Table A1.

Objectives of the DAT program.

Aspect	Target	Session	Dynamic
Cognitive	Memory	All	Questions relating to the session
	Language	All	Questions and answers
	Thought	All	Introduction using drawings and actual materials
	Recognition of faces, objects, numbers and letters	All	Use of drawings, photographs and actual materials
	Perception	All	Sensory stimulation with direct interaction with the dog
	Attention	All	With the dog as focus of attention
	Orientation		Question routine on topic
Affective	Motivation	All	Using the dog as reinforcement
	Increase in positive expressions	All	Using the handler as model and evoking positive memories
	Social relations	All	With the dog as catalyzing agent
	Increase in self-concept	All	With the satisfaction of obtaining the dog’s attention and cooperation
Behavioural	Turn-taking	All	With the dog as a resource for turn-marking
	Controlling frustration	All	Staying motivated about obtaining positive results with the dog
	Participation	All	Offering various activities of participant interest with the dog
Functional	Coordination	All	Performing exercises with the dog that require complex movements
	Fine motor skills	All	Exercises requiring manipulation of different materials with the hands and fingers
	Gross motor skills	All	Performing dog-accompanied exercises that require arm movement

The program consisted of 32 sessions of 45 min each, conducted weekly over eight months with groups of 10 participants.