The following paper discusses why therapy dogs should be present in classrooms. Therefore, the advantages, disadvantages, and potential solutions for the disadvantages of therapy dogs in schools will be presented.
Each year, approximately 7.7 million children between the ages of 6 and 17 struggle with mental health challenges. The vast majority of these children are insufficiently treated. Consequently, they are vulnerable to adverse school outcomes such as attendance, academic, and behavioral problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these problems, increasing the need for “effective school-based interventions”. Therefore, educators continually seek positive behavioral interventions to support these students’ academic, behavioral, and social success. In this regard, Endenburg and van Lith (2010) point out the benefits of incorporating therapy dogs into school settings to improve children’s emotional and social well-being.
For centuries, people have claimed dogs as one of their closest companions. The main reason for this may be an underlying genetic basis for social behavior in dogs and humans. Therefore, dogs often serve as confidants of children, teaching responsibility, self-esteem, and compassion. In addition, several studies indicate that dogs positively impact children’s cognitive development. Canine-assisted reading programs, for example, have been shown to increase learners’ reading fluency and accuracy. To take advantage of these potential benefits, dogs should be present in classrooms to support children’s social-emotional and cognitive development.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Therapy Dogs
3. Concerns and Solutions
4. The Benefits of Canine-Assisted Interventions
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the integration of therapy dogs into school settings to address rising mental health challenges and academic difficulties among children, exploring both the benefits for social-emotional and cognitive development as well as the associated risks and potential mitigation strategies.
- Cognitive development and academic success
- Social-emotional growth and empathy
- Mitigation of health and safety concerns (allergies, zoonoses)
- Benefits of canine-assisted reading programs
- Stress regulation and the human-animal bond
Excerpt from the Book
The Benefits of Canine-Assisted Interventions
Despite the potential risks of canine-assisted interventions, incorporating therapy dogs into a school setting has many benefits. One reason why therapy dogs should be present in classrooms is their influence on children’s cognitive development. Learning to read, for example, is a complex process that can be stressful for learners, especially when asked to read aloud in front of teachers and peers. Consequently, children who experience difficulties learning to read often avoid reading altogether due to anxiety (Lenihan et al., 2016). Given the significant impact of literacy on life outcomes, teachers must provide students with a positive and motivating learning environment.
In 1999, the first organized program, Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D), was established by Intermountain Therapy Animals. This reading program aimed to create a learning environment where children could “practice their reading skills without fear of making mistakes” (Fung, 2019, p. 5). According to Friesen (2010), dogs provide a “not threatening yet socially supportive and interactive audience for children when practicing their oral reading skills” (p. 22). Hence, students may feel less anxious when reading to a companion dog (Sorin et al., 2015).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the growing mental health challenges in schools and introduces the potential role of therapy dogs as a supportive intervention.
Therapy Dogs: This section defines the specific role of therapy dogs, distinguishing them from service dogs and clarifying the scope of animal-assisted interventions.
Concerns and Solutions: The chapter addresses critical objections such as allergies, zoonotic diseases, and safety, while providing practical strategies to manage these risks effectively.
The Benefits of Canine-Assisted Interventions: This part details how the presence of dogs fosters cognitive improvements, increases reading motivation, and supports social-emotional health.
Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the main findings and argues for the necessity of evidence-based guidelines for future canine-assisted programs in schools.
Keywords
Therapy dogs, canine-assisted interventions, school settings, mental health, cognitive development, social-emotional learning, reading programs, stress reduction, student anxiety, animal-assisted therapy, educational environment, student motivation, empathy, classroom integration, zoonoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this dissertation?
The dissertation explores the implementation of therapy dog programs in schools, evaluating their impact on students and the necessary considerations for schools.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the mental health of school-aged children, the developmental benefits of human-animal interaction, and the pragmatic management of risks like allergies and safety.
What is the main goal of the research?
The research aims to determine why and how therapy dogs should be incorporated into classrooms to improve children's academic and social-emotional outcomes.
Which scientific method is employed?
The work utilizes a literature-based analysis, synthesizing existing studies, academic guidelines, and expert perspectives on animal-assisted interventions.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body covers definitions of therapy animals, diverse concerns regarding their use in schools, and specific evidence supporting their benefits for literacy and stress regulation.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key concepts include therapy dogs, animal-assisted interventions, cognitive development, social-emotional health, and classroom safety.
How do therapy dogs influence reading performance?
They provide a non-judgmental, socially supportive audience, which reduces performance anxiety and increases student persistence and reading fluency.
What impact do therapy dogs have on student stress?
Interactions with dogs have been shown to lower physiological stress markers, such as cortisol, while increasing oxytocin levels, leading to a more relaxed and focused learning environment.
How can schools address safety concerns regarding allergies and zoonoses?
Concerns can be mitigated through rigorous hygiene protocols, such as regular grooming, hand-washing, maintaining large and airy environments, and adhering to veterinary health standards.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Senay Kanatli (Autor:in), 2022, Therapy Dogs in Classrooms. Advantages and Disadvantages, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1361896
