The Science Behind Dog Therapy in the Classroom

Imagine walking into a classroom where children are gathered around a gentle, furry friend,

reading aloud with confidence, practicing mindfulness, or simply finding comfort in the presence

of a non-judgmental companion. This isn’t just a heartwarming scene—it’s an evidence-based

approach to supporting children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Therapy dogs are becoming a valued addition to many early learning and primary school classrooms, helping children build emotional intelligence, reduce stress, improve literacy skills, and even enhance classroom behaviour. But what does the science say about the impact of dog therapy in education? Let’s

explore the research-backed benefits of bringing dogs into learning environments.

The Science of the Human-Animal Bond

The positive effects of human-animal interaction are well documented in scientific literature.

Studies have shown that interacting with dogs releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with

bonding, trust, and emotional regulation. Oxytocin helps reduce stress and anxiety, creating a

more relaxed learning environment. Patting a dog has been found to lower cortisol

levels, which reduces stress, and increases dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters linked to

happiness and well-being.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, therapy dogs can help create a

sense of emotional safety, allowing children to regulate their emotions better and engage more

effectively in learning.

How Therapy Dogs Support Social and Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the foundation for a child’s success in school and life,

helping them develop skills like empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and

relationship-building. Therapy dogs are a natural fit for SEL programs because they provide

non-judgmental companionship, unconditional love, and immediate feedback on behaviour to support:

1. Emotional Regulation

Many children struggle with big emotions, whether it’s anxiety, frustration, or difficulty

focusing. The presence of a therapy dog helps calm the nervous system, making it easier for

students to manage stress and self-regulate. A study in Applied Developmental Science found

that children who participated in animal-assisted therapy showed significantly lower stress levels

and improved emotional control.

2. Empathy and Compassion

Caring for a therapy dog teaches children to recognise the needs and emotions of another being.

This translates to better peer relationships, as children learn to be more considerate and kind to

others. Studies have shown that caring for therapy dogs can help children recognise the needs

and emotions of another being, fostering empathy and compassion. This skill enhances peer

relationships, as children become more considerate and kind to others. Interacting with therapy

animals increases social awareness and empathy in young learners.

3. Confidence and Self-Esteem

Children can feel nervous when reading aloud or expressing themselves in class, however, therapy dogs provide a safe, non-critical audience. A study conducted at the University of California found that children who read to dogs showed a 12% improvement in reading fluency compared to peers who read to humans. The presence of a therapy dog reduces performance anxiety, allowing children to practice new skills without fear of failure.

How Therapy Dogs Can Help Children Learn

Beyond emotional and social growth, dog therapy has a direct impact on learning. Early education settings and schools that have implemented reading-to-dog programs and therapy animal interventions have shown:

1. Improved Literacy Skills

Many children experience reading anxiety, especially struggling readers who may feel

self-conscious when reading aloud in front of their peers. This anxiety can make it

difficult for them to focus, leading to frustration and a lack of confidence. A therapy dog

provides a calming, nonjudgmental presence, helping children feel more at ease. With a furry

friend by their side, reading becomes a relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing children to

build confidence, develop fluency, and foster a genuine love for books. The Big World of Little

Dude books further support this journey by combining engaging stories with social-emotional

themes, making reading both meaningful and fun while reinforcing the comfort and connection a

therapy dog provides.

2. Increased Attention and Focus

Classrooms can be overwhelming environments, especially for students with ADHD or sensory

processing challenges. The structured presence of a therapy dog provides a calming focal point,

helping students concentrate better. Research from Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin suggests

that therapy dogs in classrooms can reduce hyperactivity and increase on-task behavior.

Supporting Positive Behaviours

One of the biggest challenges educators face is classroom behaviour management and therapy dogs

have been shown to positively influence children's behaviour by promoting calmness, cooperation,

and responsibility.

Dogs create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, reducing student conflicts and encouraging positive interactions. Children learn to take turns, respect the dog's space, and follow rules, all of which contribute to a more harmonious classroom environment. Caring for a therapy dog also fosters a sense of responsibility, as students take pride in gently patting, brushing, or giving simple commands. The presence of a therapy dog can help reduce aggression and bullying by encouraging calm, respectful communication and reinforcing conflict-resolution skills.

Implementing a Therapy Dog Program

Bringing a therapy dog into the classroom requires careful planning to ensure the safety and

well-being of children and the dog. Here’s are a few tips for ways to successfully implement a dog

therapy program:

✔ Partner with a certified Therapy Dog organisation – Work with reputable organisations

that provide trained and certified therapy dogs.

✔ Meet health & safety requirements – Ensure the dog is fully vaccinated, well-groomed,

and suited for a classroom setting.

✔ Educate staff & children – Provide guidelines on how to interact with the dog safely and

respectfully.

✔ Set boundaries & expectations – Establish clear rules to ensure a positive experience for

both students and the dog.

✔ Monitor & evaluate – Regularly assess the impact of the program and adjust as needed.

The science behind dog therapy in classrooms is clear... dogs support children’s emotional

well-being, enhance learning, and support positive behaviours. Whether helping a struggling

reader, soothing an anxious child or fostering empathy and kindness, therapy dogs are more than

just adorable companions—they are powerful educational allies. As early learning settings and schools continue to prioritise social-emotional learning and student mental health, integrating therapy dogs into the classroom offers a research-backed, heartwarming, and highly effective approach to creating a positive and

supportive learning environment.

Authored by Cara Zelas

Find Out More

For more information on how you can incorporate therapy dogs into your early learning setting, reach out to

Cara Zelas from Big World of Little Dude. With expertise in social-emotional learning and dog

therapy in education, Cara offers teacher resources and hands-on strategies to help create engaging and supportive learning environments for children.

You can also learn more on our podcast episode Exploring The Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Early Childhood.

A guide to organising therapy dog visits for your centre.

Download • 4.27MB