Welcome to the Basic Donkey-Assisted Animal Therapy Course, an educational program that explores the therapeutic and educational potential of donkeys in the field of animal-assisted interventions. Donkeys, with their gentle, empathetic, and sociable nature, offer a unique opportunity to promote well-being and facilitate the healing process in individuals of all ages and with a wide range of needs.
This course will guide you through a series of in-depth lessons, experiences, and case studies, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the role of donkeys in animal-assisted interventions. We will explore the intrinsic characteristics of donkeys that make them particularly suited to this type of work, as well as practical ways to integrate them into therapeutic, educational, and rehabilitative programs.
The course
The basic course for donkey co-facilitators aims to deepen knowledge and skills regarding the proper management of the animal for interaction purposes, consistently with the context and intervention objectives, while simultaneously monitoring its health status according to criteria established by the veterinarian. It also aims to apply methods for animal preparation and its participation in Animal-Assisted Intervention projects.
The course has a duration of 56 hours, with 36 hours dedicated to theoretical instruction and 20 hours to practical training.
The training program complies with Regional Decree No. 2020 of 26/11/2018 “Implementing provisions of the national guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI), adopted by Regional Council resolution No. 679/2015”, as well as the regulatory references cited therein.
Entry requirements
The course is aimed at those who intend to take on the role of donkey co-facilitator in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI).
Access requirements: Certificate of participation in the introductory course.
Participation is limited to 15 participants per edition. Selection will only take place if the number of candidates meeting the requirements exceeds the available places. In such cases, the criterion used will be the order of receipt of requests.
Contents and Program
Theoretical Part (36 hours)
- The role of the animal co-facilitator and its place in AAI settings
- Understanding the scope of work in AAI
- Evolution and behavior of the donkey
- Ethological and physiological needs of the species
- Management requirements of donkeys involved in AAI
- The social and communicative system of the donkey
- Intra-specific and inter-specific communication
- Protection, assessment, and monitoring of the welfare of donkeys involved in AAI
- Safety procedures in activities with donkeys
- Centralization, understanding, and care of the relationship
- Presentation of AAI projects with donkeys (work areas and settings)
Practical Part (20 hours)
- Safe working practices with the donkey (both on the ground and not)
- Stable management and handling of the donkey
- Basic training practice
- Adaptation to aids and environmental enrichments
- Observation techniques of the donkey/co-facilitator pair in practice
- Experiences of animal-assisted interventions with donkeys
Certificate issued
Certificate of participation with assessment of the learning level through tests and practical examination.
To access the final assessment, attendance of at least 90% of the course hours is mandatory.
Calendar
The course has a total duration of 56 hours:
- 08/06/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-18.00
- 09/06/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-17.00
- 22/06/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-17.00
- 29/06/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-17.00
- 30/06/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-17.00
- 06/07/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-18.00
- 07/07/2024: 09.00-13.00; 14.00-18.00
- 13/07/2024: 09.00-13.00
Participation fee
800 €
Location
Azienda Agricola Villa Forni
Stradello Piradello, 106 – 41126 Cognento (Modena)
Our Partners
- Azienda Agricola Villa Forni
- Ragliando si Impara ASD
- ForModena Formazione
T: 059 3167611
M: elisa.stefani@formodena.it
Course authorized by the Emilia Romagna Region with Managerial Determination No. 9081 of 27/04/2023 Ref. PA 2019-19060/RER.
