Careers with Dogs and the Human Animal Bond

Therapy Dog Training and Assessment

• GAT accredited:- Assesses and certifies assistance dogs under relevant legislation.

  • Focuses on psychiatric, mobility, and medical alert assistance dogs.

Human-Animal Bond Work

• Works with community members and their pet dogs.

• Assists families, including those with children with autism, on the NDIS.

• Helps integrate dogs into home environments for tasks like:- Sleep onset assistance.

  • Alerting to anxiety.

• Focuses on bond-building and social skills training with dogs, especially for those with mental health or behavioral concerns.

Early Experiences and the Human-Animal Bond

• First saw the impact of the human-animal bond while training dogs in Bendigo.

• Engaged at-risk youth in dog training programs.

• Observed positive behavioral changes in the young people:- Improved interactions and communication.

  • Increased openness and disclosure.

  • Higher program attendance rates.

  • Supportive interactions among participants.

Research on the Human-Animal Bond

• Extensive research supports the positive impacts of the human-animal bond:- Enhanced socialization and cooperation.

  • Increased attendance at services, including drug and alcohol and residential care programs.

  • Improved disclosure of information and trust in clinicians.

  • Reduction in verbal and physical aggression, especially in ASD and aged care.

  • Reduced depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms.

  • Decreased loneliness.

  • Hormonal changes associated with bonding:- Increased oxytocin (the "love hormone").

    • Reduced cortisol (the stress hormone).

Mechanisms Underlying the Benefits

• Calming effect due to humans' natural affinity with nature.

• Social mediation and breaking down barriers.

• Dogs as secure attachment figures, fostering trust.

• Learning component through caregiving and social skills development.

Benefits of Pet Dog Relationships

• Reduced loneliness and stress.

• Increased physical activity.

• Improved mood.

• Social connectedness through interactions with other pet owners.

• Strong and secure attachments are crucial for positive outcomes.

Costs and Challenges of Pet Ownership

• Limited access to pet-friendly accommodations.

• Difficulties in domestic violence or crisis situations.

• Financial and physical costs.

• Potential negative relationships with dogs due to training or behavioral issues.

• Relationship issues within families if not everyone is engaged with the dog.

Therapy Dogs Defined

• Dogs working with a handler to benefit people.

• Not a regulated industry.

• Activities range from simple presence to goal-directed therapeutic interventions by professionals.

• Can involve animals living within facilities.

• Variety of settings:- Schools.

  • Aged care.

  • Hospitals.

  • Rehab facilities.

  • Private practices.

  • Headspace centers.

Therapy Dog Training and Requirements

• No formal requirements, but courses are available.

• Training covers:- Risk management.

  • Dog behavior training.

  • Body language.

  • Activities with animals.

  • Insurance and consent forms.

  • Dog welfare.

• Assessing the handler is crucial to ensure trustworthiness and care for the dog and recipients.

• The goal is to train handlers to understand their dogs and apply them effectively in therapeutic settings.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

• Visiting:- Increased socialization.

  • Reduced loneliness.

  • Community connection.

  • Improved mood.

  • More activity and mobility.

  • Reduced perceived pain.

  • A less clinical environment.

• Professional inclusion:- Improved engagement in school.

  • Overcoming patient barriers.

  • Reduced arousal in individuals with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or trauma.

  • Improved social skills and regulation.

Assistance Dogs

• Dogs working for a handler with a disability.

• Regulated by specific legislations.

• Must perform tasks that improve functioning.

• Must be physically healthy and behaviorally sound.

• Granted public access.

Benefits of Assistance Dogs

• Improve functioning and access to the community.

• Reduce the need for other support.

• Aid in accessing hospital stays, accommodations, and crisis support.

• Provide a sense of safety in public.

Psychiatric Assistance Dogs

• Common needs include support for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and panic attacks.

• Tactile stimulation for grounding.

• Interrupting unwanted behaviors.

• Body blocking for safety in public spaces.

• Improved attendance at appointments and services.

• Reduced risk of suicide and self-harm.

Qualities of Therapy and Assistance Dogs

• Confidence with novel stimuli.

• Resilience to startling.

• Sociability and tolerance of handling.

• Tolerance to frustration.

• Lack of resource guarding.

• Ability to regulate arousal.

• Independence.

• Calmness during travel.

• Trainability and focus.

• Absence of compulsive behaviors.

Handler Assessment

• Physical capability to handle the dog.

• Absence of concerning issues at home.

• Positive and kind treatment of the dog.

• Positive training methods.

• Good support system.

• Adequate resources (time and money).

Matching Dogs and Handlers

• Appropriate size and breed for tasks.

• Consideration of breed-specific traits.

• Match to the handler's needs (e.g., longer-haired breeds for tactile stimulation).

• Appropriate temperament for the environment.

Barriers to Success

• Dog's physical or behavioral unsuitability.

• Cost of training and maintenance.

• Lack of organizational support.

• Staff changes causing loss for clients.

• Competition between clients for the dog's time.

• Fear of zoonotic diseases.

Barriers Specific to Assistance Dogs

• Increased attention in public causing anxiety.

• Temperament issues in the dog.

• Trauma, injury, or illness.

• Financial constraints.

• Difficulty rehoming a dog that doesn't work out.

Welfare Issues for Dogs

• Safety in different environments.

• Appropriate working hours and rest periods.

• Risk of injury.

• Stress from intense environments.

• The opportunity to engage in natural dog behaviors.

• Potential separation anxiety.

• Confusion about their role in the family.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

• Ensure that interactions are consensual and enjoyable for everyone involved.

• Address welfare concerns.

• Confirm ethical considerations.

• Meet the dog's breed and species-specific needs.

• Ensure mutual provision of needs in the relationship.

Summary

• The human-animal bond is vital in work with dogs and people.

• Understanding of this bond is growing and informing pet and working dog relationships.

• Numerous benefits exist, but barriers must be addressed.