Today is International Take Your Dog to Work Day. So I did.
Meet Leo. Leo is a 15 month old labradoodle whose special talents include chewing, digging, sniffing, and eating anything in sight (including socks). He is a lovable goofball who is full of energy and has been affectionately nicknamed “Jumping Jackrabbit” by the neighbours. Leo was originally selected as a potential therapy dog to work alongside me, but due to his exuberant (read: hyperactive) behaviour he has been ‘demoted’ to much-loved family pet. Although he is not officially a ‘therapy dog’, having Leo in our lives has been therapeutic in many ways. And there is plenty of science to explain why this is so!
Animals have been shown to have measurable positive effects on humans, including reduced cortisol levels (a stress hormone), increased oxytocin levels (attachment/trust hormone), raised endorphin levels and lowered blood pressure. They also help improve the health of our cardiovascular system and maintaining a healthy weight because owners are more likely to exercise with them. The American Heart Association says people with existing heart problems are more likely to live longer if they have a dog compared to people who don’t. Animals have been shown to reduce pain levels, and babies who are raised in households with pets are less likely to have asthma, allergies and eczema. Animals improve mental health and wellbeing and can assist with people struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression. They can help children with autism to develop social skills and learn empathy.
Research into the use of therapy dogs in schools has shown that children experienced increased motivation for learning, resulting in improved outcomes. Other benefits included an increase in school attendance, gains in confidence, decreased learner anxiety and enhanced relationships with peers and teachers. Several schools on the Central Coast have resident or visiting therapy dogs, and some Central Coast libraries offer a BaRK program where children can read with a specially trained, non-judgemental and adorable BaRK buddy (ie. dog). Many long-term care facilities have visiting animals, and even dentists are now using animals in their practice to reduce anxiety and stress in their patients!
It’s important to note that animal assisted therapy is not for everyone, for example, for those with allergies to animals or a fear of certain animals. It’s also important to understand that animals used in animal assisted therapy have undergone many months of training and have had to pass stringent tests in order to qualify, which is not the same as bringing Fido along to school with you for the day. There are also important factors to consider around safety and hygiene which need to managed appropriately.
For now, the extent of Leo’s working dog role is keeping me company on my admin days. But who knows, perhaps one day he’ll surprise us all and realise his potential to become a future therapy dog!
