Would your workplace or school benefit from a Wellness Companion?
Our dogs are trained to your needs, wether you need a dog part time or full time we can help you with a program that ensures you get the best value for money. Along with he best dog for your environment. The wellness dog can live on site so that is available when most needed, There is overwhelming evidence to support the physiological benefits such as reduction in blood pressure and heart rate; the psychological benefits such as the reduction of stress and anxiety; the social benefits such as the enhancement of communication and social interaction, when patients are exposed to Animal Assisted Therapy. These are particularly important in the acute setting when patients and families are dealing with the stress and anxiety or illness and injury, as well as the unfamiliar and intimidating environment of a hospital. In Animal Assisted Therapy, the dog will work alongside the therapist to enhance the patient’s motivation to achieve the therapy goals.
The Dog Team becomes another ‘tool’ that Staff are able to access, if appropriate, for the patient’s treatment. The dogs and handlers are trained through Heart Dogs NT and are fully trained to work in any setting. The have been passed by Veterinarians to ensure their health is cared for and are fed an appropriate diet to reduce the risk of disease and drug resistant bacteria.
Why introduce a T
herapy/ Wellness dog?
The Science
The use of Therapy Dogs in schools and workplaces is a new phenomena and there is a growing body of evidence recognising a range of benefits resulting from interactions with animals which positively impact the physical and psychological health of those who interact with them. Recent studies have found improvements in cardiovascular health, improved immune system function, improved pain management and a decrease in the experience of stress and anxiety following interactions with a range of animals.
Research in several university settings even found a significant improved in exam results following interactions with a dog in comparison to a group of students who did not engage with the visiting therapy dog. It is purported that the improvement in results was due to the calming and settling effect of the visiting therapy dog which assisted exam participants to manage their anxiety and support concentration. It really is quite amazing how such a small intervention can result in incredible outcomes!
In other research literature there is recognition of the benefit of a Therapy Dog in supporting therapeutic relationships between a client and Psychologist/Counsellor or other medical professional. The presence of a Therapy Dog has been found to support client engagement in therapy, expedite interventions due to increased comfort and improve therapeutic outcomes. How amazing is that!?!
Given the busy and often stressful environment of schools and workplaces, it makes sense that we need to find new ways to provide students and staff with an opportunity to calm and reset throughout the day.
Wether a part timer or a full time wellness support our dogs will help to change lives.