Dogs Can Make a Big Impact on Our Classroom

Virginia Whitfield
Fall 2017

Dogs have a major impact on individuals.

I want to know how these impacts can affect classroom performance.

● Rationale
○ This study is designed to evaluate the effects of dogs in a classroom over one
semester. Through interviews and observations, I will be looking at the effects the
dog has on the students and the general classroom atmosphere. In the end, I will
be looking at any changes in behavior and atmosphere of the classroom. I believe
that the dogs will have a positive effect on the classroom and the students that are
impacted.

● Lit Review

○ Once these students were introduced to the dog, their behavior outbursts
decreased significantly. With the dog, students learned that by talking to the dog,
or petting the dog, they are able to prevent some outburst at least to a certain
degree. (Anderson & Olson, 2006, p. 44)
○ Having a dog gives them the opportunity to care for the well-being of others and
discerning between self and non-self (Hergovach, Monshi, Semmler and
Zieglmayer, 2002, p. 37)
○ Students who read to dogs may pet the dog while reading, and share book
illustrations during reading time (Bassette & Taber-doughty, 2013, p.252)
○ When implementing animals into a classroom of students, teachers note a marked
difference in improved social skills, engagement, decreased stress, and reduced
problem behaviors (Smith, and Dale, 2016, p. 18)

● Research Design
○ The study focused on an elementary pull-out classroom of eight students
○ Students were interviewed with specific questions to gauge their feelings toward
dogs.
○ Students were introduced to the dog two weeks into the semester
○ Student behaviors were observed based on overall attitude toward the dog, and
changes in number of outbursts throughout the day.

Resources:
Andreas Hergovach, Bardia Monshi, Gabriel Semmler and Verana Zieglmayer (2002) The
effects of the presence of a dog in the classroom. Anthrozoos 15:1, 37-50

AVMA, 2017, Retrieved from

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-
ownership.aspx
Census Bureau,
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/washingtoncountyvirginia/PST040216#viewt
op

Doggie Does Good, Service Dog Training, http://doggiedoesgood.org/

Katherine L. Anderson & Myrna R. Olson (2006) The value of a dog in a classroom of
children with severe emotional disorders, Anthroos, 19:1, 25-49
Laura A. Bassette & Teresa Taber-Doughty, The Effects of a Dog Reading Visitation
Program on Academic Engagement Behavior in Three Elementary Students with Emotional
and Behavioral Disabilities: A Single Case Design; Child Youth Care Forum (2013)

Sorin, Reesa & Brooks, Tamara & Lloyd, Janice. (2015). The impact of the classroom
canines program on children's reading, social and emotional skills, and motivation to attend
school. International Journal of Literacies. 22. 23-35. 10.18848/2327-
0136/CGP/v22i02/48840.
Smith, Bradley., Dale, Ashley., (2013), Integrating animals in the classroom: The attitudes
and experiences of Australian school teachers toward animal-assisted interventions for
children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pet Behaviour Science Open Access Journal,
Vol. 1, 13-22

Worsham, Shary (November 2007) Science Sampler You can learn a lot from your dog.