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Animals have a natural way of making people feel calm. A gentle touch or their quiet company can ease stress fast. Across Australia, more people are choosing therapy dogs to bring comfort into daily life. These special dogs support children, adults, and older people in many settings. Here are the five big reasons to get a therapy dog.
Therapy dogs are specially trained to bring comfort and emotional support. That can be in places like clinics, aged care homes, and schools. They differ from service or emotional support animals. To learn more about how therapy dogs help people, visit our full blog on therapy dogs. Click Here!
A therapy dog gives steady emotional support through presence and gentle touch. Their calm nature helps people feel safe and relaxed, which lowers stress and anxiety. In therapy sessions, they make the space feel warmer and less formal. This encourages people to talk more openly.
Key ways therapy dogs give emotional support:
For example, a child with anxiety might sit in silence during a session. When these dogs lies beside them, the child starts to pet it and slowly begins to speak. This simple interaction makes the session feel more natural and supportive. These kind of dogs make emotional comfort part of the environment, not an added step.
Therapy dogs help people feel better during therapy sessions. Their presence makes the space calm and friendly. They lower stress, lift mood, and help both children and adults feel more comfortable.
Being around these dogs makes therapy feel safe and easy. Spending time with them helps people relax and stay focused. Studies show that they improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help people keep attending therapy.
For example, a teenager with anxiety might not want to join a session at first. When these dogs are there, they feel calmer and join in more easily. In care homes, older adults smile more and talk with others when these dogs visit. Overall, therapy dogs make mental health care warmer and more effective for everyone.
These dogs give comfort and support during therapy sessions. Their presence makes the environment calm and welcoming. They help lower stress, improve mood, and make it easier for people to open up. ( if you want to know other reasons to lower stress, check this out!)
Being with these dogs helps people relax and feel safe. This makes therapy sessions more engaging and less stressful. Research shows that their presence improves emotional well-being. And helps people stay consistent with their treatment.
For example, a child who feels nervous might relax when a therapy dog is nearby. They start to feel more confident and take part in activities. In hospitals or care homes. Older adults often smile more and connect better with others during visits. Overall, these dogs make mental health support more comfortable and effective for everyone.
Therapy dogs help people connect with others. This is by making social situations easier and less stressful. Their calm presence encourages talking and joining activities. In schools, therapy groups, and community spaces. They create a friendly environment where people feel included.
Key ways the dogs help:
For example, someone nervous about speaking in a group may feel more comfortable when a dog is nearby. Over time, these moments build confidence and make it easier to connect with others.
Spending time with these dogs can have a positive effect on physical health. Their calm presence helps people relax. Which can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Being around the dog also encourages gentle movement. That can be walking or playing, which also supports overall fitness and well-being.
Key ways these dogs support physical health:
For example, someone feeling tense after a long day may notice their heart rate slows. Even their mood improves when spending time with these dogs. Going for short walks or playing fetch adds light exercise that benefits the body. These dogs link emotional comfort with physical wellness. This helps people feel healthier and more balanced in both mind and body.
Below is the step and process to get one in Australia
Step 1:Know Your Needs
Think about why you want a them and where it will help you the most.
Step 2:Pick the Right Dog
Choose a calm, friendly dog that likes people. Common breeds include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Caboodles.
Step 3:Training and Certification
Enroll the dog in a therapy dog training program. Training teaches obedience, social skills, and safe interaction with people.
Step 4:Temperament Check
The dog needs to pass a behavior and temperament test. This is to make sure it stays calm and safe in different situations.
Step 5:Understand the Rules
Check Australian laws and rules for therapy dogs. They are not service animals, so access may vary in public places.
Step 6:Get Professional Help
Work with our therapists or certified organizations for advice on training, certification, and safe use.
Following these steps helps you get a therapy dog that is safe, trained, and ready to provide support.
A therapy dog can help reduce stress, improve mood, and make therapy easier. But it cannot replace professional treatment. Getting advice from experts ensures the dog is safe, well-trained, and fits your needs. Bella Vista Psychiatry can guide you on how to use these doga alongside therapy. This you get the most benefit while supporting your mental health effectively.
Therapy dogs offer many benefits for emotional, social, and physical well-being. They provide comfort and support, reduce loneliness, and improve mental health. They also encourage social interaction and promote light physical activity.
These benefits make therapy dogs valuable companions for people of all ages. It helps them feel calmer, more connected, and healthier. If you are considering to get one. Contact Bella Vista Psychiatry for guidance and support on how to choose and use a the dog safely and effectively.
At Bella Vista Psychiatry and Wellbeing Clinic, we are a team of Psychiatrists and Psychologists, who have come together to create a platform where you can open up about your problems, your fears and insecurities. We deliver a specialised mental health service from Bella Vista Sydney.
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