CANINE-ASSISTED THERAPY AS AN ELEMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT AND REHABILITATION OF SERVICEMEMBERS IN THE SYSTEM OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive scientific and methodological analysis of canine-assisted therapy as an auxiliary area of functional use of service dogs within the system of psychological support and rehabilitation of servicemembers of the National Guard of Ukraine. The theoretical prerequisites for integrating canine-assisted therapy into the departmental practice of the security and defence forces are revealed, taking into account the specific nature of service and combat activities, the high intensity of psycho-emotional stress, and the peculiarities of adaptation processes among personnel under conditions of prolonged stress exposure.
The psycho-emotional and psychophysiological mechanisms of the positive impact of human–dog interaction are substantiated, in particular the effects of emotional stabilization, reduction of anxiety levels, normalization of the functional state of the nervous system, and enhancement of the adaptive capabilities of servicemembers. The role of the service dog is defined as a specific socio-psychological factor capable of serving as an element of emotional support, a catalyst for communicative activity, and a factor in creating a positive psychological atmosphere within the rehabilitation environment.
Special attention is paid to the criteria for selecting service dogs for therapeutic interaction, including behavioural, psychophysiological, and veterinary-sanitary indicators [3; 6]. The requirements for the special training of dogs are systematized, providing for the formation of stable models of balanced, predictable, and socially oriented behaviour under conditions of increased variability of external stimuli. The organizational foundations for the use of canine-assisted therapy in units of the National Guard of Ukraine are outlined, in particular the principles of interdisciplinary cooperation between canine, psychological, and medical services.
The safety and ethical aspects of using service dogs in rehabilitation activities are 252ighlightted, with emphasis placed on the need to comply with regulated workload regimes, monitor the functional state of animals, and ensure the safety of all participants in the therapeutic process. The article proves the prospects of canine-assisted therapy as a component of comprehensive programs for psychological recovery and readaptation of servicemembers after exposure to combat stress factors, which corresponds to modern approaches to improving the system of moral and psychological support in military formations.