Dog Companionship & Its Benefits To Humans
UNP-0008Dog Companionship &its Benefits to HumansDogs (Canis familiaris) have been “man’sbest friends” since the beginning of time. Thistimeless relationship continues to evolve intonew kinds of human-dog interactions thatincreasingly benefits society.IVETraditionally, dogs have aided humans intasks such as hunting, livestock herding,and guarding. However, as society movedfrom small rural communities to increasinglylarge metropolitan areas, the roles of dogshave changed. Throughout the years, dogslocated missing persons and assisted in rescueoperations in the aftermath of disasters suchas earthquakes and bomb explosions. Dogsparticipate in law enforcement activities andhave been particularly successful in detectingnarcotics. Dogs even served, along withsoldiers, in patrol assignments during WorldWar II and the Vietnam War (Figure 1). Today,dog companionship has taken on a newmeaning as Americans increasingly considertheir dogs another member of the familyrather than just property.Figure 1. Currently dogs serve in a variety of roles with thearmed forces.CHand 14.6% or 192,600 of the 1,323,100 malesof all ages in Alabama reported one or moredisabilities. Furthermore, 19.6% that reportedambulatory difficulty live in group quarterssuch as rehabilitation centers, shelters, andnursing homes.ARMore than 77.8 million American householdsown one or more dogs (APPA, 2015-2016).Furthermore, according to a public opinionpoll, the majority of dog owners citedcompanionship as the main reason for havinga dog (Jones, 2007). After all, dogs arenonjudgmental, give unconditional love, canbe trusted with our most intimate feelings andemotions, and are highly intelligent; hence,highly trainable to do almost anything. Thesedog characteristics can enhance the lives ofthousands of youths and adults, especiallythose with disabilities and/or those who live incontinuing care facilities.According to the 2013 state report issued byCornell University’s Employment and DisabilityInstitute, 14.9% or 409,700 of the 2,743,200individuals ages 21 to 64 in Alabama reportedat least one disability. Of this total, 15.3% or217,100 of the 1,420,100 females of all agesBy embracing Canis familiaris, residents inrehabilitation and learning centers and nursinghomes, patients in hospitals, and familiesin general feel comfort, stimulus, joy andrespect for all living beings. In addition, dogcompanionship has been shown to provideother benefits that can improve the quality oflife of many more thousands of Alabamians.This publication examines the physical,physiological, and psychological benefits ofdog companionship.Dogs for the Visually, Hearing &Physically ImpairedThe guide dog for the visually impaired isthe most well-known type of companion dog.However, these dogs are legally defined byfederal law (Americans with Disabilities Act,1990) as service animals. For example, guidedogs are trained to enhance the mobility andindependence of blind men and women.www.aces.edu
arthritis, ataxia (poor balance), multiplesclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and chronicpain. As with guide dogs, most states areallowing service dogs for the physicallyhandicapped full access to public places.Figure 2. Service dogs for the physically and/oremotionally disabled are trained to increase mobility andindependence.IVEWorking in and outside the house, togetherwith other social activities can now be attainedwith the aid of these highly trained dogs. Thelaw states that guide dogs are allowedeverywhere the general public is allowed,including restaurants, stores, and all placesof public accommodation that have a “nopets” policy.Dogs for the visually, hearing, and physicallyimpaired can be obtained through establishedorganizations or individual trainers. However,the latter may be difficult to locate. Someestablished organizations in the United Statesand Canada provide skilled dogs trained atvarious centers.Figure 3. The golden retriever is a favorite dog breed that isused to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and/orliving in continuing care facilities. Photo by JannelleVreugdehil, WikiHHearing dogs are trained to help people whoare deaf or hard-of-hearing. These dogsalert a person with a hearing impairment tovarious sounds such as a smoke alarm, analarm clock, the telephone ring, anotherperson, the doorbell, knocks at the door, ababy crying, and sirens.ARCService dogs (Figure 2) for the physicallydisabled are trained to increase the mobilityand independence of people who usewheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or canes.These dogs perform such varied tasks aspulling wheelchairs, retrieving items thatare dropped, turning light switches off and on,opening and closing doors and drawers,carrying items by mouth or in backpacks, andhelping the person rise from sitting or fallenpositions. In addition, a number of empiricalstudies have demonstrated that the presenceof a companion dog serves to increase thequantity and quality of attention directedtoward the physically handicapped peopleby both familiar individuals and strangers(National Institutes of Health, 1987). This“magnet” effect of companion dogs can be ofgreat benefit to the handicapped individualsbecause it reduces the tendency to be avoidedor ignored by non-handicapped people.These dogs can also be of great benefit topeople with disabilities associated with2 Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemMost of their dogs come from their ownselective breeding programs that primarilyuse American Kennel Club (AKC) registeredpurebred Labrador retrievers and goldenretrievers (Figure 3) selected for theirexcellent temperament, intelligence, andhealth. However, some organizationssuccessfully use Pembroke Welsh corgis(Figure 4), German shepherds (Figure 5), andFigure 4. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is also an affectionatedog that works well in therapy programs. Photo byPmuths1956, Wiki
