Children, Dogs and Education - Caring for, Learning Alongside, and Gaining Support from Canine Companions

Acknowledgements

Contents

1 Introduction: Children and the Dogs in Their Lives

Introduction

Goals for the Book

Why This Book at This Time?

Conclusion

References

Dogs in the Family

2 An Attachment Perspective on the Child-Dog Bond: Interdisciplinary and International Research Findings

Dog Keeping in Families

Influences on the Child-Dog Bond

The Uniqueness of Attachment to Dogs

Canine Attachment Behavior

Conclusion

References

3 Building Behaviorally Healthy Relationships Between Children and Dogs

Definition of Behaviorally Healthy

“For the Children”: What Children Seek from a Dog

“For the Children”…the Nicest Dogs

Growing up Together…Developmental Trends in Relationships

Teaching Responsibility…Guardianship of Dogs

Re-Thinking the Family Dog

Conclusion

References

4 The Family Dog: Influence of Parents on Children’s Concepts of Responsible Dog Care

Why Study Dog-Human Bonds in Families?

Background of Dog-Human Bond

Methods

Participants

Instrument

Results

Current Dog

Value of Dog to Family

Worth of Dog to Family

Responsibility for Care of Dog

Child Safety Rules

Giving Up On the Family Dog

Changes in Treatment of Dogs from Childhood to Adulthood

Changes in Parents’ Ideas About Keeping Dogs

Child Sex and Age

Discussion

Parents’ Perspectives on Dogs

Parents’ Childhood Experiences with Dogs

Parents’ Expectations for Children and Dogs

Limitations and Implications for Parents and Families

References

5 Becoming Parent: The Role of Dog as Baby in Learning How to Care

Introduction

Japan: The First Born

Australian Dog/Baby

Time and Becoming Animal/Becoming Human

Becoming Human

The ‘Cute’ Discourse

Anthropological Turn

Puppy Mills

The Cost of Production

Learning to Parent

Training

Control Issues

Environmental Decision Making

Conclusion

References

6 Children’s Ideas About Canine Behavioral Issues and Training Practices

Introduction

Acceptance Within the Family

Canine Behavioral Issues

Obedience Training

Training Practices

Recommendations and Conclusion

References

7 Final Gifts: Lessons Children Can Learn from Dogs About End-of-Life, Loss, and Grief

The Dog Matters. The Relationship Matters More

End of Life: Lessons from the Dog

Farewell Dear Friend: Death, Dead Bodies, and Rituals

Lessons About Loss and Grief

Color Your Grief

References

Dogs as Support for Children’s Development and Learning

8 Developing Literacy Skills in Children Through Interaction with Dogs

Introduction

Dog-Assisted Literacy Programs: History and Models

Program Structure and Theory

Library Settings

Educational Settings

Science or BFF (Best Furry Friend)?

Future Directions

Conclusion

Appendix A: Conceptualizing the Program and Getting Started

Appendix B: Handling the Logistics

References

9 Promoting Children’s Well-Being: Therapy Dogs

What Is a Therapy Dog?

Evidence-Based Rationale for Therapy Dogs

Objections to Therapy Dogs

The Three Main Types of Therapy Dog Activities

Therapy Dogs and Grief Support

Goals of Working with Therapy Dogs

Developing a Program that Involves Therapy Dogs

The Partnership, Participants and Protocols, and Products

References

10 Ameliorating Children’s Stress and Trauma: Roles for Dogs in Counseling, Therapy, and Disaster Relief

Case Study of Poppi*

Involvement of Dogs in Post-Trauma Work: Roles

Post-Disaster Relief

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Legal Aspects of Child Trauma Cases

Selection and Preparation of Dogs Involved in Trauma Work

Selection and Socialization of Therapy Dogs

Training Therapy Dogs

Relationship-Building and Advocacy

Impact of Animal-Assisted Trauma Work on Person and Dog

Mick?s Case

References

11 Mitigating Physical and Psychological Disabilities: Service Dogs for Children

Introduction

Characteristics of Service Dogs

Rationale for Partnering Children with Service Dogs

Obstacles to Acquiring a Service Dog

Caveats About Service Dogs

Right of Access: Service Dogs Come to School

Evaluating Outcomes of Service Dogs on Children’s Lives

References

Dogs in the Community

12 Finding Out About Dogs: Children’s Use of Popular Media

Introduction

Overview of Children and Media in the 21st Century

Children and the Family Dog

Children’s Media Use Pertaining to Dogs

Children’s Literature: Print and E-Books About Dogs

Children’s Television Show and Movies About Dogs

Age-Appropriate Social Networks and Websites Related to Dogs

Dog-Related Applications for Children

Implications for Children’s Media Use

References

Children’s Literature

13 Keeping Children Safe: Children’s Ability to Interpret Canine Behavioral Cues and Dog Safety Interventions

Dog Bites: Definition and Incidence

Child Behaviors that Tend to Precipitate Dog Bites

Dog Safety Concepts for Children

Children’s Misconceptions About Interacting Safely with Dogs

Dog Safety Concepts for Children

Working with Families and Communities

Effectiveness of Dog Bite Prevention and Safety Interventions

Program Evaluation Issues

Conclusion

References

14 “Dogs are Great Listeners”: A University Course Project Leads to Young Children’s Reading to Shelter Dogs

Introduction

Review of Literature

Types of Child-Dog Interaction

Benefits on Children’s Development

Teacher Preparation in Humane Education

University Course Project

A Snapshot of the Students’ Project Outcomes

Benefits from Child-Dog Interaction

Incorporating Dogs in Children’s Lives

Reflection from Course Instructor

Reading Buddies: Reading to Shelter Dogs

The Reading Buddies Program for Young Children

Perceptions of Participants on the Reading Buddies Program

Children’s Perceptions on Benefits

Parents’ Perspectives

Perspectives of Shelter Personnel

Recommendations for Creating a Reading to Shelter Dogs Program

Final Thoughts

References

15 Future Directions in Canine-Assisted Activities, Education, and Therapy

Rethinking Terminology

Respecting Each Dog’s Requirements

Trend 1: Increased Specialization of Dogs

Trend 2: More Emphasis on Canine Aptitude and Training

Trend 3: National Regulations and More Rigorous Requirements for Handlers

Trend 4: Applications of Advanced Technology to Document Effects

Trend 5: Mixed-Methods Research that Represents All Stakeholders

Trend 6: Higher Standards for Responsible Canine Care

Trend 7: Increased Demand for Facility Dogs

Aspen, an Elementary School Service Dog

Trend 8: More Canine-Assisted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations

Trend 9: More Community Outreach and Education by Animal Welfare Groups

Trend 10: Fuller Appreciation for the Child/Dog Bond

Conclusion

References

Appendix: Research Project: Child and Parent Perspectives on the Responsible Care of Dogs, Safety Issues with Canines, and Behavioral Problems in Companion Dogs

Introduction

Study Purpose

Background

Participants

Ethical Treatment of Human Subjects

Research Questions

Methods and Procedures

Instruments

Data Analysis

Limitations

Conclusion

References