2023-05-03 11:54:00
With her four-legged friends, she has been offering animal-assisted therapy in education since 2021. The woman from Mattsee completed her basic training as a therapy companion dog handler three years ago in Kirchdorf an der Krems at “Therapy Dog & Co”. This is very time-consuming, because the animals undergo regular health checks and the dog owners undertake to attend training courses. For Elisabeth Mack, the dogs are family members, they only go on vacation together by car – a flight without Finn, Theo and Bartl would be out of the question. During the test, humans and dogs have to prove their ability to work in a team. Safety is top priority. In the meantime, she has already completed a wide variety of assignments.
Humans and dogs work as a team
With her visiting dogs, she comes to schools, kindergartens or life support facilities. The “human-dog team” also works in therapeutic work, for example in the case of dog phobia or if a certain therapy fatigue creeps in following longer-lasting therapies, says Mack. “As soon as the children assume a clear posture, the dog reacts immediately. The children experience directly what it’s like to be taken seriously and not ignored.”
The dog as a mirror of one’s own behavior
This experience boosts self-confidence. In the “Ausbildungsfit” center of the Lebenshilfe, young people are prepared so that they can one day do an apprenticeship. Mack explains, “Many of them have experienced disappointment, but the dogs give them a personal approach.”
“Dogs are good door openers everywhere.”
All three dogs are mixed breeds. Finn is almost five years old, good natured, calm, loves to greet children, never barks on duty and is perfect for new situations. Bartl is two and a half years old, very active and keeps close eye contact. He is particularly suitable for use with young people, “because he is sometimes cheeky,” says the dog lover. Theo is white, only ten months old and still has time before the training begins. Elisabeth Mack met all three when they were puppies and fell in love with them. “The nursery has to fit, because the dog mom’s temperament should also be balanced,” she says with conviction. She came to the Eugendorf holiday experience through the English camps. This year Finn and Bartl are there for the second time because the offer was very well received.
Four paws up close at the Eugendorf holiday experience
In the three-hour workshop, the children learn everything regarding the species-appropriate keeping of dogs. Elisabeth introduces the different dog breeds with small toy animals. The children learn a lot regarding the accessories that you need as a dog owner, regarding care and what dogs like. The dog handler closely monitors whether the animal is relaxed. After 45 minutes it needs a break. Games, walking on a leash or hiding treats follow later. Elisabeth Mack always has aha moments: “It’s phenomenal how the children often react, some are like changed when they meet the dog.” At www.fellverliebt.at you can find more information.
1683115243
#Mattseerin #visits #schools #kindergartens #retirement #homes #therapy #dogs
