There is a significant amount of research to show that service dogs are effective when supporting disabled people, particularly with guide dogs for those are visually impaired. Occupational therapists and health professionals have acknowledge that service dogs can be helpful in their own practice with those who have disAbilities, with even Universities acknowledging how human’s best friend can support student well-being. However, less research has been conducted on support dogs (emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs) and how therapy practitioners can use support dogs in their practice working with a variety of disAbilities. This talk therefore focuses on the range of support dogs and their potential to be used in practice, with a focus of how I intend to use my own pack in my trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and why I think a pack is necessary for dog welfare.
Please note a therapy dog in training, a teacup Pomeranain (suspect Chihuhua mix) Anna Nicole will be present, but on a lead with a harness at all times.