The English Springer Spaniel as a therapy dog.
This article is dedicated to therapists and to the parents and carers of children who may benefit from therapy.
We hope it explains how valuable this work can be, and how demanding it can also be for the dog.
An appropriately selected English Springer Spaniel may be well suited to work with children and adults in animal-assisted services. Why describe the dog as a partner in therapy? Dog-assisted therapy involves a suitably selected and trained dog, working with a qualified professional towards defined therapeutic goals. Breed alone does not establish a dog’s suitability.
Different forms of animal-assisted work include:
- AAA — Animal-Assisted Activities: planned interactions that can offer opportunities for motivation, recreation, education and companionship, supporting quality of life.
- AAT — Animal-Assisted Therapy: goal-directed therapeutic work in which an animal meeting appropriate criteria takes part in a professional treatment programme. Sessions may address physical, social, emotional or cognitive functioning and may be individual or group-based.
- AAE — Animal-Assisted Education: goal-directed educational work involving a suitably prepared animal–handler team. It is led by an appropriately qualified education professional and may take place in different settings, with individuals or groups of different ages.
Not every gentle, friendly dog is suitable for this work. Selecting a dog, raising it, training it and assessing its readiness takes time, knowledge and experience. A professional must be able to recognise both the needs of participants and the dog’s welfare. Several qualities deserve particular attention.
An English Springer Spaniel working as a therapy dog should be:
appropriately trained
well socialised
confident in its handler’s support
comfortable with people and willing to interact
patient and calm
emotionally stable
free from aggressive behaviour towards people and animals
willing to initiate friendly contact
comfortable with gentle, appropriate handling; the handler must intervene whenever contact becomes uncomfortable for the dog.
Why an English Springer Spaniel as a therapy partner?
There are several ways in which a well-matched dog can support a positive relationship with a participant:
A dog does not judge a person’s appearance. Differences in speech, movement or appearance need not be barriers to a rewarding interaction.
A dog can invite communication and play. A handler can use the dog’s interest in a participant to encourage suitable activities. Clear boundaries still protect both the person and the animal.
A dog can offer welcome companionship. Gentle stroking and shared activities may be enjoyable when the dog chooses to participate. Pulling ears or a tail is never appropriate.
A dog can make an activity feel less formal. This does not mean the dog must tolerate anything. Fingers must not be put into its mouth, and toys should only be exchanged through a safe, supervised activity.
A dog can build a warm, consistent relationship. Its enthusiasm for a familiar person can be rewarding, provided its own need for rest, space and choice is respected.
Choosing a dog for therapy work.
Choosing a dog for this role requires careful thought. Research breeds, breeders and planned litters, remembering that this is a commitment lasting many years. If you lack experience, seek advice from a qualified behaviour professional and a trainer experienced in animal-assisted work. Once you have chosen a breeder and litter, plan for the puppy’s arrival and provide a quiet place where it can rest undisturbed. No animal should have to remain the centre of attention all the time. Read material recommended by the breeder and trainer.
The breeder’s observations and a professional assessment may help you choose. An assessment at seven or eight weeks is only a snapshot of development; it cannot guarantee that the puppy will become a suitable therapy dog.
Should you expect a therapy dog at home?
A family caring for a child with an illness or disability should consider its available time and support before taking on a dog. This is an individual decision, not a rule that such families cannot keep dogs. Professional therapy sessions are planned and time-limited; their length and frequency depend on the participant, the dog and the programme. Outside those sessions, the dog still needs walks, play, rest and opportunities for normal canine behaviour. Animal-assisted therapy depends on an appropriately qualified professional working with a well-prepared animal partner.
Dear parents and carers: please consider the dog’s needs as carefully as the hoped-for benefits.
Do not bring a dog home with the expectation that it will become a round-the-clock therapist for a child. A family pet and a professionally assessed therapy team are different things. Unreasonable expectations and unmet needs may create stress and behavioural difficulties. Discuss your situation with qualified professionals before deciding. You are welcome to contact us about the breed and the questions to ask when considering a puppy.
Original Polish text: Małgorzata Niewiejska, therapist. Photographs: Ewa Kochalska — Equess Carnivale. English edition includes editorial clarifications on welfare and individual suitability, informed by IAHAIO guidance.
The photograph shows Equess Carnivale COUNT ON ME, bred by us.