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<p>There is a burgeoning area of research in various disciplines to support the assertionthat positive interactions between people and dogs can contribute to the wellness ofboth species. Empirical evidence suggests that even relatively brief encountersbetween a human who is accepting of dogs and a friendly, well-mannered canine canelevate positive mood and reduce stress. One type of canine, a therapy dog, isselected and trained specifically for this purpose. Unlike service dogs, who are trainedto perform specific tasks that assist someone with a disability or emotional supportdogs who provide comfort to one person, therapy dogs are invited to visit hospitals,schools, libraries, and community events where they interact with many differentpeople who may be strangers. Therapy dogs are trained, tested, observed, healthchecked and well groomed. Together with their handler/owner they become membersof a reputable therapy dog organization and volunteer as a form of community service.Now, more than ever before, therapy dogs are becoming an accepted part of theeducational landscape. The purpose of this practical article is to guide teachers andadministrators in successfully integrating therapy dogs into various educationalcontexts. It is organized around five topics: (1) types of dogs that support humanwellbeing, (2) empirical research on canine-assisted services, (3) procedures to protectthe health, safety, and welfare of both human and canine participants; (4) categories ofcanine-assisted services; and (5) strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluatingthe contributions of therapy dogs to the educational context. Descriptions of actualtherapy dog events with young children illustrate key points throughout the article.</p>

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Young Children and Therapy Dogs in Schools: Guidelines for Educators

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月28日

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  • Mary Renck Jalongo

摘要

There is a burgeoning area of research in various disciplines to support the assertionthat positive interactions between people and dogs can contribute to the wellness ofboth species. Empirical evidence suggests that even relatively brief encountersbetween a human who is accepting of dogs and a friendly, well-mannered canine canelevate positive mood and reduce stress. One type of canine, a therapy dog, isselected and trained specifically for this purpose. Unlike service dogs, who are trainedto perform specific tasks that assist someone with a disability or emotional supportdogs who provide comfort to one person, therapy dogs are invited to visit hospitals,schools, libraries, and community events where they interact with many differentpeople who may be strangers. Therapy dogs are trained, tested, observed, healthchecked and well groomed. Together with their handler/owner they become membersof a reputable therapy dog organization and volunteer as a form of community service.Now, more than ever before, therapy dogs are becoming an accepted part of theeducational landscape. The purpose of this practical article is to guide teachers andadministrators in successfully integrating therapy dogs into various educationalcontexts. It is organized around five topics: (1) types of dogs that support humanwellbeing, (2) empirical research on canine-assisted services, (3) procedures to protectthe health, safety, and welfare of both human and canine participants; (4) categories ofcanine-assisted services; and (5) strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluatingthe contributions of therapy dogs to the educational context. Descriptions of actualtherapy dog events with young children illustrate key points throughout the article.