IVEinstitutional settings is associated with thetendency of older persons to smile and talkmore, reach out toward people and objects,exhibit more alertness and attention, andexperience more symptoms of well-beingand less depression (National Institutes ofHealth, 2009). These studies have proven petprograms superior in producing psychosocialbenefits compared to some other alternativetherapies such as arts and crafts programs,friendly visitor programs, and conventionalpsychotherapy. Furthermore, the introductionof dogs in visitation programs in children’shospitals around the country has met withgreat success. By developing a bond with thedog, the patient may achieve documentableprogress toward therapeutic goals andhave a very heart-warming and memorableexperience. This is true especially for peopleliving in continuing care facilities. After all,sometimes it is nice to have someone to holdand to talk to.Figure 5. The German shepherd has been used to aid peoplewith disabilities, in dog-assisted therapy, and for specializedprotection. Photo by Ellen Levy Finch, Wikimixed-breeds (dogs that do not possessa known lineage) (Figure 6) from animalshelters.ARCHIn order for a therapy dog to performeffectively it must have obedience training, acalm and nonaggressive temperament, andgood health. To be obedience trained the dogmust be able to: Walk beside the handler.“Sit,” “lay down,” and “stand” oncommand and “stay” until released fromcommand.Come quickly when called and “sit” on theleft side of the handler and wait for thenext command.Figure 6. Mixed breeds from animal shelters have been usedvery successfully as hearing dogs.Dog-Assisted TherapyBasically, therapy dogs try to normalize theinstitutional experience by providingemotional support (Figure 7). Although thesedogs are not legally defined by federal law,they visit hospitals, nursing homes, schoolsfor mentally retarded children and adults, andother facilities or institutions.Therapy dogs have been tremendouslysuccessful, especially in the areas of physicalrehabilitation and psychological recovery. Forexample, the presence of animals inFigure 7. Although therapy dogs are not legally defined byfederal law, they are allowed to visit hospitals to provideemotional support. Photo by Zipster969, WikiDog Companionship and its Benefits to Humans 3
In addition, these dogs must also feelcomfortable in the presence of wheelchairs,walkers, crutches, oxygen tanks, food carts,and any other equipment patients andtherapists may use. A dog may be the solution for victims ofabusive spouses or stalkers, especially if agun is not an option because of children inthe home. A dog can be trained to react tothreats against the owner and immediatefamily. The German shepherd (Figure 5) isone of the most popular breeds used forprotection. A dog can be a benefit in emergenciesfor those with disabilities associated withseizure disorders. Researchers at theUniversity of Florida reported that somedogs have an innate ability to alert and/orrespond to seizures (Dalziel et al., 2003).IVEAlthough the golden retriever (Figure 3) andthe Labrador retriever are among thefavorite breeds used in dog-assisted therapyprograms, breeds such as the collie (Figure8), German shepherd (Figure 5), andPembroke Welsh Corgi (Figure 4) have beenused successfully. Unfortunately, not everydog can be a therapy dog.Other Services and Benefits ofDog CompanionshipA companion dog, according to medicalresearch, can lower a person’s bloodpressure and mitigate the effects ofloneliness. The Australian People and PetsSurvey of 2006 shows that dog owners,compared to non-pet owners, are morephysically active, visit the doctor lessoften, less likely to take medication forhigh blood pressure, and are less likely toreport feeling lonely. Therefore, those whoown dogs can expect health cost savings,both to households and government, inaddition to enjoying the companionship ofthe family pet.CH Figure 8. The collie has been successful in dog-assistedtherapy programs. Photo by Sannse, WikiARNational organizations that certify dogs andtheir handlers include The Delta Society andTherapy Dogs International, Inc. All dogsaccepted into Delta Society’s Pet Partnersprogram must pass a two-part screening ofskills and aptitude before certification. Tobe certified by Therapy Dogs International,Inc., dogs and handlers must pass the fairlyrigorous Canine Good Citizen Test, sponsoredby the American Kennel Club (AKC). Patientsand staff should have the option of notparticipating in dog-assisted therapy.4 Alabama Cooperative Extension System A dog can enhance self-esteem and feelingsof competence in older children, as well asimprove motivation, when given theresponsibility for its exercise, training, andfeeding. This is true especially amongthose considered at risk. It has also beensuggested that exposure to pets shouldfacilitate the establishment andmaintenance of relationships with peers,especially in grade and high school (NIH,1987). Families can spend quality timeand share memorable moments by havingtheir youths participate in many dogrelated activities that offer safe fun andrecreation. Some of these activities includethe following:
