Canistherapy

This complex word means an alternative form of psychological assistance – treatment by interaction with dogs. Strictly speaking, this is not even quite “treatment” in the literal sense of the word, but rather a method of medical and social rehabilitation using specially selected and trained dogs.

It is no secret that we are strongly influenced by contact with pets. Remember how it happens – you come home completely exhausted: your tyrant boss yelled at you, you could barely squeeze yourself into the bus on the way home, some reckless driver showered you with mud from under his wheels and add to this rain and fog outside.

You come home in a gloomy, melancholy mood and you feel like you want to bite anyone in your way. But your elegant and handsome cat comes out to meet you, and graciously allows you to pet him. And/or your dog runs out happy and shows his adoration simply because you … are you and you are home. 15 minutes of contact – and you suddenly feel much more alive and calmer. You don’t want to kill anymore, but you want to run your hands into the fur and meditate …

People have noticed the effect of interacting with animals a very long time ago. Back in the 18th century in England, dogs were used to improve the state of the mentally ill, and in World War II, cats and dogs were even tacitly allowed to be in hospitals, as they cheered up wounded soldiers, significantly improving their emotional state.

But, of course, the term “canistherapy” appeared much later and became a recognized technique relatively recently – about fifty years ago.

Dogs are ideal therapists. They are emotional, they know how to feel the state of a person, they even have facial expressions. And they give feedback when you are interacting with them! Dogs who can help patients are carefully selected and prepared for such an important mission. But not based on breed, appearance, or coat color – there is no discrimination here! What matters is only a certain type of psyche, a stable nervous system, and a desire to interact.

The therapeutic effect can be carried out in different ways: even simple observation of animals without direct contact has a tangible effect on the state of people, not to mention tactile interaction!

– When can canistherapy help?

When a person is depressed or has low psychological energy. Dogs make people feel needed and important, which is vital for those in despair.

Josie told us that when she was a teenager, she didn’t have any friends. Her only friend was huge and hairy malamute, Chopin. When she cried, he would try to console her by licking off her tears. When she felt sad, she would fall asleep while petting her “teddy bear” and fingering his thick wool with her hands. Josie used to tell him all about her grievances and worries and… she felt better. She says that he used to save her from despair because she felt that he needed her.

– When people experience post-traumatic stress disorders.

It is difficult for people who have experienced a traumatic event to return to normal life. A dog can help smooth over memories and provide unspoken support.

Arthur is a veteran. When he came back from his deployment, he never discussed with anyone the things that he has seen and experienced during this time. It was taboo. It was difficult for him even to talk with his psychotherapist, and she advised him to talk to his dog, Denver. At first, Arthur thought “What kind of nonsense is this – talking to a dog, even to a smart one, like my German Shepard!” But one evening, when he felt overwhelmed with emotions, he had no other choice but to try. He told Denver everything. And the dog was listening to him, like a person. After that, for the first time in many months, Arthur slept without nightmares.

It has been proven that for people with neurotic disorders and psychosomatic diseases, interaction and tactile contact with animals reduce anxiety and the feeling of fear, and increase the general psychological wellbeing.

In cases of autism, cerebral palsy, and other serious diseases, the effect of interaction with dogs can hardly be overestimated. They help to learn to trust the world, have a positive effect on muscle hypertonicity, develop motor skills, and much more.

But canistherapy can be used independently, without any special psychological programs, simply by communicating with a friendly animal, who wants to interact with people. If you have a four-legged friend living at home, that is great! You can walk with him, play, pet, talk … Dogs love us unconditionally, they do not expect us to be something else – for them, all that is important is that we are here! And this unconditional acceptance alone heals and gives strength. After all, we sometimes miss it so much…