Young children are usually fascinated by animals and can learn a lot from interacting with them. Children with intellectual or physical disabilities are no exception. Dogs and horses are particularly valuable aids for them. They gain confidence and talk more and are happier as a result of their contact with animals.

There are limited horse riding programs for children with disabilities, but in NSW both in Brisbane and in Orange, programs are currently a great success. Horses are chosen carefully for individual children so that they are gentle, safe and easy to handle and of course volunteers helping must be trained to know just what to do. Being close to or touching a horse can be a life changer for young children, but when they can actually sit on the animal parents are amazed at the the enthusiasm the children show and the difference the interaction makes.

While Guide dogs are familiar to everyone, it is amazing what Assistance dogs can be taught to do. They can be taught to open doors, turn on lights, alert people by making a sound or by touching someone. They can carry clothes or other objects. Their presence can calm a child, encourage reading or talking, and best of all show affection. It is very expensive to have a dog trained as a Guide dog or an Assistance dog and other pets such as fish, birds and guinea pigs and any well trained dog can help children learn and contribute to good health.

Tags: education