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In the first study using randomized controlled trial of CAI (canine assisted intervention) for children with ADHD, the findings illustrate that the presence of therapy dogs enhances traditional psychosocial intervention and is feasible and safe to implement. This study was conducted at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and led by Sabrina E.B. Schuck, PhD, MA, executive director of the UCI Child Development Center. Titled, “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Psychosocial and Canine-Assisted Interventions for Children with ADHD,” the research involved children aged 7 to 9 who had been diagnosed with ADHD and who had never taken medicines for their condition. “The study randomized participants to compare benefits from evidenced-based, “best practice” psychosocial interventions with the same intervention augmented by the assistance of certified therapy dogs.”
Animal assisted intervention (AAI) has been used for decades, and only recently has empirical evidence begun to support the benefits of these practices. “AAI in healthcare and education settings have been used for decades, but only recently has empirical evidence begun to support these practices reporting benefits including reduced stress (e.g., lower salivary cortisol and lower galvanic skin response), improved cognitive function, reduced problem behaviors, and improved attention.”
The dogs and their handlers came from Pet Partners, a certified therapy dog organization and went through an extensive screening process. They all also had experience in a healthcare or school setting. A few of the volunteers actually stayed for the entire four years of the study, and Schuck tells us they still come to visit the kids at the Child Development Center School. Also during weeks 10 to 12 puppies joined the study. The pups, who participated in the “How to be a Good Teacher” component of the program in the last three weeks of the sessions were service dogs in training from Canine Companions for Independence. Read more
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