The greatest strength of dog-assisted activities lies in the fact that the presence of a dog creates a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere. This allows children to participate much more freely in the games they play with the dog, without feeling so much pressure. Playing with a dog is an incredible experience! It is this motivation that can work wonders during a dog-assisted session.
Physiological Effects
Reduces Anxiety
Numerous studies show that the mere presence of a dog has a calming effect. Interacting with a dog lowers cortisol levels in the blood, which in turn reduces stress. These positive physiological effects also enhance overall performance and problem-solving abilities.
In the presence of a dog, children are therefore calmer, and tasks involving the dog do not feel burdensome. The dog does not correct them if they make a mistake or perform something incorrectly or slowly, which encourages them to participate willingly and engage fully.
Psychological Effects
Boosting Self-Confidence and Empathy
Dog-assisted activities can help increase children’s self-confidence, as they are able to work well with a dog only when they give clear commands, use hand signals, and pay attention to the animal. When they do this successfully, the dog performs the requested command or trick, providing a huge sense of achievement and boosting the children’s confidence. It gives them a positive feeling that they were able to complete the task together with the dog, encouraging further interaction.
It is also important for children to learn to use non-verbal cues and body language, as this is how they communicate with the dog. As a result, their empathy skills develop, and they become better at understanding human gestures and facial expressions.
Caring for the dog—such as grooming, feeding, and giving water—helps children build a positive self-image and provides an opportunity to expand their knowledge about responsible pet ownership and understanding dogs. When children approach the dog positively and kindly, the dog senses this and responds in an unmistakable way, showing affection and love.
Social Effects
Easier Social Interaction
During dog-assisted therapy sessions, even those who usually find it difficult to connect with others are able to interact more easily, as the dog acts as a social catalyst.
Dog-assisted activities facilitate interaction between individuals, strengthen the sense of belonging, and encourage cooperation. Introverted, more reserved, or observant children are also more willing to participate in games and work together with others, including those they might not usually engage with. These activities promote teamwork and the sharing of tasks.
The Best (Work) Partner
Gordon, the Therapy Dog
At the heart of my animal-assisted sessions is Gordon, a dog who came into my life at a very young age. Gordon’s first years were filled with games and learning, which we both absolutely loved. I taught him countless tricks, and at that time, we had no idea how many children we would bring smiles to with him.
Then, quite by chance, I saw a video of a developmental session that included a therapy dog, and in that very moment, I felt that this was our path.
After a lot of practice, we passed our certification in 2014, and ever since, we’ve been working with children on a weekly basis, to their great joy—and of course, ours as well. In our free time, we spend a lot of time in the forest, where Gordon feels completely at home. It’s a joy to watch him find the best things in every season: in spring, rolling in the fresh grass or trying to catch raindrops; in summer, tirelessly chasing his ball in the water; in autumn, jumping in the fallen leaves; and in winter, playing in the freshly fallen snow. Despite his high energy, Gordon is an extremely calm and patient dog. People often say that dogs are just like their owners, and in this, we are certainly very similar.
Dog-Assisted Sessions
From Ages 4–5 and Up
Individual Skill-Development Sessions with a Therapy Dog
Dog-assisted activities provide a wonderful opportunity to develop movement and various cognitive skills, such as attention, perception, observation, thinking, and memory. Moving and playing with a dog is a great joy and experience for children. The dog can be involved in almost any type of task. His presence enhances concentration, and the friendly atmosphere allows children to focus on the activities without any anxiety.
Sessions are tailored to individual needs based on a parental consultation, and skill assessments can be arranged if necessary. I recommend a minimum of 8 sessions.
The first parental consultation is free!
Personal
50 minutes
10,000 HUF per session
For preschoolers about to start school
Individual School-Preparation Sessions with a Therapy Dog
This is a 10-session program designed to help children transition smoothly from kindergarten to school.
The program provides support on two levels. First, during the sessions, we focus on developing the skills necessary for writing, reading, and counting. Equally important, children also receive emotional support, helping them approach this new stage of life with greater confidence and courage. Our helper throughout the 10 sessions is Gordon, the therapy dog, who guides us along the way.
Children also receive a small practice workbook for home use, which reinforces what they have learned during the sessions.
The first parental consultation is free!
Personal
50 minutes
10,000 HUF per session