The Human-Canine Connection

The innate ability dogs possess that allows them to elevate a human’s mood and have an effect on our anatomy is not just conjecture. It’s grounded in scientific fact.

See the articles and papers below to learn more.

Children and a dog in a classroom; the girl is lying on the floor with her head on the dog's body, reading a book, while the boy and another child are sitting nearby, some are petting or interacting with the dog.
Children sitting on the floor hugging a large dog. One child is wearing a red shirt with a graphic of a dinosaur, and another is wearing a light-colored long sleeve shirt. The dog appears relaxed, and children are showing affection and comfort to the dog.
A woman with long reddish-brown hair sitting in an airport, happily petting a large dog with a gray coat and a black nose, wearing an orange bandana, while another dog in a pumpkin-themed costume sits nearby.
A young boy and a large, fluffy, golden retriever dog lying on green grass in a park, surrounded by tall trees with blurred leaves in the background.

Why Dogs Can Be So Healing for Kids

THE NEW YORK TIMES ➜

A girl sitting on the sidewalk with a large brown and white dog. The girl has long brown hair, is wearing a white quilted jacket, striped pants, and white sneakers. The dog is wearing a blue harness.

Gone to the Dogs? Schools Use Therapy Animals to Boost Mental Health, Academics

EDUCATION WEEK ➜

A young boy lying in a hospital bed with medical equipment attached, smiling and petting a large golden retriever dog.

Dog Animal-assisted therapy offers hope and healing to patients at Phoenix Hospital

NRC HEALTH ➜

A young girl with blonde hair is sitting on the floor and reading a picture book with a dog lying next to her. The girl is wearing a blue galaxy-patterned jacket and pants, and the dog appears to be a fluffy, light-colored breed.

What petting a dog can do for your brain

CNN ➜

A young boy with red hair sitting on a yellow foam mat on a speckled tile floor, reading a lined notebook with a black and white spiral binding, and a black dog is laying next to him with its paw stretched out towards the boy's leg, in a room with backpacks and shoes against the wall.

Supporting Young Readers: When Reading Aloud to Dogs or Adults

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL ➜

A group of children sitting in a classroom, with a black dog wearing an orange bandana in the foreground.

Dog interventions lead to significantly lower stress in children with and without special educational needs.

PLOS ONE RESEARCH ARTICLE ➜