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Case Studies | Humanities | Israel | Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023 | Rating: 4.8 / 10

Canine Interventions: Empowering Children in Eight Canine Therapy Sessions

Maya Schwartz Laufer

Abstract: Assisted Therapy (AAT) is the utilization of animals as a therapeutic method; it is the deliberate inclusion of an animal in a treatment plan. Animal - assisted therapy has been practiced for many years and can be a useful intervention for individuals or groups. Studies found positive outcomes and overall improved emotional well - being in individuals with autism, (Redefer and Goodman 1989), medical conditions (Havenar et al. 2001), compromised mental functioning (Kanamori et al. 2001), emotional difficulties (Barker and Dawson 1998), undesirable behaviors (Nagengast et al.1997), and physical problems (Nathanson et al. 1997). Florence Nightingale - the founder of social work, first identified the therapeutic potential of animals in the 1800s, and found that small pets assisted in reducing anxiety in children and adults alike. Sigmund Freud discovered, during a session with a patient, that the dog recognized the patient's stress level and kept their distance; however, when the patient?s stress level reduced, the dog came closer to the patient. Humans and dogs have had a special bond for thousands of years - this presents itself in the way dogs work, play, and live with us (Reisen 2022) Dogs have certain genes that, in humans, are associated with the rare genetic disorder: Williams - Beuren syndrome - a symptom of which is "indiscriminate friendliness." (Bridgett M. vonHoldt et al 2017) This, however is not true for all dogs, since some dogs are not as friendly. Canine therapy is very common for children with autism, yet there are many other uses for "normal" children that canine therapy can assist with; for example: low self - esteem, self - control, sensory regulation, mutual listening, deferred gratification, human interaction, social and leadership skills, and of course - fear of dogs (Serpell, McCune, Gee, Griffin 2017). This paper will perceive how canine therapy, empowers groups of children within school activity; through an eight - session process in a versatile group, in which integrating children from the same age but with different issues - both mental, physical and behavioral.

Keywords: Animal Assistive Therapy, dog therapy, canine therapy, school activity

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023,

Pages: 157 - 160