Dogs for Development CIC

“Where compassion and education meet”

Dogs for Development CIC (a non-profit organisation) was set up to enhance the educational engagement and social motivation of autistic children in schools. During the last decade it has become more widely accepted that animal assistance in therapy and education has a multitude of positive effects on humans. Among the well-documented effects of animal-human interaction, some of the benefits include: increased social attention, social behavior and interpersonal interactions. Dogs also make great companions therapeutically because they respond to human emotions and crucially - dogs do not judge. At Dogs for Development, we are trained professionals (therapist, teacher and autism expert) who facilitate canine assisted therapy sessions, encouraging dogs and pupils to work and play together, to build a relationship based on mutual respect and trust - the positive effects on the pupils are hugely evident. The dog helps enhance social motivation, including: smiles; sociability; helpfulness toward others; activation and responsiveness. We work 1:1 and in group settings with autistic children and/or adults with Learning Disabilities who might display challenging behaviour. The project runs in eight-week cycles, each one sees a group of low attaining school pupils with emotional and behavioral disorders participate in dog training sessions each week. As well as working with the dogs, the participants improve on team working and social skills. Every student is paired with a dog, making them responsible for its development and accountable for its behaviour. They are taught never to use punishment, while positive reinforcement techniques, like rewarding good behaviour and pack psychology are encouraged. Our key aims for the children taking part are to improve behaviour and their social interaction skills, whilst enhancing educational engagement. Similarly, our aims for the dogs we work with are to improve their behaviour and wellbeing, thus the project is hugely beneficial for the dogs who are involved as well. The work also provides valuable dog care education for young people, influencing their attitude toward dog ownership in the future. Dogs for Development also works closely alongside Club K9, a Dog Socialisation and Behavioural Centre, to ensure the highest standards of dog training are continually being implemented. For any information regarding your dogs behavioural issues, please click the link below. http://www.clubk9.co.uk

“What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs”