Does anyone have any experience with this technique?
It has been suggested to me by a physician that there has been great success using pet therapy for children with Aspergers. I’m considering it.
Apparently, the act of obedience training assists the Aspergers Child with bonding with the animals and provides a sense of confidence in the routine of the techniques. Additionally, empathy is encouraged as the two travel and learn together.
Additional benefits have been witnessed in that neurotypical children are drawn to the animal and the Aspergers child then has a conversational tool of which he is most familar. “Oh, what a cute dog – what’s his name?”
“His name is Elvis and he’s my friend. ” etc.
Interesting….
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Comments (10)
Interesting idea. Successfully training a dog would definitely lead to increased self-esteem for anyone even if it didn't have extra benefits for a child with Asperger's.
My boys are very attached to our three dogs. Dog-therapy or horsee-therapy is wonderful for persons with AS.
This seems really a great idea for the people who are suffering from disorder and let them sure they can try this dog therapy. If these kinds of therapy starts to improve characteristic with AS person's then these treatments will sure creates a great impact in today's word.
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seafishingtackle
I don't have personal experience with this but I think it's a great idea. Animals have been scientifically shown to lower stress rates in humans, etc. It sounds like it could be nothing but a positive experience.
Yes, I have 26 years worth of experience in dog obedience training. I've trained and competitively trialled with a great deal of success (sorry about the boasting, but it's true!) Collie (roughs), Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), Brittany, German Shepherd Dogs and Golden Retrievers. I totally agree with what the doctor has advised.
It's a good technique for lots of people - people who are shy to people who have physical disabilities, and everything in between (except that's not really a spectrum, so whatever).
this is great info! I trained my 3 dogs using great dog training tips I got from www.doggedhealth.com. I'm pleased my dogs behave very well which is great especially because I have 2 toddlers!
@Sandy Swiss - I have taught in special schools for many years and am also a qualified dog trainer with experience in teaching dog training to students with a range of special needs. Please do have a look at my website: inclusivedogtraining.vpweb.co.uk for more details
Not really sure if that is true. But certainly not a bad idea, children love dogs. Well, and any other pets for that reason. Plus successful training will boost their self esteem.
Fabs
Thanks for writing this. I really feel as though I know so much more about this than I did before. Your blog really brought some things to light that I never would have thought about before reading it. You should continue this, Im sure most people would agree youve got a gift.