Conference Paper/Proceeding/Abstract 392 views
Exploring interactions between children, dogs and handlers in school settings
Helen Lewis 
,
Janet Oostendorp Godfrey
,
Janet Oostendorp Godfrey
2023 Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ Online Conference
Swansea University Authors:
Helen Lewis , Janet Oostendorp Godfrey
Abstract
This paper explores the nature of the interactions between children, dogs and their handlers during school-based interactions. A 12-week school-based programme was evaluated. The programme aimed to support children’s social skills through regular, playful interactions with a dog, and teachers were a...
| Published in: | 2023 Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ Online Conference |
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| Published: |
2023
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64956 |
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| Abstract: |
This paper explores the nature of the interactions between children, dogs and their handlers during school-based interactions. A 12-week school-based programme was evaluated. The programme aimed to support children’s social skills through regular, playful interactions with a dog, and teachers were advised in the principles of Animal Assisted Play Therapy. Sessions were recorded, coded and analysed, looking for dialogic interactions initiated by both the dog and child through body language, engagement in activity and the child’s verbal conversation with the dog and /or handler – particularly relating to the emotional and cognitive connection. We discuss examples of good practice, as well as examining the empathetic, autonomous relationship between the child, dog and handler as it developed over the course of the programme. We consider the value of video as a tool to offer opportunity for those engaged in such interactions to reflect on what really happens when a dog comes into the classroom.Learning objectives: Participants in this workshop will be able to (a) describe the importance of play between humans and dogs, and understand the value of animal assisted play in educational contexts(b) identify at least two signs or aspects of healthy play in relationship building(c) describe some of the best practices used by educators who involve dogs in their classroom contexts, |
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| Keywords: |
school dogs |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |