Formação do cão para atividades assistidas desenvolvidas na cidade de Areia - Paraiba

Abstract

The training process for assistance dogs and animal-assisted activities (AAA) carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, was described, focusing on the impacts on the target population. The objective of this study was to systematically present everything from selection, socialization, and habituation criteria to the development and generalization of dog behaviors, analyzing the effects of these interventions on the well-being of the individuals benefited. The methodology was divided into stages, beginning with meetings between professionals from the participating institutions and the team from the Canine and Feline Nutrition and Behavior Study Group (GENCAF). This was followed by the development of a safety protocol, careful selection of animals, and specific training focused on assistance activities. The selected dogs underwent behavioral and temperament assessments, where they underwent continuous socialization and habituation processes, and their desired behaviors were developed and generalized through positive reinforcement. The interventions took place in weekly meetings lasting an average of 40 minutes and included presentations of the dogs, interaction with the public through touch and play, and moments of recreation. To assess the effects of the activities, questionnaires were administered to participants and/or guardians at both the Association of Parents and Friends of the Disabled (APAE) and the Dr. Hercílio Rodrigues Municipal Hospital. The results demonstrated high acceptance and approval from the public served, with participants rating the experience as good (35%) or excellent (60%), reporting lively behavior during visits (76%), and expressing a desire to continue the project in subsequent years (100%). The data highlight the emotional, social, and behavioral benefits of human interaction with assistance dogs, such as increased self-esteem, reduced stress, improved mood, and strengthened bonds. The conclusion is that AAA, when performed with planning, safety, and professional supervision, is an effective tool for promoting well-being, social inclusion, and therapeutic support, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary work and the role of veterinarians in this type of intervention. The study contributed to the appreciation of the ethical and technical training of assistance dogs, offering support for new research and projects that aim to expand the benefits of human-animal interactions in educational, hospital and social contexts.