In the samples of children and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and stress, it was further revealed that interactions with dogs aid symptom reduction because they help to engage in emotion-focused coping. This form of coping is defined as a tendency to manage one’s distress by engaging in activities that increase the experience of positive emotions and thus help in reducing emotional reactions to stressors. In this respect, dogs were found to help children feel positive emotions, such as happiness, hope and acceptance, which then led to their higher propensity to approach other situations that are likely to build positive emotional states, such as seeking companionship with other people.

Dogs, therefore, can be said to help children of different ages to cope with psychological issues and mental health difficulties by assisting them to reconnect with the outside world, reduce loneliness, improve self-confidence and increase their tendency to engage in emotion-focused coping.

At TRC, based on the initial assessment, whenever considered appropriate, we offer Dog Assisted Therapy to help children and adolescents heal emotional issues and trauma, improve social skills, overcome studying difficulties and behavioural concerns. We have developed our own method, which combines Dog Assisted Therapy with Art Therapy, Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. We approach each child differently, considering the age, special needs and requests. Some sessions are conducted individually with a child and some are based on parent-child interactions. Only trained and fully vaccinated dogs are engaged in therapy. Our approach to therapy is child-centred, mindful, and play-based. We believe that children learn and develop best when they are relaxed and having fun, when they are surrounded by people attentive to their needs and truly interested in their views and opinions.