How Therapy Dog–Assisted Wellbeing Sessions Support Children

Therapy dog-assisted wellbeing sessions can provide children with a gentle and engaging way to develop emotional and social skills. The presence of a trained therapy dog can help create a welcoming environment where children may feel more comfortable connecting, communicating and participating.

Therapy dogs can be incorporated into a range of wellbeing activities, particularly within schools and community settings. At Calming Paws Therapy, therapy dog-assisted wellbeing focuses on supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence, connection and the development of practical skills in a positive and age-appropriate way.

Why therapy dogs can help

Research into animal-assisted interventions suggests that interacting with dogs can have positive effects on stress and wellbeing. Studies have associated positive human-dog interactions with changes in physiological responses including cortisol, which is involved in the body's stress response, and oxytocin, which is associated with social connection and bonding.

For some children, the presence of a therapy dog can also make a wellbeing activity feel less formal. Rather than being expected to sit and talk about how they feel, children can participate in activities involving the dog, providing another way to engage, communicate and learn.

Supporting emotional regulation

Learning to recognise and manage emotions is an important skill for children.

A calm therapy dog can provide a useful focus during activities exploring emotional regulation. Children might notice Winnie's body language, consider how she communicates when she is comfortable or uncertain, or participate in activities that encourage slowing down, observing and responding.

These experiences can provide opportunities to explore concepts such as recognising emotions, noticing body signals and identifying strategies that may help when feelings become overwhelming.

Building confidence and connection

Therapy dogs can also provide a natural point of connection between children and the people around them.

Activities involving a therapy dog can encourage communication, cooperation, turn-taking and shared experiences. For children who may initially be hesitant to participate, having Winnie involved can provide something enjoyable and familiar to focus on while relationships and confidence develop.

Successfully completing an activity with a therapy dog — such as giving Winnie a cue, participating in a game or working together as part of a group — can also provide children with opportunities to experience success and build confidence.

Encouraging participation and engagement

One of the benefits of incorporating a therapy dog into wellbeing activities is the opportunity to make learning about emotional wellbeing interactive.

Rather than simply talking about concepts such as emotions, communication, boundaries or coping skills, children can explore them through practical activities involving Winnie.

This can be particularly valuable in school therapy dog wellbeing sessions, where activities can be adapted to suit the age, needs and goals of the group.

Therapy dog wellbeing sessions with Winnie

At Calming Paws Therapy, Paws for Wellbeing sessions incorporate accredited therapy dog Winnie into structured wellbeing activities for schools, workplaces and community groups.

For children and young people, activities may focus on areas such as emotional awareness, self-regulation, confidence, communication, connection and resilience. Sessions are tailored to the needs of the group, with careful consideration given to participant comfort, appropriate boundaries and Winnie's wellbeing.

Therapy dog-assisted wellbeing sessions are not counselling or psychological treatment. Instead, they provide an engaging way to explore wellbeing concepts and develop practical skills through interaction with a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs can also be part of counselling

Therapy dog-assisted wellbeing is different from animal-assisted therapy within an individual counselling session.

At Calming Paws Therapy, Winnie may also be incorporated into counselling with children and young people where appropriate. In this setting, her involvement forms part of the individual counselling process and is guided by the young person's needs and therapeutic goals.

Next steps

Therapy dog-assisted wellbeing can offer children and young people a different way to explore emotional wellbeing, connection and practical skills in an environment that feels engaging and supportive.

If you'd like to know more about school therapy dog wellbeing sessions or Paws for Wellbeing programs with Winnie, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss the needs of your school, organisation or group.