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On Friday, 10/26/07, Caring Canines
volunteer, Gale and her canine pal, Miko, were guests of Dr. Rachel
Fleissner at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry Annual Meeting. The session discussed how animals can be
used in the therapeutic treatment process, associated with goals and
changing behaviors of children, parents & siblings. There were 23
doctors, male & female, covering a range of ages,
nationalities/accents, professional levels (students, fellows,
residents, long-time practitioners) all interested in how AAT
(Animal-Assisted Therapy) can enhance the therapeutic process. Most
work and/or have worked with dogs, but some had cats, horses, and
mini-horses. Dr. Fleissner, who works with her Australian Shepherds
(and
now Border Collie-in-training), was extremely skilled and creative in
her practice. She impressively explained and demonstrated clicker
training with Miko and gave examples of how she would use dog and child
(or parent or sibling) behavior to therapeutic advantage.
 Dr. Fleissner explains that AAT involves goal-directed interactions between a therapist, patient, and an animal.  Caring Canine Miko is an attentive subject as Dr. Fleissner demonstrates successful clicker training to psychiatrists.  Miko is all eyes and ears attending to Dr. Fleissner.  Miko relaxing at the end of her demonstration. Many thanks to Miko and Gale for representing Caring Canines so professionally at this important conference. Photo Gallery
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