The field of emotional treatment by means of the caretaking of dogs developed and gained a growing demand in Israel and worldwide in recent years.The range of treatment tools and different target groups was developed and extended.
The direct contact with dogs raises and enhances a person’s skills such as improving motor skills, communication skills, and emotional development, as well as general social interactions and the prevention of violent behavior.
Treatment with dogs is a unique field. It enables emphasis on human compassion, empathy for the dogs and the interaction between people and dogs.
The dog is a communicative animal. It reacts and it accepts us as we are. The ability to direct a dog using dog-training language contributes to enhancing self-assurance and creates a source of motivation for activities. It enables setting and accepting boundaries, develops tolerance, and develops the ability to accept others, and feel empathy towards others.
The integration of young people who received training within the framework of the preparation for service in the IDF and in the Border Patrol, as part of the “Special in Uniform” program.
Young people with special needs, with mental disabilities, autism, and various other syndromes, with medium level and above average independence capacity, who will go through a selection process by a professional instructor.
Ten young men and women from special schools.
12 months, including four meetings a onth of six hours each.
48 meetings in total.
a . Attitude towards dogs
b. Directing a dog
c. Operating dog kennels: cleaning, feeding, and maintaining open space
d. Basic dog training
The learning will be conducted in an inclusive, systematic, and tolerant way. All the content will be adapted in advance by preparing a profile of the young persons, together with their instructors.
Each subject will be taught in a formal way which integrates simple theory and made accessible by defining time-frames of a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes, at every learning session.
The young people will acquire tools from the first lesson. They will practice these tools systematically every week until they achieve full independence as much as possible in logistical activities.
Daily meetings will be concluded with a presentation of the learned abilities of the dogs. At the beginning of the preparation phase, the presentation is done by the instructor. Later on, as the workshop develops, an opportunity will be given to all the young people to participate in the presentation, up to full independent exercise before the parents and the instructors.
a. Acquaintance with the dog
b. Acquaintance with the pack
c. Position of the dog within the pack
d. Leadership and motivation
e. Dog language
f. Emotions
g. Basic needs
h. Basic veterinary care
i. Motivation versus resistance
j. IDF workshop: OKETZ (IDF Canine unit, Israeli Air Force, Israeli Police)
k. Guided tour at the OKETZ unit
l. Farewell
m. Receiving certificates and presentation
a. Cleanliness and order
b. Dog discipline
c. Basic dog training
d. Advanced dog training and presentation
a. An instructor for treatment of dog kennels and dog training with special qualification
for teaching young people with special needs.
b. Instructor for treatment of animals
c. Dogs for training
d. Riding Horses
e. A training facility with a dog-kennel
a. Instructor for the young people
b. Insurance
c. Transportation
d. Food