Obedience Trials: Dogs are requiredto retrieve articles, jump fences, anddo heeling patterns. It’s a great wayto win titles, and best of all, havewondrous fun with “their” dogs.Flyball Tournaments: They consistof a relay type of sport where dogsrace over a series of jumps, fetchballs from a ball-box and race backto the start so that the next dog inthe relay team continues to run thecourse.Facts about DogsParameterClassBody TemperatureResting Pulse RateRespiration RateVisionReach PubertyLength of EstrousCycleLength of GestationWeaning TimeOrderDentitionAnswerMammal100 to 102.5 degrees F60 to 140 beats/minute10 to 30 breaths/minuteDichromatic (detect two colors: blue and green)6 to 9 months8 monthsDigestive System63 to 65 days7 to 8 weeks of ageCarnivoreTemporary teeth erupt at about 20 days of ageand a full set of 42 permanent teeth are fullyerupted by 6 months of age.Monogastric systemHAgility Trials: These types of contestsdisplay the dog’s ability to takecommands, as to where to go on anobstacle course made up of jumps,tunnels, catwalks, and A-frames.Testing the dog’s ability is a great andhealthy way to have fun.Table 2Dog Vaccination ScheduleCDog CareTable 1IVEFrisbee Competitions: Dogscatching a flying disc (commonlycalled Frisbee) can become a “prizeworth working for,” while enjoying theoutdoors in a healthy and fun youthdog adventure.Dog-owner education in the areas of health,nutrition, and training is necessary to increasethe chance that both dog and owner will remaintogether for the rest of the natural life of thedog. Tables 1-5 provide additional dog careinformation.AROwners must understand that choosingto share their homes and lives with oneor more dogs means keeping their endof the bargain. In other words, togetherwith the joy that comes from owninga dog, certain things must be done tosecure a happy and healthy animal.Regular veterinary checkups, optimalnutrition and protection against injuriesare extremely important.Additionally, having their male dogneutered or their female dog spayed isnot “cruel.” In fact, it is much healthierand beneficial to the dog. For the maledog it means fewer problems withthe prostate gland and lower rates oftesticular cancer, while for the femaledog it means fewer chances of ovariancancer and uterine infections. Mostimportant, neutering or spaying yourdog will contribute to solving the petoverpopulation problem.Age V a c c i n e5 to 8 Weeks DHLPPC (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis,12 to 14 Weeks16 to 18 Weeks5 to 6 MonthsAnnually (Adults)Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Coronavirus)DHLPPC boosterDHLPPC boosterRabiesDHLPPC and Rabies (consult your veterinarianfor the right vaccination schedule)Table 3Most Common Parasites in DogsType P a r a s i t eInternal Heartworm, Roundworm, Hookworm,Whipworm, Tapeworm, CoccidiaExternalFlea, Tick, Mange MiteDog Companionship and its Benefits to Humans 5
Table 4Guidelines for Selecting Foods and Feeding DogsMake sure the label has the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guaranteeLook for meat (beef, chicken, turkey or lamb) as the first ingredient, rice as the main grain in theformula, and mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) as preservativesBe certain that the food has an expiration date, and that it has not turned rancidStore food in a sealed container in a cool dry placeFeed the dog according to correct body weight and condition, and consider factors such as growth,adult maintenance, gestation, lactation, level of activity and ageWatch the dog's stool, weight, and coat when changing foodsMake sure the dog has fresh water at all timesOther benefits companiondogs have been shown toprovide are:IVEWhen changing foods, mix 1/4 of the new food to 3/4 of the old food, and increase gradually toprevent gastric upsetssuccessful, especiallyin the areas of physicalrehabilitation andpsychological/emotionalrecovery. Medical researchhas determined that contactwith dogs can lower bloodpressure and fend offheart attacks. Increasingly,therefore, the elderly haveembraced Canis familiaris. Table 5Dog Obedience Exercises All work must be with the dog on a leashHRequire the dog to walk beside youSit and stay require the dog to sit in the same spot while you leave or stand six feet away for oneminute, then return and release the dog from the stay commandCDown and stay require the dog to lay down and stay in the down position for three minutes andstand six feet away until time is up, then return and release the dog from the stay commandStand and stay require the dog to stay standing without moving its feet while you circle the dog orleave and stand six feet away, then return the dog to the heeling position and release the dog fromthe stay commandARRecall and finish require the dog to sit six feet away from you and make sure the dog comes quicklyto you and heel when calledGuevara (1999)ConclusionCompanion dogs do not remedy all the difficulties posedby a disability. However, they can provide the physical andpsychological support needed to move a person towardsindependence, and somewhat improve their daily life. Thisincludes guiding and alerting people with impaired visionor hearing, retrieving dropped items for the physicallychallenged, and/or just providing joy and comfort.More recently, the concept of dogs in healthcare facilities hasevolved into dog-assisted therapy programs in which traineddogs help patients achieve documentable progress towardtherapeutic goals. These programs have been tremendously6 Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemDecreased feelings ofanxiety, stress andisolationIncreased self-esteem,sense of responsibilityand competence in olderchildrenEnhanced respect for allliving beingsMoreover, dog-relatedactivities enable families tospend quality time together,while setting differentgoals for their four-leggedbuddies.Table 6 lists national andstate organizations thatare dedicated to promotingthe physical and emotionalwell-being of people throughmutually beneficial and safeinteraction with dogs.
