Leah Uridge

9/13/15

Topic Development Assignment

I have decided to do my topic on animal therapy related specifically to dogs. Dogs are
known as being very intelligent and wonderful animals. I wanted to research the cognitive effects
that dogs have on humans in therapeutic situations. I mostly wanted to focus on the dog to
human bond and relationship. Animal-assisted therapy has many health benefits, supported by
several studies. The use of animals in therapy has been proven to be very beneficial in nursing
homes, mental health facilities, and hospitals (Calcaterra). Animals are said to provide amazing
emotional support because of their non-judgmental nature. I have narrowed down my topic to
dogs working with children with mental disorders, such as autism. Dogs that have a presence
during childrens therapy sessions have shown to stimulate the children in a positive manner
(Berry). Using dogs as an outlet of interacting, children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can
learn how to interact with people more effectively. When the effects of dog assisted therapy were
analyzed by Burrows and colleagues with children affected with ASD, it was shown that there
were increased levels of calmness, reduction in the number of emotional outbursts, and more
manageable bed time routines (Berry). There is still much to be known about animal-assisted
therapy, but it goes without saying that dogs can brighten up anyones day.

Works Cited

Berry, Alessandra, et al. "Use Of Assistance And Therapy Dogs For Children With Autism
Spectrum Disorders: A Critical Review Of The Current Evidence." Journal Of Alternative &
Complementary Medicine 19.2 (2013): 73-80. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
Calcaterra, Valeria, et al. "Post-Operative Benefits Of Animal-Assisted Therapy In Pediatric
Surgery: A Randomised Study." Plos ONE 10.6 (2015): 1-13. Academic Search Premier. Web.
14 Sept. 2015