The Effects of Animal Assisted Therapy on Students

This study examined the benefits of using animal assisted therapy student behavior/concentration to read and their motivation to read. Research was conducted in the students’ homes with the use of a certified therapy dog during reading and writing activities. Data was collected through observations, student and parent questionnaires, and examination and analysis of student work samples. The findings show that the presence of a therapy dog can improve student behavior/concentration to read and write as well as motivation to read and write. Therapy dogs should be used in addition to everyday instruction as a behavioral management tool and motivator for students and to create a classroom environment that allows students to feel they can take risks