9 psychological benefits of dog-assisted therapy

Dogs are one of the friendliest animals out there, which is hardly surprising considering they are the result of centuries of breeding programs selecting traits of prosocial behavior and affinity with being human. In fact, for several decades the psychological and therapeutic benefits that joint work with these animals can offer have been demonstrated.

The friendship and unconditional affection that they bring to human beings, as well as their desire to play and other virtues, have proven to have a very important therapeutic effect in people with certain psychological, physical or neurological disorders.

• Related article: "The 10 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

What are the main psychological benefits of dog-assisted therapy?

Here you will find a summary of the main benefits that dog-assisted therapy offers us.

1. Helps fight unwanted loneliness

Loneliness is a disease that affects more and more people in Western societies due to new social dynamics more focused on the individual and less on the creation of links collective.

dog assisted therapy it has turned out to be very useful for people who feel lonely or isolated from the world in their day to day, as these animals are a perfect companion to lift anyone's spirits.

• You may be interested: "Unwanted loneliness: what it is and how we can combat it"

2. It is a therapeutic resource against anxiety and depression

Another of the most recognized benefits of dog-assisted therapy is found in people who suffer from anxiety or depression.

There are many who come to therapy with this type of alteration, as well as with feelings of monotony, apathy, or disinterest in any area of ​​their lives. In these cases, the incorporation of a therapeutic assistance dog has amply demonstrated its usefulness and effectiveness.

Dogs are animals capable of detecting suffering in a person, that is why during the therapeutic accompaniment process they can provide valuable support based on company, play or affection, something that undoubtedly helps to rehabilitate people with anxiety or depression. Of course, dog therapy should be combined with other forms of psychotherapeutic intervention.

• Related article: "Major depression: symptoms, causes and treatment"

3. Strengthens psychomotor skills

Other basic functions that assisted therapy with dogs has is the rehabilitation of various motor activities that can be damaged in people of any age, especially in older people.

This type of therapy is based on training and motor stimulation to carry out activities of all kinds, from brushing and stroking, to walking, teaching certain tricks or playing sports.

4. mental stimulation

As with motor functions, some impaired cognitive functions can also be stimulated by dog-assisted therapy, and also to treat all types of dementias, such as Alzheimer's.

In this type of case, the very incentive and motivation of working with a dog for the assisted person already has a therapeutic value in itself that helps stimulate certain brain areas.

• You may be interested: "Cognition: definition, main processes and functioning"

5. Social skills

Deficits in social or communication skills are one of the most common reasons for consultation in health centers. psychology around the world and dog-assisted therapy has also proven useful in treating this type of alterations.

The positive attitude of dogs and their ability to constantly interact help many people to acquire or improve your relationship skills, as well as skills such as empathy, greeting and interest in others.

• Related article: "The 6 types of social skills, and what they are for"

6. Training in managing the attentional focus

As has been indicated, working with dogs is highly beneficial for stimulating many cognitive abilities, and for several decades, it has also been used to train attention and treat cases of ADHD in children or adolescents.

Dog-assisted therapy also serves to encourage responsibility, for example by assigning care tasks to children with attention or concentration difficulties.

7. Support for autism spectrum disorders

Another of the proven benefits of dog-assisted therapy is found in children with non-verbal autism spectrum disorder.

Similarly, working with dogs also favors physical contact, something that is of great importance for those with difficulties in social skills or with problems of communication.

Boys and girls with a very severe and non-verbal type of autism usually interact very satisfactorily with these and other animals, since it is not necessary to speak.

• You may be interested: "The 4 types of autism and their characteristics"

8. Acceptance

Most dog lovers highlight the selfless and unconditional acceptance that dogs offer their owners or anyone they live with.

This phenomenon is of great importance for many people with psychological alterations of all kinds. type, mainly in those with low self-esteem, complexes or who have the feeling that they are worth little bit.

One more way to promote general well-being

All the beneficial elements of assistance with dogs that we have mentioned have the objective of improving the physical or intellectual well-being of the person cared for and suppose a very useful strategy that psychologists can use in their consultations.

The positive bond that is built with the dog during the process of working together is a therapeutic element that helps to improve the state of mind of the person served and contributes to their happiness.

If you are interested in having general psychotherapeutic support with the possibility of using dog therapy, please contact us.