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The Distinctiveness of Animal Assisted Play Therapy™

The Distinctiveness of Animal Assisted Play Therapy™

This article explores the unique features that comprise Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ as it was created and developed by Dr. Risë VanFleet (USA) and Tracie Faa-Thompson (UK). There are distinct differences with many other forms of Animal Assisted Intervention, and some of these distinctions are described here.

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Finding and Preparing a Dog for Canine Assisted Play Therapy™

Finding and Preparing a Dog for Canine Assisted Play Therapy™

Another frequently asked question about Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ pertains to finding the right canine partner and preparing the dog for the work. Most common are questions about which breeds make the best therapy dogs. These are actually more complex questions than many people realize. This blogpost is designed to point readers toward some helpful resources that we have developed.

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Do We Sell Them Short? Supporting “Agency” in Animals

Do We Sell Them Short? Supporting “Agency” in Animals

Sometimes, in our eagerness to provide a happy life for our animals, we step in too quickly to help them with certain challenges. There are times when we sell them short, perhaps not realizing or forgetting that they have their own unique capabilities and skills. This blog post explores the concept of agency for animals, factors to consider when working with animals, and how we can do more to allow, promote, and support their agency and control in their own lives. The post includes a contribution by Pat Tagg of the UK that involves her unique observations of the development of confidence in a blind lamb with help from other sheep and the flock.

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Animals Speak!  Issue 13: Pandemic Tips for Kids and How to Keep Busy

Animals Speak! Issue 13: Pandemic Tips for Kids and How to Keep Busy

The coronavirus pandemic has caused lots of changes for everyone, including kids and even dogs! In this issue of Animals Speak!, Josie Patches has a short message of what she has been up to and then introduces our special guest for this issue!
Animals Speak! is a project of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® to provide encouragement and help to kids during the pandemic in a light-hearted manner.

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Animals and Face Masks : Creating Safety, Fun, and Familiarity

Animals and Face Masks : Creating Safety, Fun, and Familiarity

As we reopen our businesses, dog trainers, behaviorists, and human therapists are likely to be wearing masks and engaging in social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. How do animals respond to mask-wearing humans? How can we make our use of masks comfortable for them? This post focuses on ways to ensure that masks do not become impediments to the work we do that involves animals.

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Resuming In-Person Animal Assisted Play Therapy® During the Pandemic

Resuming In-Person Animal Assisted Play Therapy® During the Pandemic

As people involved in Animal Assisted Play Therapy® and Animal Assisted Interventions plan to reopen their clinics or practices for in-person sessions, many risk factors must be considered. Risk management plans must be updated to take the pandemic into account. This article provides some excellent resources and some factors to think about when planning for a safe resumption of in-person sessions.

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Animals Speak! Issue #11: Hong Kong Therapy Dogs Sing For You!

Animals Speak! Issue #11: Hong Kong Therapy Dogs Sing For You!

Animals Speak! is a a project of the International Institute of Animal Assisted Play Therapy® featuring therapists and their animals from all over the world who have been trained in AAPT. The purpose is to provide child-friendly information about topics related to the pandemic, along with some fun or interesting ideas to help kids of all ages cope with what is going on. In Issue 11, we will hear from some singing dogs from Hong Kong!

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