Research investigates social interactions during canine-assisted intervention.

In the United States, ~10% of children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is characterised by difficulties paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Treatment for ADHD usually involves a combination of medicine and therapy. However, complementary approaches, such as canine-assisted interventions, are becoming increasingly popular.

Canine-assisted interventions utilise structured interactions with dogs to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations. A recent study offers new insights into how canine-assisted interventions can improve the social interactions of children with ADHD.

New research into ADHD

Thirty-five children were included from a larger randomised control trial into the impact of integrating canine-assisted interventions into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The study compared social interactions when a live therapy dog was present, compared to a stuffed dog, by analysing the children’s behaviours captured on video.

The findings revealed no significant difference in children’s engagement with live therapy dogs compared to stuffed dogs, indicating a similar level of interest with both. However, they directed more social interactions towards people in the presence of a live therapy dog, particularly adults.

Study implications

The findings suggest that whilst children showed a similar level of interest in stuffed dogs and live therapy dogs, only the latter served as a facilitator for social interaction. The implications for this research are that therapy dogs could play a vital role in enhancing social behaviours among children with ADHD, particularly in their interactions with adults.

Key study findings:

• No difference in child interaction levels between live therapy dogs vs. stuffed dogs
• Only live therapy dogs increased person-directed interactions
• Larger increase in adult interaction than peer