Dog And Cognitive Development Essay

Unlike the limited research available for how dog’s affect cognitive development, there is a variety of research done on how dog’s affect a child’s psychological and physiological wellbeing; especially concerning the use of AAA and AAT. Walters and Stokes studied how the presence of a dog affected the social interactions between 3 children with developmental disabilities and their teacher. The students’ behaviors were studied and analyzed with a hidden camera, during eight minute sessions, five days a week, with their teacher and a dog present. Walters and Stokes concluded that having the dog present for the sessions increased the positive initiated interactions toward the teacher and the dog for all three students. There was also a decrease in negative interactions with the dog intervention and there was an overall improvement in the social responsiveness in the students while in class (Walters & Stokes, 2008). …show more content…
Martin and Farnum determined whether AAT could be an effective method of therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Children diagnosed with PDD lack social interactions and are disinterested and disengaged from their social environments. To test the therapy dog’s effectiveness, the children were introduced to either a toy dog, a ball, or a real dog three times a week for 15 weeks and their reactions were analyzed. Martin and Farnum found that the children were more playful, focused, and aware of their social environments when in the presence of a therapy dog. The students were very focused on the dog and they didn’t want to talk about anything else. This is important because children with PDD have difficulties focusing and interacting with others. Martin and Farnum concluded that using a therapy dog may increase meaningful and focused discussions in children with PDD (Martin & Farnum,