Canine-Assisted (Re)habilitation Program

Canine-Assisted (Re)habilitation Program at the Silver Rehabilitation Center

The Canine-Assisted (Re)habilitation Program at the Silver Rehabilitation Center is designed for users who, for various reasons, are unable to have a dog at home or are waiting for an assistance dog.

The program primarily serves children with developmental difficulties and is based on an individualized approach. A multidisciplinary team conducts an initial assessment in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the user's life. This process helps create a personalized plan with specific goals for incorporating a therapy dog into the (re)habilitation process.

Areas of Development Supported by Canine-Assisted (Re)habilitation

By including a therapy dog in the rehabilitation process, various aspects of development can be supported, taking into account both the challenges and the strengths of each user:

• Sensory-motor development

• Cognitive development

• Communication development

• Psychosocial and emotional development

The Role of the Therapy Dog

The therapy dog serves as both a helper and motivator during exercises, activities, or play. It is well known that a dog's presence can have a positive impact on mood, reduce anxiety, provide relaxation, and offer emotional support. The bond formed between the user and the therapy dog helps build self-confidence and a sense of security, making challenges feel more manageable through shared experiences and play.

The program also includes familiarization with the dog's presence, reducing fear, and fostering empathy and care for another living being.

Individualized Approach

The way a therapy dog is included in each session is adapted to the individual needs and abilities of the user, considering the type of developmental difficulties (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity, motor, speech, or intellectual disabilities, deafness, blindness, etc.).

A key focus is on ensuring that the benefits of the (re)habilitation process extend into the user's daily life—even if the user does not have a dog at home. Parental involvement is crucial in transferring learned skills into everyday situations.

Collaboration with Other Institutions

As part of partnerships with other organizations supporting children with developmental difficulties, assistance dogs are integrated into therapeutic sessions for users of their services, further expanding the impact of canine-assisted therapy.