The Benefits of Trained Dogs on the Daily Life of Disabled Children

Extract

[...] The first question asked is as follows: Does the good development or flourishing of the child with a disability pass through the presence of a dog? For a child with a disability to flourish, succeed, learn, it is indispensable to pay particular attention to the development of early childhood. That's why I think the question being addressed is necessary to understand in what way the presence of a domestic animal and in particular a dog can have a major influence on the development of a child with a disability. [...]

[...] The link that exists between an animal and a child is a link that is not based on language and can only be established by the gaze. The animal thus generates strong feelings of beneficial empathy and love for all individuals and particularly for children with disabilities. The relationship between human and animal is devoid of any normative connotation and social values. The dog is not in judgment, and it is receptive to the affection and consideration that is shown to it. [...]

[...] The interest of this question in relation to the treatment of my problem is to know which methods allow for educating these companion dogs. It is interesting to know which methods are used to train them and thus become aware of what differentiates them from classical, non-educated dogs to interact with disabled children. That's why I'm addressing the question of follow-up with families in parallel, as I think it's essential that they have knowledge of the methods used to educate them and that they are able to act and react according to the dog's behavior in relation to the disabled child and vice versa. [...]

[...] These dogs allow for a complementary treatment in the child's therapy and they have the advantage of being non-medical. We are aware that the dog cannot and will not cure the disabled child, but it will contribute to improving their daily life, giving them a smile and stimulating them. I think that all these questions are useful for writing my file, as they should allow me to show the benefits of trained dogs on the daily life of disabled children, to make families understand the training methods used and to know how to react in case of problems, and finally to know the elements that differentiate a trained dog from one that is not, to perceive its qualities and the benefits of its presence alongside the child. [...]