Canistheraphy (zootherapy) in special education institutions

The bachelor thesis focuses on canistherapy as a possible therapeutic method, which uses the impact of animals on the human health and its use in practice. The thesis aims to verify in practice whether the dispositions of some dog breeds are more suitable for this method. It concentrates on the selection of the right canine regarding its sex, age and character. The theoretical part of the search deals with the forms, methods, concepts and principles of canistherapy. It focuses on its use in Rest Homes and Social Welfare Institutions. One part refers to the selection and preparation of a suitable dog and its use in health and social sphere. Practical part reviews the suitability of various breeds for specific methods of canistherapy. Questionnaire and a monitoring method were used for the purposes of the research. Conclusions were drawn from the analysis of replies to simple uestions and were further processed and converted to general charts. Most of the results comply with the professionals' views, e.g. they suggest the dog breed is not that significant as its character traits or positive approach to people. However, new observation was made concerning the age of dog as it should not be regarded as the determining factor for therapy. It rather depends on the current physical and psychological..