For Families and Professionals
A family dog can be a great resource for a child with a developmental disability. From everyday play, to walks, to feedings, every activity and interaction with a family dog can have life changing outcomes for a child with special needs and their family. The key is in knowing how to get the most out of a dog’s everyday behaviour in order to help the child.
The PACCK Everyday Dog Program is a revolutionary canine assisted-therapy program intended to provide all families with tools, activities and strategies to get the most out of their everyday interaction with their family dog in order to provide a therapeutic benefit for a child with a developmental disability.
Goals of the Program
It doesn’t matter if the dog is a Shi-tzu, a Labrador or a Great Dane, PACCK helps families get the most out of their family dog in order to promote the growth and development of a child with special needs. The Everyday Dog Program provides assistance with the development of a child’s:
- Verbal skills
- Learning abilities
- Motor function
- Behaviour (modification or interruption)
- Self-calming abilities
- Social skills
Who We Intend to Help
Any family member or individual with a child with special needs and a dog can access the program. Children must be ages 2-18 and have been formally diagnosed with a developmental disability. Canine pets must have basic obedience skills, have no aggressive tendencies and be in good health as determined by a licensed veterinarian. Health care professionals working with children with developmental disabilities can also benefit from the program through training on how to integrate the family dog into different models of intervention.
Classes (Individual or Group)
The Everyday Dog Program is offered in group or one on one classes. Sessions are held weekly for 90 minutes over a period of 4 to 5 weeks.
Cost
Individual classes (4 weeks): $300.00*
*For residents outside the Montreal and surrounding areas, travel fees may apply.
Group Classes (5 weeks): $150.00*
*A minimum of 5 registrants are required for a group class to be held. Sessions are held in Montreal (QC).
Click here for dates of upcoming sessions.
