The choice of a dog partner represents a decisive step in developing a professional practice that is safe, consistent and respectful of animal well-being.
In this module, we will address the different factors to consider in selecting a dog intended for work in animal-assisted intervention. You will be led to reflect on both the dog’s characteristics and your own reality as a practitioner, your professional goals, your work environment and your lifestyle.
We will explore in particular the particularities of certain breeds and lines, the advantages and limits of different dog profiles, as well as the important distinctions between choosing a puppy, an adolescent dog or an adult dog.
We will also address the concepts of “bank dog,” the criteria for selecting a breeder or adoption environment, essential observation elements, desired personality traits as well as common mistakes that can compromise the future development of the human-animal team.
This step aims to guide you toward a thoughtful and realistic choice in order to promote the development of a lasting, safe partnership adapted to the reality of the field.
Duration: 3.25 hours
