![]() ![]() Positive changes towards learning and improved motivation, andĮnhanced relationships with peers and teachers due to experiencing trust and unconditional love from a therapy dog. Research into the effects of therapy dogs in schools is showing a range of benefits including:ĭecreases in learner anxiety behaviors resulting in improved learning outcomes, such as increases in reading and writing levels Therapy dogs are being used to support children with social and emotional learning needs, which in turn can assist with literacy development. A recent report highlighted children working with therapy dogs experienced increased motivation for learning, resulting in improved outcomes. Teachers and administrators have witnessed the effects therapy dogs have on students and themselves. ![]() Therapy dogs have been active in schools for some time. More recently, therapy dogs are being used as a form of engagement with students at school and university. Professionals can process that information and use it to help clients see how their behavior affects others. Improve individual’s skills to pick up social cues imperative to human relationships. Teach empathy and appropriate interpersonal skillsīe soothing and the presence of animals can more quickly build rapport between the professional and client, and Research shows that the inclusion of therapy dog teams in classroom settings has a beneficial effect on student learning, self-esteem and concentration (Kirnan, 2016). Dogs can even promote better communication in some cases, because their attention is undivided. ![]() This is due to the confirmed emotional support that they can give to students who are academically stressed or emotionally damaged due to bullying. There has been an increase in the frequency of therapy dog visits to regular schools in recent years. Wherever there is stress and emotional support is needed, therapy dogs can go there and provide assistance. Therapy dogs have been visiting hospitals, hospice centers, disaster areas, and even schools and universities to promote emotional support. Often dogs feel the same when engaging in animal assisted activities as if they were at home, depending on the environmental context. In response to the human-animal bond, dogs produce oxytocin and decrease their cortisol levels when connecting with their owner. Research shows therapy dogs can reduce stress physiologically (cortisol levels) and increase attachment responses that trigger oxytocin – a hormone that increases trust in humans.ĭogs also react positively to animal-assisted activities. The human-animal bond can impact people and animals in positive ways. Research suggests using therapy dogs in response to traumatic events can help reduce symptoms of depression, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. For example, an individual might be encouraged to gently pat or talk to a dog to teach sensitive touch and help them be calm. The role of therapy dogs is to react and respond to people and their environment, under the guidance and direction of their owner. They must be good around other dogs, calm when strangers pet them all over, not jump on others, walk on a leash without pulling, and not startled by things such as strange noises, smells, and medical equipment. Therapy dogs need to have a calm and gentle disposition. Dogs must be at least one year old to become a therapy dog and require many hours of training and socialization prior to certification. We recommend having puppies evaluated by a trained professional before selecting a puppy for Therapy. Not all dogs are designed for Therapy or Service. In contrast to assistance dogs, which are trained to assist specific patients with their day-to-day physical needs, therapy dogs are trained to interact with all kinds of people, not just their handlers. A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices, or disaster areas. ![]()
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