Carefully analyze this question before you consider organizing a canine training class for disabled people.  Now is the time for you "to weigh and consider."Just why do you want to teach a "special' canine class for disabled people?

Is because you want an ego and/or self-esteem builder for your students, your team and class instructors and yourself?

Is it because you wish to keep your canine(s) active in the therapy/service dog world, or because your dog(s) need a constructive job?                             

Is it because you have several canines and this is a way of getting help with the training and individual attention each dog deserves?

Is it because you have a disabled child who needs a constructive yet entertaining outlet for his or her mental and physical energy?

These are all good reasons for wanting to teach a "special" canine class. However, the first and foremost reason should be because you want to give disabled students opportunities to increase and enhance their communication and life skills, as well as provide them with opportunities for physical exercise in a safe and supportive environment.

Those of us involved with Best Friends 4-H Club have found that a dog training class for disabled students creates a win, win, win situations.

The student through interacting with their class coordinator, the other class members, the team instructors, and the dogs, will have ample opportunities to expand his or her socialization skills, use tactile stimulation to encourage the dogs, communicate in both body and verbal language, and fine tune eye-hand and body coordination. The end result; the student will be encouraged to use his or her body and brain while simultaneously having fun.

The student will also have the advantage of working one-on-one with a Team Instructor who will adapt "conventional" training methods to meet his or her particular needs. Through positive reinforcement, the instructor will help the student and the dog accomplish each new exercise. The end result; the student will be encouraged to function as a "team" member.

The Team Instructor will have an opportunity to teach a sport he or she loves dog obedience and agility, from a new perspective. The end result; the instructor will enjoy the challenge of adapting familiar techniques to fit the unique needs of his or her disabled student.

The dog wins, also. It will have an opportunity to interact with two extraordinary people at every class. It will receive an abundance of love and attention from its teammates as well s some extra training. The end result; the dog will get an opportunity to reinforce its canine good manners.

Is organizing and coordinating a canine class for disabled people something you would enjoy doing? Are you prepared for the challenge?

If so, get ready for some hard work! But also get ready to contribute to the development of some great teamwork, to making some wonderful new friends, to building some self-esteem (not just that of the disabled person!), and to experiencing lots of joy and laughter.

It is our hope that you will take the knowledge we have gained through our experience, adapt it to your situation, and create a canine class for people in your own community who are disabled. Despite the difficulties and frustrations involved in such an endeavor, the rewards are boundless and the joys are immeasurable.
 

Copyright © 2004-2010 Best Friends 4-H Club
Last modified: 03/23/10