The Emotional Support Dog Program at Da’at School in Sa’ad, as part of our collaboration with the Yad L’Ami organization, aims to provide therapeutic support to children using specially trained dogs. The program is an integral part of our ongoing partnership with Yad L’Ami, who have entrusted us with facilitating this unique form of emotional and psychological support for children in need.
Program Overview:
The program was designed to assist children in overcoming personal and emotional challenges by providing them with a safe, supportive environment where they can interact with well-trained therapy dogs. The program’s goal is to foster emotional resilience, build trust, and provide the children with coping tools to help them navigate their challenges.
The sessions are structured in a way that encourages children to open up emotionally, reduce anxiety, and build a trusting relationship with the therapy dogs. This connection helps the children to experience emotional regulation, communication, and relaxation. In the process, we observe their development in both emotional and social capacities. The dogs act as a catalyst for engagement and provide a comforting presence.
Structure of the Sessions:
The program runs over a series of structured sessions. Each session is designed to ensure that children experience positive, impactful moments while interacting with the dogs. Through these interactions, the children develop confidence, practice mindfulness, and improve their emotional well-being.
Key Activities During Sessions:
- Dog Introduction and Bonding
The children are introduced to the dogs in a calm and controlled setting. They are taught the basics of dog care and interaction. - Interactive Activities
The children participate in guided activities such as walking the dog, basic commands, and playtime. These activities help the children feel empowered and responsible. - Individual & Group Reflection
After each session, the children are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, either individually or in groups. This reflective process helps them connect their emotions with their actions and the bond they’ve formed with the dog. - Emotional Regulation
Through the presence of the dogs, the children are taught to identify and regulate their emotions. This is done through relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and calming interactions with the dogs
Progress and Impact:
The feedback from the children and the teachers involved in the program has been overwhelmingly positive. There has been a noticeable improvement in the children’s emotional regulation, social skills, and overall demeanor. Many of the children who struggled with trust, anxiety, and communication have shown significant progress.
Highlights from the Program:
- Several children have demonstrated reduced anxiety levels and are now more willing to engage in group activities.
- Children who previously showed signs of social withdrawal have begun to interact with their peers more openly.
- There has been an improvement in emotional expression, with children feeling more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings during sessions.
Acknowledgments:
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Yad L’Ami for their continued trust in us. The opportunity to bring this program to Da’at School has been a rewarding experience, and we are grateful for the privilege of working with these children. Their growth and emotional development are a testament to the effectiveness of the program.
Next Steps:
We look forward to continuing this important work with Yad L’Ami and expanding the program to reach more children in need. Our team is committed to improving the emotional well-being of the children we work with, and we are excited to explore further opportunities to enhance the therapeutic value of this program.
Dog Touch Team
Avi Biton