Animal-Assisted therapy, therapy that involves dogs, is used in many different settings in countries around the world. There is little scientific evidence on why dog therapy works so well with so many patients. However, more and more therapists are becoming aware of the benefits of involving dogs in the mental and physical recovery of patients. Brain injury patients, the elderly, physically impaired and patients in hospitals and treatment centers can greatly benefit from this therapy. The loyalty, unconditional love, and joy at seeing a friend , the very nature of a dog - make dogs a wonderful asset to any therapy program.

Therapy dogs do not need to be a specific breed, type, age or size. Most therapy dogs are medium to large sized dogs but smaller lap sized dogs can also be used. Therapy dogs have to be calm and well behaved. They cannot have a history of any kind of aggression, or disobedience in new surroundings. The dogs need to be well socialized, not being prone to barking or whining. This can be disturbing to clients and other patients in the facility.

Organizations that use therapy dogs work together with the health care professionals and therapist staff, when they come to the hospital or care facility. Therapists sometimes require that the dogs go through obedience and other special training. The dogs visit the facility many times before they actually start visiting with patients, to become used to the sounds and smells. Both the owner and the facility need to carry insurance on the dog to cover the cost of anything that might happen.

Patients gain self-confidence and self-esteem because of the unconditional love of a dog. Other therapists believe that spending time or caring for a dog, brings the patients back to a happier time in their life, perhaps even brining back memories of their childhood.

As the patients move their arms and fingers to pet and brush the dog, it helps them with fine motor control during physical therapy. Large muscle therapy is done when patients can walk the dog, or go on outings to the park.

Dogs also make a loyal friend for many patients such as the elderly, shut in, and isolated patients. They get to interact with another living thing when they visit with the dog and their therapist. This type of therapy is positive for patients, emotionally and socially, because the dogs are non-judgmental and are always happy to see the patient.

If you have a dog that loves people, can stay calm in new surroundings, and is very obedient, you may want to volunteer with a therapy service. Contact your local hospital or long-term care facility to find if dog therapy is being used in your area. Search the internet for find agencies and facilities that support this type of therapy. This can benefit the dog owner as well, seeing their dog brighten a patients day. This type of therapy really does work, regardless of how it works, giving benefits to all involved.