What are the Benefits of having a therapy dog in the classroom?
Therapy dogs have been active in schools for some time. Teachers and administrators have witnessed the effects therapy dogs have on students and themselves.
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The benefits of having therapy dogs in the classroom include:
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Physical benefits. Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.
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Social benefits. A visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.
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Cognitive benefits. It has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills.
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Emotional and mental health benefits. A recent national survey of adolescent mental health found that about 8 to 10 percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety disorder. A therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter. The therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.
