Bringing Therapy Dogs into Youth Afterschool Programs

Source: Gabrielle Lurie/ The SF Chronicle 

By Sam Piha

We know that due to the COVID pandemic, the threat of deportation and other recent events that young people are experiencing anxiety at record rates. According to US Service Animals, “comfort or therapy dogs are increasingly used in schools and youth programs to provide emotional support, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve social skills, often with positive impacts on learning and well-being. Comfort dogs are a type of therapy dog that is typically utilized to provide comfort to individuals who have experienced a traumatic or tragic event. They are generally categorized as support animals and thus have different legal protections.” [i]

“The students love the dogs. The teenagers transform, their phones and cool personas forgotten. When a dog shows up, their innocence shows up. They’re little kids again.” [ii] - High School Teacher, Victor Kenneth

THE TASKS THERAPY DOGS COMPLETE

Source: PSI Solutions

According to US Service Animals, “Therapy dogs may complete several different tasks to help patients feel better, and they may need to understand several different commands that allow handlers to better direct their loving energy. Below is an example of the tasks you may expect a therapy dog to complete.

• Participating in animal-assisted therapy, which includes being groomed, pet, and played with
• Providing comfort and support by cuddling or simply acting as a calming presence
• Staying calm and patient in loud or noisy environments
• Listening to their handler when it comes to basic obedience tasks like sitting, staying, and waiting
• Redirecting focus from unwanted behaviors by bringing patients toys and brushes so that they interact with the dog instead
• Providing a care routine and something to look forward to with regular visits to a medical center or another treatment facility
• Cuddling with patients, guiding individuals to safety, and taking a well-deserved nap with the individuals they are comforting

Of course, all therapy dogs are different, and different tasks may be necessary for your therapy dog to learn. This isn’t a complete list, but keep in mind your therapy dog should have basic obedience skills and public manners in order to thrive both inside and outside of their work.” [iii]

Source: Association of Independent School Librarians 

BENEFITS OF THERAPY DOGS IN SCHOOL CLASSROOMS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

There are many benefits that come with the introduction of therapy dogs in afterschool programs. According to Google AI, these include: 

• “Emotional Support and Stress Reduction: Therapy dogs can provide a calming presence, helping children and teens feel more comfortable and relaxed, especially in stressful situations like school or therapy sessions. 
• Improved Social Skills: Interactions with therapy dogs can encourage social interaction and build confidence, particularly for children who may struggle with social situations. 
• Enhanced Learning: The presence of a therapy dog can create a more positive and engaging learning environment, leading to better focus and concentration. 
• Support for Students with Special Needs: Therapy dogs can be particularly beneficial for students with disabilities, such as autism or ADHD, by providing emotional support and helping with emotional regulation. 
• Crisis Response: In the event of a school crisis or tragedy, therapy dogs can offer comfort and emotional support to students and staff. 
• Boost Confidence: Therapy dogs can help children feel more comfortable reading aloud, as they provide a non-judgmental audience, boosting confidence and reducing anxiety. 
• Promote Literacy: Programs like "Paws to Read" bring therapy dogs to libraries and schools to promote literacy and a love of animals. 
• Facilitate Therapy: Therapy dogs can be integrated into various therapies, helping clients become more receptive to treatment and build healthy relationships. 
• Foster a Sense of Belonging: Therapy dogs can build trust with students, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the school. 
• Reduce Loneliness: The affectionate nature of therapy dogs can help distract children from negative thoughts and redirect their focus to more positive feelings, reducing feelings of loneliness.” [iv]

Source: Pets in the Classroom

END NOTES:
[i] US Service Animals, What Is a Comfort Dog? Your Guide
[ii]  Jill Tucker, ‘This is the best part of my day’: Dogs in Bay Area schools bring joy to kids
[iii] US Service Animals, What Is a Comfort Dog? Your Guide
[iv] Google AI, What Are the Benefits of Comfort Dogs in School Classrooms and Youth Programs?

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