Children with ADHD / attention difficulties
The calm presence of a dog helps children regulate sensory overload and concentrate better on exercises. Rocky brings structure and motivates participation without adding pressure to perform.
Animal-assisted therapy·Gentle · Trusting · Companion.
Therapy dog Rocky
Rocky is part of our team at the Leipzig-Lindenthal practice. Animal-assisted therapy for children with ADHD, trauma aftercare, anxiety disorders and dementia care.
Lindenthal only
About this specialization
What is Therapy dog Rocky?
Animal-assisted therapy is the deliberate involvement of specially prepared animals in a therapeutic process to support physical, emotional, cognitive or social goals. It is not a standalone treatment but an accompanying method that complements existing therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or neurofeedback. The mechanism is well studied: contact with a calm, attentive animal has been shown to raise oxytocin levels, lower the stress hormone cortisol and stabilise blood pressure. Patients relax faster, build trust more easily and are often more open to exercises they would otherwise avoid. Children, trauma survivors and seniors with dementia benefit in particular from the non-verbal, non-judgemental encounter with a dog: it opens a protected space in which therapy becomes accessible again. At Therapiezentrum Maliqi’s Lindenthal location, therapy dog Rocky is a firm part of this approach. He accompanies selected sessions under the supervision of qualified therapists and helps patients release tension, build trust and engage with the therapeutic process. He is only involved when patients explicitly want it — and always embedded in professionally led, evidence-based therapy.
Profile
Meet Rocky
Rocky ist unser Praxisbegleithund am Standort Lindenthal und ein fester Teil des Teams im Therapiezentrum Maliqi. Er ist ein mittelgroßer, ruhiger Familienhund mit ausgeglichenem, freundlichem Wesen — geduldig im Umgang mit Kindern, sensibel für die Stimmung im Raum und aufmerksam ohne aufdringlich zu sein. Genau diese Eigenschaften machen ihn für seine Aufgabe geeignet. Rocky wurde sorgfältig auf seinen therapeutischen Einsatz vorbereitet und arbeitet ausschließlich unter Aufsicht qualifizierter Therapeut:innen. Während einer Behandlung übernimmt er bewusst kleine, klar definierte Rollen: Er liegt ruhig neben Patient:innen, lässt sich streicheln, motiviert Kinder zu Bewegungsübungen, holt Bälle oder bietet einfach seine beruhigende Nähe. Pausen, Rückzugsmöglichkeiten und feste Ruhezeiten sind dabei selbstverständlich — sein Wohlbefinden hat für uns denselben Stellenwert wie das unserer Patient:innen. Rocky wird regelmäßig tierärztlich kontrolliert und ist Teil eines klar strukturierten Hygiene- und Einsatzkonzepts, das wir im Folgenden transparent darstellen.
Indications
Who can benefit?
Children on the autism spectrum
Dogs communicate non-verbally and without judgement — which makes social contact easier for many children on the autism spectrum. Rocky can be a bridge that allows relationship and communication to grow gently.
Trauma aftercare for children and adults
After distressing experiences it is hard to build trust and feel safe. A therapy dog's calm, attentive nature can help settle the nervous system and rebuild trust step by step.
Anxiety disorders
Studies show that contact with a dog measurably lowers cortisol and releases oxytocin. Rocky can ease tension and help patients feel safer and calmer during therapy.
Speech-therapy support for children
Children often speak more freely with a dog than with adults because Rocky neither evaluates nor corrects. This lowers inhibitions and makes speech exercises playful and enjoyable.
Seniors with dementia
Contact with a dog awakens memories, supports attention and creates positive emotional moments. Rocky can ease restlessness and open biographical doors where words are hard to find.
Treatment flow
How a session unfolds
Pre-meeting + suitability check
As a first step we work out with you whether involving Rocky makes sense and is wanted. We ask about affinity for dogs, any fears, and carefully check whether allergies or other reasons argue against it. Your consent — for children, the consent of the legal guardians — is required. Treatment without Rocky is equally available at any time.
First encounter with Rocky
The first encounter takes place in a calm, low-pressure atmosphere. You or your child decide how close Rocky may come — he waits patiently to be invited. Trust grows at your own pace. The therapist and Rocky stay in close contact throughout so everyone feels safe.
Integration into therapy
As soon as you feel comfortable, Rocky is gently woven into the ongoing treatment. He can be combined with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy and neurofeedback — for example as motivation for movement exercises, as a calming companion during relaxation work, or as a quiet anchor during sensitive conversations. His involvement always follows your therapy goals.
Goodbye and reflection
Each session ends with a short, clear goodbye — including to Rocky. We reflect together on what felt good, what was demanding and what should be different next time. This keeps the therapeutic process transparent, and Rocky gets his well-earned rest in his retreat area.
Video
Therapy dog Rocky — moments in motion
Brief glimpses from the practice and from live sessions.
Worth knowing
Hygiene and allergy statement
Hygiene and health are our top priority — for you and for Rocky. Rocky is groomed regularly, undergoes routine veterinary check-ups and only joins sessions where patients have explicitly agreed. Treatment rooms used with him are vacuumed and ventilated after each appointment. If you are allergic to dogs or feel uncomfortable, you can request a Rocky-free appointment at any time — your therapy will go ahead exactly as planned.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Is Rocky present at every treatment in Lindenthal?
No. Rocky is only present when his involvement has been agreed in advance and makes sense for that treatment. He has scheduled rest and break times and works only at the Lindenthal location — he is not on duty at our other practices.
Can I be treated without Rocky?
Yes, at any time. Rocky is an option, not a requirement. Treatment without him is clinically equivalent and is the standard case for many of our patients. Simply let us know your preference when scheduling.
My child is afraid of dogs — what should we do?
That is no problem at all. We will of course treat your child without Rocky in a dog-free room. If you wish, we can offer a careful, pressure-free approach at later appointments — and only with your child's explicit consent. We always follow your child's decision.
In which therapies is Rocky involved?
Rocky can support physiotherapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy and neurofeedback. His presence is particularly helpful with children, in trauma aftercare and with patients living with dementia. His involvement is always in addition to a clinically led therapy, never as a stand-alone measure.
Is there an extra charge for a session with Rocky?
No. Rocky's presence is part of our practice concept at the Lindenthal location and incurs no additional cost for you. The regular rates of the respective therapy apply.
I or my child is allergic to dogs — can I still come?
Yes. Please mention the allergy when scheduling. We will then treat you in a dedicated Rocky-free room that has been thoroughly cleaned beforehand, so there is no contact with dog hair. Your treatment proceeds without any restriction.
What breed is Rocky?
Rocky is a medium-sized family dog with an even temperament — details and a current photo can be found in his team profile on our website.
Is Rocky specifically trained as a therapy dog?
Yes, Rocky has been carefully prepared for his work in a therapeutic context and works exclusively under the supervision of qualified therapists. We are happy to share specific details of his training and suitability check in your initial consultation.
Location
Where we treat you
We offer this specialization exclusively at our Lindenthal location, Zur Lindenhöhe 1 04158 Leipzig.
View Lindenthal locationReady for your first appointment?
Book online or give us a call — we'll discuss which therapy and which location suit you best.