1 minute read
DOGS
from March 2023
The mere presence of therapy dogs in a classroom setting may improve levels of concentration, relaxation and motivation, creating effective displays of learning.
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Interacting with therapy dogs can assist with problem-solving and reading skills, as well as memory. Reading aloud to therapy dogs is a beneficial method for children to feel more comfortable and gain some experience. According to the website Weareteachers, therapy dogs not only help children with their literacy skills, but they also give them a chance to connect with other students, helping social-emotional learning as well.
Socio-Emotional Effects:
Therapy dogs are friendly companions and listeners that can easily become a friend to young children, increasing self-confidence and lowering aggressive tendencies in them.
“The NIH study states that interacting with a therapy dog has a “social catalyst” effect, which leads to “increased stimulation of social behavior,” says Elizabeth Mulvahill contributing editor of the website Weareteachers,
“The relationships between the dogs and students help develop trust in children, and such children are also more likely to develop a broader capacity for empathy,” says an unidentified author of an article by Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Therapy dogs shouldn’t be confused with service dogs as there’s a distinct difference between the two. Service dogs typically assist individuals with specific disabilities, such as visual impairment or seizure disorders. They are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and their work and services directly correlate with their patient/handler. Service dogs are permitted to enter most public spaces, under the protection of ADA.
Contrastingly, therapy dogs offer support and a sense of calmness and use social instincts to improve overall mental health and well-being. They are typically pets and offer comfort to individuals in places such as nursing homes, retirement facilities and hospitals. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs aren’t allowed in many public spaces unless they’re given a specific invitation.
