Impact of Interactions with a Puppy and Handler Versus a Handler Alone on Stress and Vitality in a University Setting: A Crossover Study
Tiffani J. Howell, Dac L. Mai, Pam Draganovic, John-Tyler Binfet, Pauleen C. Bennett

TL;DR
Interacting with a puppy and handler reduces stress more than interacting with a handler alone in a university setting.
Contribution
This study shows that puppies in training, with handlers, can be effective in campus-based wellbeing programs.
Findings
Stress was lower after interacting with a puppy and handler compared to the handler alone.
Vitality increased more when participants interacted with the puppy and handler first.
Puppies in training can be incorporated into university wellbeing programs.
Abstract
Campus-based dog programs can reduce stress and enhance wellbeing in university students and staff. However, most research has focused on adult dogs, who are well-trained and accompanied by a handler. In our study, participants came to the university campus for 20 min interactions with an assistance dog puppy in training and their handler during one visit, and the handler alone in another visit. We asked participants about their stress and vitality levels before and after each interaction. Stress was lower after the interaction with the puppy and handler compared to the handler alone. Vitality was greater after both visits among participants who had their session with the puppy and handler first. This study indicates that assistance dog puppies in training, with knowledgeable handlers, can be effective in campus-based visitation dog programs. Brief interactions with a well-behaved dog…
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Taxonomy
TopicsHuman-Animal Interaction Studies · Veterinary Practice and Education Studies · Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
