We are very proud of one of our pupils as well as his owners who put a lot of effort in a dog who he is right now. Our congratulation!
Here is the article:
Author: TIMO VAN DE KASTEELE
“Therapy dog – Wlochata Pasja Mazzel Tov shows the trust.
Light brown, long, curly haired with happy face. Australian Labradoodle Mazzel Tov is a pupil of the Spectrum group. Spectrum is half-opened organization for people with autism. ortho-pedagog Helmine Poleij uses especially trained dog in order to affect autistic patients in a positive way. She is very successful.
Author: TIMO VAN DE KASTEELE
People with autism often suffer problems with social interaction and expressing their emotions. “Well-trained dogs are able to help to improve interaction with other people,” says Helmine Poleij. “In many cases it also increases self-confidence, when the dog listens to his master.” Helmine Poleij took Mazzel Tov in the first place for her six year old foster son. He suffers from autism, and different form of anxiety disorders. “One of these anxiety disorders is fear for big dogs,” continues Helmine. “First I wanted to overcome this fear. I succeeded. Mazzel had very positive effect on his confidence. Based on this experience I suggested introducing “therapy dog” to Spectrum organization.
Confidence
The idea of introducing a “therapy dog” was welcomed by the Spectrum team with an open arms. This way Mazzel Tov now appears in Spectrum every Tuesday. Helmine uses him for individual classes for patients suffering from autism disorders. “One of my patients goes with me and the dog for a walk every week. Together we develop a module that allows Mazzel Tov to service as a“therapy dog. ”
The aim of this walk is to build confidence in patients. “People suffering from any form of autism have low self-assessment, with low self-confidence,” explains Helmine. “Walk with a dog is a very appropriate tool for building self-confidence. Along the way we come across countless unexpected situations. Situations to which you have to respond to. “As an example Helmine tells about unleashed dog who comes up to them with enormous speed. “In this situation, you have to let your dog know that you take over the control. And it is very difficult for people with autism. The dog listens only when you speak to him clearly and directly. If you succeed, self-confidence increases, decreasing stress’ level.
Criteria
Not every dog is suitable for therapy. Helmine established criteria. “First of all, it was supposed to be allergy-friendly dog,” says Helmine. “My partner is allergic, it was the first condition to fulfill. Besides, it was supposed to be big, smart dog with a sensitive nature. “Searching for the animal corresponding to all the criteria was not easy. Australian Labradoodle was ultimately selected. “Mazzel has the size and nature of the Labrador and the fur and the intelligence of the Poodle. Contrary to popular belief, Poodles are very intelligent. ”
Training
Unfortunately, finding the right breed is not enough. Trained therapy dog costs a lot of time and energy. Therefore, Helmine and Mazzel Tov often visit dog psychologists — HOGZ — Behavioral and Training Centre for Dogs Zeeland. “Mazzel was socialized there from a puppy age and he was introduced to different stimuli. For example, we introduced different sounds in the bench. Currently Mazzel is trained how to respond to gestures. This requires increased effort. We already manage to calm the dog on command. “To be able to calm down is a very important feature for a therapy dog. Patients with autism disorders are very sensitive to any stimuli. “The young Australian labradoodle if necessary can be very quiet, but when his owner opens the door and shows that it is time off now, Mazzel knows very well how to find the way out – jumping around like a young puppy. “And that is beautiful about this dog. By nature he is cheerful and full of energy, but can also be very quiet if there is a need“says Helmine.
Helmine had a lot of successes with Mazzel. One of her patients was afraid to leave his room by himself. “The fear of crossing the threshold is common for autistic people. Mazzel helps them overcome this fear. At that certain point patients forget about those problems.”
Author: TIMO VAN DE KASTEELE
Wlochata Pasja
First Kennel of Australian Labradoodles in Poland
www.labradoodle.com.pl
www.australische-labradoodle.nl
www.wlochata-pasja.com.pl
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