PERFIL DO CÃO COTERAPEUTA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Abstract

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) are based on the use of animals as mediators and can be developed by health and education professionals. It is understood as a dog cotherapist, the one who can facilitate the formation of the patient's bond with the therapist, and to exercise joint activities that promote the development of cognitive, social, physical and psychological skills. The use of these animals can also bring numerous benefits in behavioral and educational development. The objective of this work was to conduct a literature review on the profile of the cotherapist dog. Dogs have a gift for making people feel better, relieve loneliness, reduce stress and anxiety. In order to have the profile of cotherapists, they must have good socialization with people and other animals, be obedient, have a calm temperament and also have a great state of healt. It is very important that the dog has a responsible for it during the sessions, The well-being of dogs should be maintained during sessions, since this may interfere with the behavior of the cotherapist. One should consider the characteristics and specific limits of each animal, respecting the working time of each one, and the moments of rest as well. The profile of the dog cotherapist, requires obedience to basic commands, should receive unknown people without thirring or growling, in addition to offering a quiet and pleasant session to the patient.