spontaneous activity
- improving mobility
- normalisation of surface and proprioceptive sensation
- developing body awareness
- normalisation of muscle tone
- multifaceted impact on the senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch)
- improving attention span
- enrichment of passive and active vocabulary
- developing a sense of responsibility (giving commands to the dog independently)
- relaxation and calming of the emotions
- motivate action
- provide a sense of security and acceptance – the dog does not judge, it is a friend
