Taking the Lead are very proud to be able to provide a Canine Assisted Intervention Therapy service (CAIT).
The definition of Canine Assisted Intervention Therapy is ‘a goal oriented intervention to promote improvement in physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning of the person(s) involved, in which a specially trained dog-handler team is an integral part of the process.

Our practitioner has worked in both childcare and educational settings for many years whilst gaining a BA (Hons) degree in Childhood and Youth studies as well as a dog training qualification and also being a lifelong dog owner. This experience and knowledge is used to help a child achieve the goal or goals which are identified at the beginning of the session(s). Extensive research has shown the many benefits of interaction between dogs and children. CAIT has been shown to build confidence and motivation in children and the strategies we use are built around the individual needs of each unique child. These can improve language development and fluency, increase reading ability and therefore increase overall academic achievement, as well as reducing anxiety, shyness and stress.

Our CAIT service is designed to work collaboratively either within an educational setting or within the home by working in partnership with teachers, SENCO’s and parents in one to one sessions which enable a relationship to build between the child and the dog as well as trust.

“Our pupils have greatly benefited from the one-to-one sessions and we have seen a great increase in confidence within school life and their ability to discuss their feelings with others. Yogi’s visits are a highlight of the week.”
Adam Rivett, Assistant Headteacher.

Further school references available.

For more information please:
Email [email protected] or Tel 07956 040012

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