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Therapy dogs
Animal Assisted Interventions to support cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being
What are Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI)?
Animal-Assisted Interventions are activities that include animals as an integral part of a therapeutic or educational process. These interventions can take multiple forms, including:
Animal-Assisted Education (AAE):
An animal is used as a part of the educational process, aiming to enhance development and growth through a structured and planned set of educational objectives.
Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA):
More casual or recreational interactions that involve an animal visiting contributing to the quality of life, stress reduction, and momentary joy.
What are the benefits of AAI?
Implementing AAI can bring about a host of benefits, affecting different areas of development:
Emotional Growth and Support:
Reduction in Anxiety: Interaction with animals has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, helping people to feel more relaxed and open to learning.
Emotional Regulation:
The presence of animals can promote happiness and provide comfort, helping people to manage their emotions better.
Social Skills and Relationship Building:
Enhanced Empathy: Caring for animals can help people to learn about empathy and nurturing behaviour, understanding non-verbal communication and responsibility.
Improved Interactions:
Animals can act as social lubricants, encouraging more hesitant people to interact with peers around a shared interest.
Educational Enhancement and Cognitive Development:
Increased Engagement: Animals in the classroom can increase participation and motivation, making students more engaged and eager to attend.
Diverse Learning:
Animals provide a different context for learning, catering to various educational needs and helping to develop a range of intelligences and competencies.
Behavioural Improvements:
The calming effect of animals can lead to reductions in aggressive or disruptive behaviours.
Enhanced Self-Esteem:
Success in tasks involving animals can boost confidence and self-esteem, giving children a sense of accomplishment.
Why hecadee?
At hecadee we invest in our team, and are proud of our fully qualified PAWS Certified Trainer. This means that the trainer and Therapy Dog have undergone rigorous training and official assessment.
All courses come with risk assessments, proper hygiene practices and safety protocols to prevent fear, allergies or injuries. Sessions are structured to provide important education and ensure safe interactions.
Our Therapy Dog Programmes can support you on a short or long term basis and ensure accessibility and benefit to all.
Hi! I'm Jasper
I'm a PAWS qualified therapy dog, who loves to meet new people, and help them accomplish new things.
How can I help you?
I'm a really good listener, love to play games, enjoy working with new people and getting lots of fuss. Although I'm a big chap, I'm very gentle too, and can help you if you are scared of dogs. If you have some tasty treats we will be great friends in no time.
Packages available
Education
Learn about dogs, dog welfare and dog regulations in small groups or larger assemblies.
Assemblies - £100
Choose from Dog Safety Skills (how to keep yourself and your dog safe), The Animal Welfare Act (How to look after animals according to the law), The Dangerous Dog Act (keeping safe as a dog owner) and Dog Body Language (Understand what your dog is trying to say).
Commitment: 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the group and how involved the therapy dog is.
Workshops - £400
Topics include the Dog Safety Skills (how to keep yourself and your dog safe), Animal Welfare Act (how to look after animals according to the law), Dangerous Dog Act (keeping safe as a dog owner) and Dog Body Language (Understand what your dog is trying to say).
Commitment: 4 hours, including breaks.
AAI
An Animal Assisted programme that focuses on the individual’s education and wellbeing
Emotional Literacy - POA
Promote emotional autonomy, create regulation strategies, encourage independence and build self esteem.
Commitment: 2 hours per week. Price varies based on the number of weeks pre-paid.
Dog training - £500
Agility, Obedience, Scent work and Trick training,
Commitment: 90 minutes per week for a minimum of six weeks
Cynophobia - £360
If your fear of dogs is affecting your life, let us help you to overcome and thrive in a safe, supportive environment.
Commitment: 45 minutes per week for six weeks
1:1 - £360
Helping individuals to regulate emotions, understand body language and learn new skills
Commitment: 45 minutes per week for a minimum of six weeks
Bespoke
When your needs are unique
Custom made - POA
Create your own package. Discuss your needs with us and we will provide a package tailored specifically to your needs.