Walk to the Dog
Intervention Summary
Goals: Gait training
Patient task: Walk to the dog
Dog task: Sitting distance from patient as motivation
Scale: Distance, Assistive device, Surface
Equipment needed: None
Intervention Overview
This one is pretty simple: your dog is placed a distance from the patient and the patient walks to the dog. If your patient is experiencing high pain or anxiety levels, this task is an excellent option to provide motivation and distraction to help your patient ambulate.
Patient Instructions
Set up a distance away from the dog (works best for patients walking short distances, like 5-10 feet)
Have your patient walk to the dog
Can have patient give dog a treat, a hug, or just pet the dog once they reach them
Dog’s Role
Positioned in front of patient a distance away, in sit
Interaction level: passive
Scaling
Make it easier:
Set up dog closer to the patient
Use with assistive device
Make it harder:
Set up dog further away from patient
Once patient gets close to dog, have dog walk backwards to more further away
Use without assistive device
Walk on uneven surfaces (foam balance mats, outdoor surfaces)
Additional Notes
Dog can perform various commands as further distraction (“speak”, “say hi"/wave”, etc.)
