PUPPY power has taken over a Wagga psychology clinic with therapy dog Buster always ready to lend a helping paw to those in need.
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Buster the Labradoodle has worked alongside psychologist and animal assisted therapist Ann Cramp for just under a year now at Riverina Psychology, and the positive impact is growing clearer by the day.
In light of National Therapy Animal Day today, Mrs Cramp said Buster was a shining example of what animal assisted therapy could offer.
"He's very good at reading people, sensing their energy and working out where he needs to be in the room," she said.
"You can't train that in a dog, he just has a knack for working with people."
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While his gentle temperament came naturally to Buster, who was bred by Lighthouse Labradoodles, the ongoing training regime to become a qualified therapy animal has been thorough.
"There's a lot of obedience training and assessments, both in person and over video, plus his two-month foundation training with Kaysadale Farm at the start," Mrs Cramp said.
But the hard work was worth it, according to Mrs Cramp.
"He's very good at confidentiality, and a great listener," she said.
"Buster is great at helping ease people's anxieties about coming to a psychologist, and a great ice-breaker, both for adults and children."
Seeing Buster's progress in helping clients was inspiring, Mrs Cramp said, and testament to the results animal assisted therapy can produce.
"Watching Buster's interactions with some really unwell people and being able to see that human-animal bond and connection can break even the toughest farmer," she said.
"It helps reduce anxiety, teaches empathy and social skills, helps develop emotional regulation skills and focuses on the development of an unconditional positive and safe space."
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