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  Kobayashi, Cassia Tiemi.  Ushiyama, Silvia Tiemi.  Fakih, Flavio Trevisan.  Robles, Roseli A M.  Carneiro, Ieda Aparecida.  Carmagnani, Maria Isabel  Sampaio.

 Gee, Nancy R.; Sherlock, Timothy R.; Bennett, Emily A.; Harris, Shelly L.

 Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 22, Number 3, September 2009 , pp. 267-276(10)

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to examine preschoolers' (n = 11) ability to follow instructions in the presence or absence of a real dog while executing a variety of motor skills tasks.

Enhancing human-animal relationships through veterinary medical instruction in animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities.Schaffer, Caroline Brunsman.

Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for the Study of Human-Animal Interdependent Relationships, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA.

 schaffertusvm@yahoo.com

Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.  35(4):503-10, 2008. 

Instruction in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted activities (AAAs) teaches veterinary medical students to confidently and assertively maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of this union of animals and people. Instruction in AAT/AAA also addresses requirements by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education that accredited schools/colleges of veterinary medicine include in their standard curriculum the topics of the human-animal bond, behavior, and the contributions of the veterinarian to the overall public and professional health care teams. Entry-level veterinarians should be prepared to: (1) assure that animals who provide AAT/AAA are healthy enough to visit nursing homes, hospitals, or other institutions; (2) promote behavior testing that selects animals who will feel safe, comfortable, and connected; (3) advise facilities regarding infection control and ways to provide a safe environment where the animals, their handlers, and the people being visited will not be injured or become ill; and (4) advocate for their patients and show compassion for their clients when animals are determined to be inappropriate participants in AAT/AAA programs. This article presents AAT/AAA terminology, ways in which veterinarians can advocate for AAT/AAA, the advantages of being involved in AAT/AAA, a model AAT/AAA practicum from Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM), and examples of co-curricular activities in AAT/AAA by TUSVM's student volunteers.

Batt, Lara S.; Batt, Marjolyn S.; Baguley, John A.; McGreevy, Paul D.

Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 22, Number 1, Spring 2009 , pp. 71-76(6)

Using logistic regression analysis, we examined the use of questionnaires to evaluate variables that predict successful completion of a guide dog training program. The model compared the questionnaire responses from individual puppy raisers (PRs) with their dog's success in the guide dog training program at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT (New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory). Variables tested were the number and outcome of dogs previously raised, the household structure, duration of time spent alone, provisions made for the dog whilst alone, the number and type of other household pets, type and duration of training undertaken, behavioral responses to a number of stimuli as well as to other dogs and people, the frequency of exercise and socialization activities, the puppy raisers' plans to raise another pup, any medical problems, and their predictions about their dog's chances of success and the most likely causes for its failure. Our findings show that PRs' predictions of success and the number of dogs in the household were the most important predictors of success in the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT training program.

Journal of Veterinary Behaviour: Clinical Applications and Research

Volume 3, Issue 2, Pages 87-94 (March 2008)

 Elisabetta Piva, DVMab, Valentina Liverani, DVMc, Pier Attilio Accorsi, DVMd, Giuseppe Sarli, DVMe, Gualtiero Gandini, DVMf

This study evaluates whether a shelter dog could be rehomed successfully into a facility for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD). The goal was to assess the effect on animal welfare of this form of pet ownership and of individual sessions of animal assisted activity (AAA) with some pre-selected patients. After the enrollment of a suitable shelter dog, the dog was introduced gradually into the facility. Upon adoption, the dog's welfare was monitored during the first 6 months by integrating indirect assessment (18-item questionnaire) with direct observations of behavioral and clinical responses (31-item score system table), and with an assay of hormonal changes. Only descriptive statistics were done on the questionnaire data. The findings suggest a progressive positive integration into the new environment. The qualitative data using direct observations were analyzed with the Spearman Rank order correlation test. Some data showed significant variation during the period of observation, suggesting a gradual reduction of the dog's stress during AAA sessions. The hormonal trend, especially for cortisol measured in hair, seemed to correlate with the clinical and behavioral findings.

Orlandi, M.; Trangeled, K.; Mambrini, A.; Tagliani, M.; Ferrarini, A.; Zanetti, L.; Tartarini, R.; Pacetti, P.; Cantore, M.;

Anticancer Research. International Institute of Anticancer Research, Attiki, Greece: 2007. 27: 6C, 4301-4304.

Background: Pet therapy is utilised to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases. The impact of AAA (animal-assisted activities), a kind of pet therapy, on oncological patients submitted to chemotherapy was evaluated. Patients and Methods: Two groups of patients receiving chemotherapy with (experimental group) or without AAA (control group) were compared. The 2 participating dogs have been trained by a cynophilist behaviourist and examined by a veterinarian. Before and after chemotherapy both groups of patients were asked to fill out a A.De.Ss.O. test questionnaire, a simplified Italian version of Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation were recorded. Results: Depression improved only in the AAA group (p=0.01). Arterial oxygen saturation increased in the experimental group (p=0.004), while it decreased in the controls. Conclusion: AAA during chemotherapy reduces depression of patients and increases their arterial oxygen saturation.

Souter, M. A.; Miller, M. D.;

Anthrozoos.  2007. 20: 2, 167-180.

We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for reducing depressive symptoms in humans. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies had to demonstrate random assignment, include a comparison/control group, use AAA or AAT, use a self-report measure of depression, and report sufficient information to calculate effect sizes, a statistical standardization of the strength of a treatment effect. Five studies were identified for analysis. The aggregate effect size for these studies was of medium magnitude and statistically significant, indicating that AAA/AAT are associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This analysis revealed gaps in the research on AAA/AAT, which we attempted to identify in order to better understand the factors that make AAA and AAT effective at reducing depression.