The importance of mental health and emotional support for students cannot be overemphasized. As schools and universities increasingly become aware of the need to provide these supports, therapy dog programs have emerged as an effective and inexpensive way of providing social and emotional support to students. Therapy dogs can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among students, and also promote empathy, social skills, and appropriate interpersonal relationships. Let us explore what therapy dogs are, how they work, and the benefits they provide for students in schools and universities.
What are Therapy Dogs?
Therapy dogs are trained dogs from therapy dog training in Columbus Ohio that are used to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people in a variety of settings. Unlike service dogs, which are trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities, therapy dogs receive therapy dog training in Ohio to interact with people and respond to their environment.
Therapy dogs can be used in animal-assisted therapy, where they help to improve social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. They can also be used in animal-assisted activities, which can facilitate emotional or physical and mental health and well-being.
The Role of Therapy Dogs in Animal-Assisted Therapy
In animal-assisted therapy, a healthcare professional uses a therapy dog to provide emotional support and help people feel more comfortable during treatment. The presence of a therapy dog can reduce anxiety, increase trust, and provide a sense of comfort and safety.
Therapy dogs who receive therapy dog training in Ohio can also help people learn empathy and appropriate interpersonal skills. In addition, therapy dogs can help to develop social skills and teach individuals how to pick up social cues that are imperative to human relationships.
The Human-Animal Bond
The human-animal bond is a unique relationship between humans and animals that can impact both positively. Research has shown that therapy dogs can reduce stress physiologically by lowering cortisol levels and increasing attachment responses that trigger oxytocin – a hormone that increases trust in humans.
Dogs who receive therapy dog training in Cleveland Ohio also react positively to animal-assisted activities, producing oxytocin and decreasing cortisol levels when connecting with their owner.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Schools and Universities
Therapy dogs who receive therapy dog training in Toledo Ohio are increasingly being used in schools and universities as a way to improve student well-being. They can help to reduce stress and anxiety among students, promote empathy and social skills, and provide a sense of comfort and safety. Therapy dogs can also be used to facilitate positive relationships between students and teachers. The presence of therapy dogs can increase engagement and attendance, as well as improve academic performance.
Conclusion
Therapy dogs can be a powerful tool for promoting emotional and social support in schools and universities. They provide a sense of comfort and safety, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote empathy and social skills. By using therapy dogs in schools and universities, educators and mental health professionals can improve student well-being and academic success. Therapy dogs are not only beneficial for students, but also for teachers and staff, who can benefit from the positive impact of therapy dogs on the school environment.
