Youth Experiences With a Therapy Dog: Insights From a Therapeutic Mentoring Program

What is it about?

Children and adolescents are often recommended for youth mentoring programs due to a variety of concerns such as academic, behavioral, and/or social emotional. Therapy dogs have proven to positively impact youth across these domains. In this study, a therapy dog was introduced into a 12-week therapeutic youth mentoring program. Participants shared that interacting with a therapy dog positively impacted their emotions and helped them feel connected and present. The therapy dog helped youth become more mindful of their emotions and developed a deeper sense of connection and unconditional support with the therapy dog. Youth expressed that the dog’s presence increased their comfort level and made them feel special; and perceived empathy from the dog allowed them to be more vulnerable.

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