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
- Introduction
- Therapy Dogs
- Concerns and Solutions
- The Benefits of Canine-Assisted Interventions
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating therapy dogs into school settings to support children's social-emotional and cognitive development. It seeks to address concerns surrounding the integration of therapy dogs and propose solutions to mitigate potential risks.
- The benefits of therapy dogs in educational settings.
- Potential risks and concerns associated with using therapy dogs in schools.
- Strategies for mitigating the risks and maximizing the benefits of therapy dog programs.
- The importance of considering cultural perspectives and individual needs.
- Ensuring the well-being of both the therapy dogs and the children.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the dissertation by highlighting the significant mental health challenges faced by children and the growing need for effective school-based interventions. It introduces the concept of using therapy dogs as a potential solution, referencing previous research on the positive impacts of canine-assisted interventions on children's emotional and social well-being. The chapter emphasizes the potential benefits of dogs as companions and their documented positive influence on cognitive development, while also acknowledging existing concerns and criticisms surrounding the use of therapy dogs in schools.
Therapy Dogs: This chapter provides a precise definition of "therapy dogs," differentiating them from service dogs and highlighting their role in providing emotional assistance. It discusses the concept of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) and emphasizes the prevalence of dogs in these programs due to their supportive nature. The chapter focuses on the goal-oriented nature of AAI and its applications in various settings, further strengthening the argument for the inclusion of therapy dogs in schools to enhance the well-being of students.
Concerns and Solutions: This chapter delves into several potential concerns associated with integrating therapy dogs into schools, including allergies, zoonotic diseases, cultural sensitivities, and fear of dogs. For each concern, the chapter proposes practical solutions, such as selecting hypoallergenic breeds, implementing hygiene protocols, obtaining parental consent, and employing gradual introduction techniques. It addresses the importance of careful consideration for the safety and welfare of both the children and the therapy dogs, emphasizing the need for training and preparation to ensure positive experiences for everyone involved. The chapter highlights that while concerns exist, many are manageable with proper planning and execution, making the integration of therapy dogs a viable option.
Keywords
Therapy dogs, animal-assisted intervention, canine-assisted therapy, education, mental health, children, allergies, zoonoses, safety, well-being, cultural sensitivity, risk mitigation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Therapy Dogs in Schools
What is the main topic of this dissertation?
This dissertation explores the advantages and disadvantages of using therapy dogs in school settings to support children's social-emotional and cognitive development. It addresses concerns about integrating therapy dogs and proposes solutions to mitigate potential risks.
What are the key themes explored in the dissertation?
Key themes include the benefits of therapy dogs in educational settings, potential risks and concerns (allergies, diseases, cultural sensitivities), strategies for risk mitigation and maximizing benefits, the importance of cultural perspectives and individual needs, and ensuring the well-being of both dogs and children.
What are the chapter summaries?
The Introduction sets the context, highlighting children's mental health challenges and the potential of therapy dogs. The Therapy Dogs chapter defines therapy dogs, differentiating them from service dogs, and discusses animal-assisted interventions (AAI). The Concerns and Solutions chapter addresses potential concerns like allergies and zoonotic diseases, proposing practical solutions such as hygiene protocols and gradual introduction techniques.
What are the objectives of this research?
The dissertation aims to investigate the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating therapy dogs in schools, address concerns surrounding their integration, and suggest solutions to minimize potential risks while maximizing the positive impact on children's development.
What are the potential benefits of using therapy dogs in schools?
The dissertation highlights the potential benefits of therapy dogs in improving children's emotional and social well-being and cognitive development. Therapy dogs can offer companionship and a positive influence on children's overall development.
What are the potential concerns regarding using therapy dogs in schools?
Potential concerns include allergies, zoonotic diseases, cultural sensitivities, and fear of dogs among students. The dissertation acknowledges these concerns and proposes mitigation strategies to address them.
How does the dissertation address the concerns about using therapy dogs in schools?
The dissertation proposes practical solutions for each concern. These include selecting hypoallergenic breeds, implementing strict hygiene protocols, obtaining parental consent, and using gradual introduction techniques to minimize risks and ensure the safety and well-being of both children and dogs. It emphasizes the importance of proper planning and execution.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include: Therapy dogs, animal-assisted intervention, canine-assisted therapy, education, mental health, children, allergies, zoonoses, safety, well-being, cultural sensitivity, risk mitigation.
What is the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs?
While the dissertation doesn't explicitly define service dogs, it differentiates therapy dogs by highlighting their role in providing emotional support and assistance within the context of animal-assisted interventions (AAI). The focus is on their goal-oriented contribution to the well-being of children in educational settings.
What is the overall conclusion suggested by the dissertation preview?
The preview suggests that while concerns exist regarding the integration of therapy dogs in schools, many are manageable with proper planning and execution. The potential benefits for children's social-emotional and cognitive development outweigh the risks when appropriate precautions are taken.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Senay Kanatli (Autor:in), 2022, Therapy Dogs in Classrooms. Advantages and Disadvantages, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1361896
