From dogs to horses, innovative therapists are utilizing animals to calm, motivate, and teach kids.
No child enjoys a trip to the dentist, but for Caroline, a 7-year-old with autism and sensory processing issues, even routine visits can be overwhelming. Two years ago, the sounds, smells, and close proximity of people were too much for her to handle. Caroline was so terrified when her chair was reclined that she jumped out of it and ran to the parking lot, her mother, Jaime, recalls. The dentist couldn’t proceed because Caroline was too upset.
After hearing about the incident, Caroline’s occupational therapist, Willow Rossi, had an idea. Rossi had been working with Caroline and her black Lab, Tippy, a facility dog who helped Caroline stay calm. Since Tippy is also a certified service dog, she has full access to public places, so Rossi suggested bringing Tippy to Caroline’s next dental appointment.
Jaime noticed that Caroline was generally happier and calmer on the days she saw Willow and Tippy. Caroline didn’t exhibit the same aggressive behaviors with Rossi as she did with other therapists. Although the dentist was initially hesitant, Jaime’s persistence led to Tippy being allowed to accompany Caroline to the appointment.
The plan worked. Rossi remembers, “Caroline willingly walked Tippy into the waiting room and then the exam room. Tippy lay with her on the chair throughout the exam. Although Caroline was still anxious, she managed to stay.”
Facility dogs, often referred to as therapy dogs, are used by therapists like Rossi as tools to help children reach their goals. Tippy motivates children, making therapy enjoyable and rewarding for those with challenges such as Down syndrome, learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism. She even encourages older children to participate in sessions by making them more engaging.
Rossi might use fine motor skills exercises, such as brushing Tippy’s teeth or coat, or using tongs to feed her. Another task involves sit-ups, with children handing Tippy a treat each time they roll back to the floor, strengthening their core muscles. Tippy also hides in the ball pit, prompting kids to dig down to find her, adding tactile input and body awareness to the fun.
For sequencing and memory exercises, Rossi has children give a sequence of commands to Tippy, checking if they remember them in the next session and gradually adding more.
Facility dogs are just one of many animals used by therapists to assist children with developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges. Dogs are trained for various roles, from aiding reluctant readers to providing comfort to children testifying in court. Some dogs help children who have experienced disasters or trauma.
Horses also play a significant role. Hippotherapy, derived from the Greek word for horse, is used by therapists to treat individuals from 18 months old to adults with developmental delays, brain injuries, learning disabilities, sensory issues, and autism. Therapeutic riding, guided by certified instructors, helps children achieve social, emotional, and physical goals while learning to ride.
Eight-year-old Rose participates in hippotherapy at GallopNYC. Diagnosed with mild sensory processing issues and low muscle tone, her mother, Catherine, quickly enrolled her after seeing Rose’s enthusiasm at the stable. Catherine says, “Rose is very much in control while riding a horse. Usually a very floppy girl, she sits straight as a door while riding, which gives her great confidence and satisfaction.” Catherine also notes the joy Rose experiences interacting with the horses.
Working with horses also builds confidence in children with various diagnoses, according to Michael Kaufmann, director of farm and wildlife at Green Chimneys. He emphasizes the sense of achievement children feel when controlling a large animal and the discipline learned through clear rules and instructions in the barn.
On Long Island, Elizabeth Mullen observes that caring for horses has alleviated her daughter Bailey’s OCD. “That touch has already calmed her down,” she says of 11-year-old Bailey. “It used to take two hours for her to fall asleep. Within three weeks of being with the horses, she was calm enough to fall asleep within a half hour.” Bailey’s brother Cooper also benefits from his autism service dog, Kirby.
Although research on the effectiveness of these programs is limited, the use of animals in therapy has a long history. Sigmund Freud, for example, often relied on his dogs to assess his patients’ mental states.
For many parents, the benefits are clear. Caroline, who needed Tippy to get through a dental exam, now has her own service dog, Zumi. Initially, Zumi took Tippy’s place in the chair, but now Caroline can visit the dentist with or without Zumi. Jaime credits this progress to Tippy, Caroline’s wet-nosed, tail-wagging friend.
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