Sunrise Springs Integrative Wellness Resort Announces Partnership with Assistance Dogs of the West
Santa Fe, New Mexico (PRWEB) October 20, 2015 -- Sunrise Springs Integrative Wellness Resort, the next generation of health and wellness resorts, is pleased to announce its partnership with Assistance Dogs of the West. For over 20 years, Assistance Dogs of the West has built successful working partnerships between clients and dogs. Working closely with ADW trainers, Sunrise Springs will now offer a Puppy Enrichment Program and Canine Interactions as part of its daily experiential offerings.
Animal interactions have been proven to encourage new learning behaviors that support health and wellness. Guests can benefit therapeutically by developing skills such as patience, reinforcement, empathy, clear communication and compassion through positive interactions with the dogs, instructors and other guests.
Beginning with the Puppy Enrichment Program, guests at Sunrise Springs will experience the joys of puppyhood and the wonder of the emerging intelligence, emotional stability and physical development of future service dogs. As the puppies mature, a more hands-on training approach is applied with Canine Interactions. Using positive reinforcement, including markers and food rewards, appropriate cuing techniques, gentle leash handling skills, grooming and healthcare and canine learning and behavior, guests are shown how to promote trust and connection. They learn to interact with dogs in a respectful, cooperative and non-punitive way.
“We are very excited to be partnering with this like-minded organization,” says David Hans, Executive Director, Sunrise Springs. “ADW and Sunrise Springs share a commitment to facilitating personal growth through experiential learning activities. The benefits of Canine Interactions will be numerous for our guests, while the opportunity to contribute to the development of future service dogs will be fun, meaningful and memorable.”
“When we enter into a partnership we look for organizations that share our values. The team at Sunrise Springs exemplifies the qualities of knowledge, respect, exploration, and flexibility that chart a path for success,” says Linda Milanesi, Executive Director, Assistance Dogs of the West. “The interaction with guests and staff at Sunrise Springs provides the early socialization that is so critical to helping pups become confident and competent. There are few moments in life that are as poignant and fulfilling as holding a puppy and sharing those unconditional moments of connection and love.”
Puppy Interactions can continue after guests leave Sunrise Springs. Those interested in checking up on the puppies they worked with on the property may do so from home via the “Sunrise Springs Puppy-Cam,” which streams live video from the puppy pen to the Sunrise Springs website. The video stream is expected to launch November 2015.
For more information on Sunrise Springs’ Puppy Enrichment Program (PEP) and Canine Interactions, please visit: http://sunrisesprings.com/experiential-activities/animal-interactions.
For more information on Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW), please visit: http://assistancedogsofthewest.org/.
SUNRISE SPRINGS INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS RESORT is a serene oasis nestled among 70 acres of breathtaking, natural beauty in enchanting Santa Fe, New Mexico. As the next generation of health and wellness resorts, they offer an integrative spa and therapeutically-designed programming in a restorative setting which nourishes the body, mind and spirit. Together with its sister resort, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, Sunrise Springs continues the tradition of offering rich, healing experiences characteristic of sacred, natural springs destinations.
http://sunrisesprings.com
http://ojospa.com
ASSISTANCE DOGS OF THE WEST (ADW) builds successful working partnerships between clients and dogs that empower people and open doors to new opportunities. Throughout our training and placement process, we at ADW emphasize building heartfelt relationships between dogs and people that sustain both partners in their lifelong journey together.
ADW has developed new areas of expertise that place dogs in settings where their impact transforms many lives. Through our Courthouse Dogs program, we place dogs in criminal justice settings where they help to foster a safer and more comfortable environment for children who must provide depositions and give testimony in court. Warrior Canine Connection™ teaches warriors with combat injuries how to train service dogs for other veterans with disabilities.
http://assistancedogsofthewest.org
Kathleen Langlois, JLH Media, http://www.jlhmedia.com, +1 4133747655, [email protected]
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