After witnessing a rise in out-of-school suspensions and increased instances of students being removed from the classroom due to difficulties with self-regulation, we decided to implement a therapy dog program. We also observed a recurring pattern where students initially appeared to calm down but then experienced subsequent escalations. In light of this, we considered whether a therapy dog intervention could effectively de-escalate situations or prevent multiple escalation cycles. Furthermore, we explored the idea of proactively engaging students by incorporating counseling sessions that educate them on using a therapy dog as a tool for self-regulation.

There are many benefits to implementing a therapy dog program, including:

• Emotional Support: School therapy dogs provide unconditional love, companionship, and comfort to students, reducing anxiety, stress, and loneliness.

• Improved Mental Health: Interacting with therapy dogs promotes relaxation, reduces symptoms of depression, and increases overall well-being.

• Increased Social Skills: Therapy dogs facilitate social interactions among students, improving communication skills, cooperation, and empathy.

• Enhanced Learning: The presence of a therapy dog in the classroom improves academic performance, increasing attention span, focus, and engagement.

• Stress Reduction: Interacting with a therapy dog lowers heart rates, decreases blood pressure, and releases endorphins, reducing stress levels in students.

• Increased Attendance and Engagement: The presence of a therapy dog makes school a more inviting and positive place, leading to increased attendance rates and greater student engagement.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the positive impact on emotional well-being extends beyond students to include staff members as well. While working in education is a fulfilling endeavor, statistics indicate a rise in teacher burnout and a decline in new professionals entering the field. Equipping staff members with social-emotional tools is not merely a luxury but an essential requirement.

Research Supporting the Use of Therapy Dogs in Schools

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🐾 Therapy Dogs in Classrooms (AKC)
How schools across the country are using therapy dogs to support students. (American Kennel Club)

🐾 How Therapy Dogs Help in the Classroom (Alliance of Therapy Dogs)
A practical overview of the academic, social, and emotional benefits of therapy dog programs. (Alliance of Therapy Dogs)

🐾 Reading with Therapy Dogs (AKC)
Learn how therapy dogs encourage reading confidence and create a positive literacy experience. (American Kennel Club)