Therapy Dog

Benefits

Landing Trail School’s therapy dog, Boba, spends 2-4 days per week at school.

Benefits of a Therapy Dog

Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of therapy dogs in schools. Evidence indicates that benefits include:

Cognitive- companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving and game playing (Fine, 2015).
Social- a dog, provides a positive mutual topic for discussion and encourages responsibility, well-being, and focused interaction (Barker & Dawson, 1998).
Emotional- school dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things and relieve anxiety.
Physical- interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives the motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses (Brelsford et al., 2017).

Reading- reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence through both the calming effect the dog’s presence has on children and the fact that a dog will listen to children read without being judgemental or critical. This comforting environment helps nurture children’s enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence to read aloud (Linder et al., 2018).

References

Barker, S. B., & Dawson, K. S. (1998). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatric Services, 49(6), 797-801.

Brelsford, V. L., Meints, K., Gee, N. R., & Pfeffer, K. (2017). Brelsford, V. L., Meints, K., Gee, N. R., & Pfeffer, K. (2017). Animal-assisted interventions in the classroom—A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(7), 669.

Fine, A. H. (2015). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice, Third Edition. Academic Press.

Linder, Deborah & Mueller, Megan & Gibbs, Debra & Alper, Jean & Freeman, Lisa. (2018). Effects of an animal-assisted intervention on reading skills and attitudes in second grade students. Early Childhood Education Journal, 46, 1-7.

FAQs

What about allergies?

Understandably, some may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. The primary dog allergen is produced in the salivary glands, making saliva the primary source. These allergens are typically deposited on the fur of dogs through licking. Boba is a non-shedding dog - her coat is generally kept short, bathed once per week and professionally groomed every 5-7 weeks. Boba will work with students and classes who voluntarily wish to work with her. If you would like to request that your child does not work with Boba, don't hesitate to get in touch with the main office and let us know so that we can make the appropriate accommodations.

Will Boba be properly cared for?

Boba is exceptionally well looked after. She will meet with students in small groups before working with students in various settings while maintaining a controlled environment. No matter where she is working, she will always be accompanied by Ms. Loh. While Boba is at school, she will have access to a safe space in Ms. Loh’s office to relax when she is not working. Boba visits her vet regularly for all of her vaccinations and regular check-ups. If Boba is unwell for any reason, she will stay home for the day and be reassessed before returning.

What if my child is scared of dogs?

Some children may have had upsetting experiences and thus fear dogs (or other animals). Boba will only contact children who want to work with her. She has completed training that helps her remain calm and gentle around children. This training is ongoing and will continue for as long as she is a school-based therapy dog. Experience and research have shown that children can learn to overcome their fear of animals and grow in respect and appreciation for them with proper guidance and handling. If, for any reason, you would like to opt your student out of the therapy dog program, please get in touch with the school, and we will add them to our no-contact list.

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