Table 6National & State OrganizationsGreater Huntsville Humane Society2812 Johnson RoadHuntsville, AL 35805(256) 881-8081https://www.ghhs.org/Birmingham Kennel Club, Inc.109 Clark StreetPelham , AL 35124205 982-7552www.birminghamkc.orgHand-in-Paw, Inc.617 38th Street SouthBirmingham, AL 35222Phone: 205.322.5144www.handinpaw.orgCanine Companions for IndependenceP. O. Box 446Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446National Headquarters:Phone: 1-866-CCI-DOGS (224-3647)Toll free: 1-800-572-BARK (2275)http://www.cci.orgHumane Society of the TennesseeValleyP.O. Box 51723Knoxville, TN 37950Physical Address:6717 Kingston PikeKnoxville, TN 37919865-573-9675 (423) 573-9675http://humanesocietytennessee.com/Pet Partners (Delta Society)875 124th Ave NE, Suite 101Bellevue, WA 98005(425) g/Huntsville Obedience Training Club131 Export CircleHuntsville, AL 35806(256) 852-4377http://www.hotc.org/Home.aspxInternational Association ofAssistance Dog Partners38691 Filly DriveSterling Heights, MI 48310(810) 826-3938http://www.iaadp.org/CDogs for the Deaf, Inc.10175 Wheeler Rd.Central Point, OR 97502(541) 826-9220 (V/TDD)www.dogsforthedeaf.orgHuntsville Animal Services4950 Triana Boulevard SouthHuntsville, AL 35805 (256) anine Partners for LifeP.O. Box 170Cochranville, PA 19330Physical Address334 Faggs Manor RoadCochranville, PA 19330(610) 869-4902http://k94life.orgMagic City Canine Club Dog AgilityClub3962 Lindsey Loop Road Bessemer,Alabama 35022http://mck9club.webs.com/contactus.htmARDog Ears4200 East Britton RoadOklahoma City, OK 73131(405) 478-2303Fidos For Freedom, Inc.1200 Sandy Spring RoadLaurel, MD 20707 (410)880-4178www.fidosforfreedom.orgGuide Dogs of America13445 Glenoaks Blvd.Sylmar, CA 91342(818) 362-5834www.guidedogsofamerica.orgGuide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.P.O. Box 151200San Rafael, CA 94915-1200(800) 295-4050www.guidedogs.comGuiding Eyes for the Blind611 Granite Springs Rd.Yorktown Heights, NY 10598(800) 942-0149www.guiding-eyes.orgNightwinds International Dog TrainingSpecialized Protection(520) 631-6293www.nightwinds.comNorth Alabama Canine CruisersDog Agility Clubhttp://www.aguntcockers.com/nacc/North American Dog Agility Council24605 Dodds RoadBend, Oregon 97701www.nadac.comE-mail: info@nadac.comPaws With A Cause4646 South DivisionWayland, MI 49348Phone: 800-253-7297(616) 877-7297 (V/TDD)www.pawswithacause.orgIVEAmerican Kennel Club8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100Raleigh, NC 27617-3390Phone: (919) 233-9767www.akc.orgMontgomery Humane Society1150 John Overton Dr.Montgomery, AL 36110-3235(334) 409-0622www.montgomeryhumane.com/Montgomery Kennel ClubP. O. Box 241362Montgomery, AL S/Dogs for Deaf and DisabledAmericansP.O. Box 1100Princeton, MA 01541National Headquarters:305 Redemption Rock Trail SouthPrinceton, MA 01541(978) 422-9064 Voice or TDDhttp://neads.orgSan Francisco SPCA Hearing DogProgram201 Alabama StreetSan Francisco CA 94103(415) 522-3500http://www.sfspca.orgSoutheastern Guide Dogs, Inc.4210 77th Street EastPalmetto, FL 34221(941) 729-5665www.guidedogs.orgSusquehanna Service Dogs1078 Gravel Hill RoadGrantville, PA 17028Phone: 717-599-5920www.keystonehumanservices.orgTherapet Animal AssistedTherapy FoundationP.O. Box 130118Tyler, TX 75713(903) 535-2125www.therapet.comTherapy Partners, Inc. 3054 Leeman Ferry Rd Suite JHuntsville, Alabama 35801(256) 881-5700http://www.therapypartners.org/Therapy Dogs International, Inc.88 Bartley RoadFlanders, NJ 07836(973) 252-9800www.tdi-dog.orgUnited States Dog Agility Association,Inc.P.O. Box 850955Richardson, TX 75085-0955972.487.2200http://usdaa.com/Dog Companionship and its Benefits to Humans 7
