Aslan
Dog Therapy
Dogs in schools is on the rise and dog therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is now seen as being extremely beneficial for children's mental health and well-being for several reasons. The interaction with dogs can have a profound impact on emotional, psychological, and even physical health.
Dogs are just awesome (if you like dogs of course!!) because they can change an environment, a moment in time very quickly, they can bring a smile, a lift in energy, a warm safe feeling that just stops the world and takes you to another place that is full of joy and happiness. When working with children and young people this is like a magic wand that you can wave and, in that moment, there is a window to make a change, a shift, a new way of being.
Dog therapy offers a multifaceted approach to improving children's mental health and well-being. The unconditional love, companionship, and joy that dogs provide can have lasting positive effects on a child's emotional, social, and physical development. Incorporating dog therapy into various settings, from schools to healthcare facilities, and community settings can greatly enhance the quality of life for many children and young people.
Aslan
Aslan is the Amazing Minds dog who is a four legged furry legend and has been working in schools with children and young people since he was 16 weeks old. His home is where his heart is and this is being around smaller humans who provide treats and games galore.
If you are fan of the classic read, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe you will recognise the name of the steady, wise, solid lion called Aslan who is the all powerful creator of the magical land of Narnia where animals talk and magic is everywhere.
Aslan brings hope, comfort, and love and this is one of our favourite quotes:
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight”.
Aslan was chosen for his size, his steadiness, his love for hugs and strokes and his ability to be trained to a super high standard of obedience. Working with the fabulous Jenny Duckworth, founder of The Dog Mentor, we have trained Aslan to the Gold standard for his educational interventions and activities. He is a great dog that provides a fantastic wealth of canine kindness, and we are very grateful for all that he provides each and every day.
Benefits of Aslan
Interaction with trained dogs such as Aslan can have profound positive effects on emotional, psychological, and even physical health. Here are some of the key benefits we thought we would share with you:
Social Benefits and Rewards
Improved Social Skills
Learning how to interact and be around a dog like Aslan is a great way to teach children and young people about boundaries, self care, self worth, and respect for self and others.
Reduction in Social Isolation
Interaction with a trained and attentive dog like Aslan can provide the feeling of belonging and they can experience the wonders of unconditional love – which can be further enhanced by a gravy bone!
Cognitive Benefits and Rewards
Enhanced Focus and Attention Training
Obedience work is awesome for explaining and exploring how we can train the brain and Aslan is super keen and willing to work as he is intelligent, bright, and loves to play!
Encouragement of Learning
Motivational incentives such as a reward programmes are great for providing goals and rewards through positive activities such as Dog Mentor Time or Tricks and Training with Aslan.
Therapeutic Benefits and Rewards
Trauma and Sadness
Dogs can provide comfort and emotional support to children dealing with trauma or loss. Their presence can be soothing and help children process difficult emotions. You cannot beat an Aslan hug! Students and staff will make a bee line for Aslan when he arrives at a school because he is huge and you just cannot walk by without giving him some strokes and love.
Neurodivergence
Dog therapy can be beneficial when working with neurodiversity and we find that our young people can benefit from time with Aslan and we have seen a reduction in anxiety, overwhelm, creating a healthy calm and soothing distraction. Visits to SEND events are a regular occurrence for our amazing boy as he is ok with fast movements, changes in energy, and will settle quickly if needed.
Winner Winner
We think it is impossible to list all the fantastic rewards of dog therapy, because we keep finding new wins and moments of magic everyday when we work with our special boy. He is a gift that keeps on giving and we are super happy to have this four legged member on board and part of our Amazing Minds Team!
If you would like to know more about our Amazing Minds dog Aslan, then please get in touch as we are keen to spread the paws of love and passion for gravy bones far and wide, reaching the hearts and minds of many more children and young people.
