AAAPrograms

AAA/AAT PROGRAMS OFFERED BY NICE

We offer animal assisted therapy programs (AAT) and animal assisted activities (AAA) programs to meet your needs. We provide actual programs, credentialing and certification for dogs, handlers, teams and programs. We can create programs that fit the needs of your ideal program.

ANIMAL ASSISTED ACTIVITIES (AAA)
Dogs who participate in AAA programs are considered Therapy Dogs. Therapy Dogs do not have public access.
We are able to create animal assisted activities (AAA) programs for :

churches,
schools,
community centers,
non-profit organizations,
retirement homes,
libraries,
prisons,
group homes
and shelters.

We have found that dogs can help provide a concrete example for positive character traits and relationships thus reducing violence, bullying and depressive episodes. The key to animal-assisted activities, then, is that animals in general, and companion animals more commonly, are regarded by many as "man's best friends."

Dependent, dependable, domesticated animals may provide people with unconditional regard, present perpetually juvenile attributes which stimulate innate nurturing responses, and offer a sense of mastery and constant, non-judgmental acceptance and companionship. They may serve as catalysts to social interaction and as bridges to interpersonal communication and attachment:

We can provide lesson plans and programming for school-based character education programs, character improvement programs, violence reduction education programs, creativity enhancement programs, scouting organizations, after school programs, LGBT lifestyle coaching, grief coaching programs, cancer survivor programs, weight-loss programs, marriage counseling groups. parenting groups, Post-Traumatic Stress Reduction programs, AIDS/HIV groups and community based dog-facilitated reading programs.

If you have an idea on you would like to help people with dogs-we can help you realize your dream.

Here is a video that demonstrates how dogs can be used in a Christian-based men's character education program. This program is called Kingdom Dog Ministries and was created by Mr. Hank Hough.

ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY (AAT)

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) - the deliberate inclusion of an animal in a treatment plan and the use of companion animals to help people with special needs - are based on an age-old concept.

Medical practitioners, veterinarians, health care professionals and others in many different fields are tapping this unique pet-people bond for its potential therapeutic value. Dogs used for Animal Assisted Therapy are Therapy Dogs used with the oversight of medical professionals.

For example, close to half of the psychiatrists, psychologists, and family practice physicians reported that they have prescribed dogs for their patients to combat loneliness, depression, and other emotional problems including inactivity and stress.

In a random sampling, 50% of psychiatrists, 44% of psychologists, and 39% of family practice physicians reported recommending animals for companionship, to provide unconditional affection and warmth, to provide a focus or perspective, amusement, and a feeling of being needed.

There is increasing evidence that the emotional and psychological benefits of dog companionship have physiological counterparts as well -- that dogs improve not only the intangible "quality of life" but also improve human health.

Research has demonstrated that petting and caring for animals - particularly those with whom a bonded relationship has been established - can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, decrease obesity, increase excercise and improve survival rates from heart disease.

Elderly people who have pets visit physicians 16% less often than do those who do not, and that dog owners, in particular, make 21% fewer visits.

Dogs used in therapeutic activities must provide a documented therapeutic effect that can be used within a treatment plan.

MOTIVATION:	Therapy is more fun & interesting with an animal Patients forget pain, depression & limitations when interacting with animals Frustration level is less when working with an animal.
RANGE OF MOTION:	Tossing Ball or Frisbee Brushing, Petting, or other types of Grooming Tug of War Visual tracking & following animal's movement Giving treats Squeezing squeaky toys or balls
BALANCE:	Walking dog from wheelchair, walker or freestanding Tossing & bending to pick up ball or toy Getting & putting down water for animal Reaching to pet from right or left side or across body
MEMORY LOSS:	Dog's name, breed, history Handler's name Dog's picture book activities Commands to animal
SPEECH:	Giving obedience commands Clicking lips and/or tongue to get dog's attention Calling animal's name
SENSORY STIMULATION:	The feel of fur and warmth Dog “kisses” The feel of feet, nails, tails, ears, nose, etc. Hearing the dog bark
PROBLEM SOLVING:	Choosing type of treat or toy Deciding where to go during a walk & how to get there Giving dog appropriate commands Choosing type of activity to do with animal Where to hide a treat for animal to find
ENDURANCE:	Throwing ball for long periods Walking with animal
SELF ESTEEM:	Social interaction because of animal (always an attention-getter) Animal's total acceptance of disability Empowerment in giving commands & getting a response