Dog therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a type of therapy that involves interactions between humans and dogs in a therapeutic setting. It has been shown to provide numerous physical and psychological benefits, and is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and mental health clinics. While the benefits of dog therapy are widely recognized, many people are still unsure about how it works. In this article, we will explore the science behind dog therapy and how it can benefit individuals in need.

The Science Behind Dog Therapy

Research has shown that interactions with dogs can have a positive impact on our physical and emotional health. This is due in part to the release of certain hormones and chemicals in the body during interactions with dogs.

One of the hormones released during interactions with dogs is oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone". Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, love, and connection, and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that interactions with dogs can increase oxytocin levels in both humans and dogs, leading to a greater sense of well-being and improved social interactions.

Another chemical released during interactions with dogs is dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Dopamine has been shown to be released in response to positive interactions with dogs, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment.

In addition to the release of hormones and chemicals, interactions with dogs can also have a calming effect on the body. Studies have found that interactions with dogs can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, all of which are markers of stress.

Benefits of Dog Therapy

The benefits of dog therapy are numerous and have been documented in numerous studies. Here are just a few of the ways that dog therapy can benefit individuals:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: As mentioned earlier, interactions with dogs can lead to the release of oxytocin and dopamine, two hormones associated with reducing stress and anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders or PTSD.

2. Improving Mood: Interactions with dogs can lead to increased levels of dopamine, which is associated with feelings of happiness and contentment. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with depression or other mood disorders.

3. Increasing Social Interaction: Dogs can serve as a social lubricant, making it easier for individuals to interact with others. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with social anxiety or autism spectrum disorder.

4. Promoting Physical Activity: Dogs require regular exercise, which can encourage individuals to be more physically active. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or chronic illnesses.

5. Providing Emotional Support: Dogs are non-judgmental and provide unconditional love and support to their owners. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who are going through a difficult time or who are dealing with a chronic illness.

Types of Dog Therapy

There are several different types of dog therapy, each with its own unique benefits and applications. Here are a few of the most common types of dog therapy:

1. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT): This is a type of therapy in which a trained therapy dog is used as part of the treatment process. AAT is often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health clinics to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase social interaction.

2. Animal-assisted activities (AAA): These are activities in which dogs are used to provide comfort and support to individuals, but are not part of a formal therapy program. Examples of AAA include dogs visiting schools to help children with reading skills or visiting nursing homes to provide companionship to residents.

3. Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities. Examples of assistance dogs include guide dogs for individuals who are visually impaired and hearing dogs for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

4. Emotional support animals (ESAs): These are animals that provide emotional support and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions. ESAs do not require any specific training, but must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional.

Choosing the Right Breed for You

When it comes to dog therapy, the breed of the dog can make a difference. While any breed of dog can provide therapeutic benefits, certain breeds are better suited for certain types of therapy work. Here are ten large breed therapy dogs to consider:

1. Golden Retriever: This breed is known for its friendly and gentle temperament, making it an excellent choice for therapy work. Golden retrievers are often used as service dogs and in AAT programs.

2. Labrador Retriever: Another popular breed for therapy work, Labrador retrievers are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are often used as service dogs and in AAT programs.

3. Standard Poodle: Poodles are highly trainable and intelligent, making them a good choice for service dog work. They are also hypoallergenic, which can be beneficial for individuals with allergies.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog: This breed is known for its calm and gentle nature, making it a good choice for therapy work. Bernese mountain dogs are often used in AAT programs.

5. Great Dane: Despite their size, Great Danes are known for their gentle nature and make excellent therapy dogs. They are often used in AAT programs and as service dogs for individuals with mobility issues.

6. Newfoundland: These dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature, making them a good choice for therapy work. Newfoundlands are often used in AAT programs and as service dogs for individuals with mobility issues.

7. Saint Bernard: Saint Bernards are known for their calm and patient nature, making them an excellent choice for therapy work. They are often used in AAT programs and as service dogs for individuals with mobility issues.

8. Boxer: Boxers are known for their high energy and friendly nature, making them a good choice for AAT programs. They are often used in hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and support to patients.

9. Irish Wolfhound: Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and calm nature, making them a good choice for therapy work. They are often used in AAT programs and as service dogs for individuals with mobility issues.

10. Mastiff: Mastiffs are known for their calm and protective nature, making them a good choice for therapy work. They are often used in AAT programs and as service dogs for individuals with PTSD.

When choosing a breed for therapy work, it is important to consider not only the breed's temperament and personality, but also the individual dog's training and experience. It is also important to remember that therapy work is not suitable for all dogs, and not all dogs will enjoy or excel in this type of work.

Conclusion

Dog therapy has been shown to provide numerous physical and psychological benefits, and is widely used in a variety of settings. The science behind dog therapy is based on the release of hormones and chemicals during interactions with dogs, which can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, an improvement in mood, and an increase in social interaction.

When choosing a breed for therapy work, it is important to consider the breed's temperament and personality, as well as the individual dog's training and experience. With the right breed and training, dogs can provide a valuable source of comfort and support to individuals in need.