‘He saved my life’: Learn about the work of assistance dogs in psychological treatments

Pets act as “cotherapists” in anxiety and depression disorders and bring neurological benefits to tutors

Leg restlessness, constant itching, restlessness and crying. One anxiety crisis he was interrupted by the sensitivity of Hagnar, Mayara’s little dog. After noticing the behavior of her guardian, he sat her down and saved her with her company.

The moment of connection was recorded by the veterinary student and went viral on Tiktok. The Husky’s embrace moved more than two million users and gave greater visibility to the Vida em Matilha profile, which has become one of the few in Brazil to share content on assistance dogsused in psychiatric services.

@vidammatilha_

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From Dusk Till Dawn – Madilyn Bailey

On Tiktok, the tag #servicedog (service dog) has more than 407 million views, with several videos of mostly North American tutors with the same treatment routine as Mayara. The records draw users mesmerized by the sensitivity and connectedness of these pets. They also show the importance of Animal assisted therapy.

“They are angels who give us back our social freedom, emotional stability, and literally save us from ourselves,” Mayara says. The 23-year-old is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

She had her first assistance dog experience in 2021 with Hagnar. But the little dog died in October of last year and, currently, it is Sirius who helps in the care of the guardian.

“After Hagnar died, I promised that I would remember him in some way. Bringing this story and information about the importance of assistance dogs is part of my promise,” Mayara explains.

What is an assistance dog?

Luciano Bordini, who has worked as a trainer for seven years, explains that an assistance dog is trained to individually help people with physical disabilities or mental, sensory and depressive disorders. In case of assistance, only dogs can do this job.

“An assistance dog is trained to perform tasks such as crisis alert, performing pressotherapy, seeking medication, seeking help for his guardian in the event of a crisis or disorientation, as well as providing autonomy for his guardian,” she says.

This is in fact the role of Sirius, who according to Mayara has functions such as taking drugs, responding to crises and calling Guilherme, her husband, in case of need for help. He also takes her to her house or somewhere quieter in times of anxiety.

The schoolgirl always shows her pet “in uniform” on the street. Service dogs need to be identified so other people know they are not allowed to interact with them at the time.

@vidammatilha_

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original sound – Mayara | Zoo and Sirius

There are warnings on the vests like “dog working, do not interact.” “Since training began, we’ve taught the dogs, out of habit, that when they’re in uniform they work. When they’re not wearing their vest, they rest and can play,” says the trainer.

How does assistance dog training work?

Mayara says that, when she had Hagnar, she searched YouTube videos of North American tutors sharing how their guide dogs were trained. She responded to her partner and, after a while, Luciene started training him.

The trainer explains that preparing the dog to become an assistance dog takes an average of two to two and a half years. The tutor’s requests are taken into account for the selection. After defining the breed and finding a reliable kennel to select the animal, the dog’s genetics are analyzed to evaluate the health history.

“After this stage, when the litter is born, we still have the personality test, which is applied to puppies from day 49 onwards. It detects a tendency to behave like fear, reactivity or aggression,” he explains.

Once your dog passes all the requirements, it begins learning basic obedience commands. “Like sitting, lying down, and having self-control (waiting to receive food, for example). Plus, they’re trained to socialize in environments with other people and animals,” says Luciene.

@vidammatilha_

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original sound – Mayara | Zoo and Sirius

Difference between assistance dog and emotional support dog

Emotional support dogs also help their guardians through their presence, offering affection and companionship in the midst of crises. However, the trainer explains that this training is basically obedience training.

“The assistance dog is trained to perform practical tasks. Such as alerting in a crisis, seeking medication, helping its owner in crisis or disorientation situations,” explains Luciene.

How does Animal Assisted Therapy work?

Mayara explains that Sirius is part of her treatment, along with medication, regulated by a psychiatrist, and weekly therapy sessions with a psychologist. According to Janaina Paiva, a psychologist specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, with experience in Animal Assisted Therapy, pets act as “cotherapists”.

“The interventions are semi-structured and must respect the animal’s work times. Generally, dogs are used for their marked characteristics of kindness, ease of transport (unlike cats, for example) and intelligence. The sessions are scheduled to include the animal in special needs interventions, where they act as co-therapists participating in the whole process,” he explains.

Janaina explains that sessions with animals in consultation with a psychologist last about 40 minutes. The daily service time of a co-therapist animal must not exceed an hour and a half every other day, respecting the break times.

He describes some interventions dogs can do for emotional support: “For example, identify anxiety and act more gently or lie down next to the patient. There are sensory cues, such as nuzzling to stroke or lick more gently.”

@vidammatilha_

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original sound – Mayara | Zoo and Sirius

In addition to companionship, emotional comfort, and the reduction of stress and anxiety, the benefits of assistance dogs are neurological as well. “They contribute to the release of beneficial substances such as oxytocin (feeling of happiness and affection), serotonin (mood control), dopamine (satisfaction and happiness) and endorphins (pleasure and relaxation),” says the psychologist.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.