Animal Assisted Therapy is a set of nonconventional therapeutic methods using the proximity of animals to a human being suffering from a mental disorder or somatic disease to reduce stress, provoke positive emotions, improve concentration and responsibility, overcome loneliness, etc.

Programmes involving dogs make use of their qualities: “A dog is a social animal, has a wonderful sense of orientation among the people around it, its love is sincere, its attachment is strong and so is its loyalty.”

When therapy is in the form of play, it acts imperceptibly, engaging and circumventing resistances. Beside on the psyche, playing with a dog has a positive effect on the body as well – it improves coordination and motor skills. Having acquired control over the animal, the young NEET will become more self-confident and will enjoy an unusual position – that of guiding another living creature and taking care of it.