ReferencesAmerican Pet Products Association. (2016). Pet industry market size & ownership statistics. Retrieved from http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press industrytrends.asp.Anderson, W. P., Reid, C. M., & Jennings, G. L. (1992, September 7). Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The Medical Journal of Australia, 157(5), 298-301.Born Free USA. (n.d.). Get the facts: What’s really in pet food. Retrieved from port BFUSA.pdf.Case, L.P. (1999). The dog: Its behavior, nutrition, and health. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, April 30). Health benefits of pets. Healthy Pets Healthy People. Retrievedfrom http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health benefits.htm.IVECornell University. (2013). 2013 disability status report: Alabama. Employment and Disability Institute. Retrieved rts/2013-PDF/2013-StatusReport AL.pdf.Dalziel, D. J, Uthman, B. M., Mcgorray, S. P., & Reep, R. L. (2003, March). Seizure-alert dogs: A review and preliminarystudy. Seizure, 12(2), 115-120.Guevara, V.G. (1999). The obedience exercises. Puppy and Adult Basic Beginners Course.Jones, J. M. (2007). Companionship and love of animals drive pet ownership. Gallup. Retrieved from ve-Animals-Drive-Pet-Ownership.aspx.National Institutes of Health. (2009, February). Can pets help keep you healthy? NIH: News in Health. Retrieved .pdf.HNational Institutes of Health. (1987, September 10-11). The health benefits of pets. National Institutes of HealthOMAR Workshop. Retrieved from etsta003html.htm.The Humane Society of the United States. (2011, August 12). U.S. pet ownership statistics. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet overpopulation/facts/pet ownership statistics.html.ARCUnited States Census Bureau. (2012). American community survey. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/Julio E. Correa, PhD, Associate Professor & Extension Animal Scientist,Alabama A&M UniversityFor more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directoryunder your county’s name to find the number.UNP-0008The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equalopportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome!Revised August 2016; UNP-0008 2016 by Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved.
participating in dog-assisted therapy. Other Services and Benefits of Dog Companionship A dog may be the solution for victims of abusive spouses or stalkers, especially if a gun is not an option because of children in the home. A dog can be trained to react to threats against the owner and immediate family. The German shepherd (Figure 5) is
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If the dog is barking at people it can see passing by, try blocking the dog's view. An anti-barking collar may be useful for some, but not all. Teach the dog to stop barking on command. When the dog is barking give a firm command such as 'cease' and call the dog to you. Praise the dog when it stops barking. If the dog will not .
the dog barking, try some of these simple tips - every dog is different! Do not reward the dog when it barks. Don't let the dog inside or give it attention - instead, reward the dog when it is quiet. Teach the dog to stop barking on command - give the dog a command when it is barking and reward the dog
The Bird Dog stories describe the adventures of a boy and a dog. The dog learns to hunt birds so the boy calls the dog a bird dog. A girl, a boy riding a bike, and some other animals, joins the boy and dog. They go hunting for all kinds of creatures, including a cat and skunk. The bird dog is a good hunter except for hunting boys and girls.
Otago: Rebecca Aburn, Anne Sutherland, Gill Adank, Jan Johnstone, Andrea Dawn Southland: Mandy Pagan, Carolyn Fordyce, Janine Graham Hawkes Bay: Wendy Mildon As over 30 members of the New Zealand Wound Care Society were in attendance at the AGM a quorum was achieved. Apologies:
