From the dog's perspective: Welfare implications of HAI research and practice.

Abstract

Human-animal interaction (HAI) refers to the mutual and dynamic relationships between people and animals and the ways in which these interactions may affect physical and psychological health and well-being (McCardle, McCune, Griffin, & Esposito, 2011). The effects described from HAI investigations are often focused largely on the many well-known positive benefits for people: for example, reduction of blood pressure, lower risk of allergies and asthma in children, reduced stress and depression. Historically, few HAI investigations have intentionally focused on or addressed the potential benefits or harm of HAI to the animals involved.The intent of this chapter is to provide a balanced perspective on animal well-being and welfare in the study of HAI and, in the context of this volume, to explore the value of neuroscience as an avenue for discovering the basis of the human-animal bond. Neuroscience may be able to provide explanations for some of the observed effects of HAI, as well as identify the

Considering the “Dog” in Dog–Human Interaction

“…Relatedly, currently best-practice recommendations for HAI research emphasize the importance of using animals who are appropriate and appropriately trained for the work; monitoring of their welfare during the work; and allowing for retirement of an animal from work ( 6 , 32 ). At the same time, animals need to be “controllable” ( 38 ), to be polite, “not regularly vocalize inappropriately” ( 32 ), and to react (unnaturally) calmly to arousing stimuli. We could ask whether such work curtails an animal's full expression of a natural life ( 39 ), flourishing at whatever “sort of thing” the animal is ( 40 ): the dog's capacity for dogness ( 27 ).…”

Canine Assisted Occupational Therapy: Protocol of a Pilot Randomised Control Trial for Children on the Autism Spectrum

“…The purpose of this paper is to construct and document the treatment protocol to be used in a pilot randomised control trial (RCT) which will explore the impact of including a therapy dog into occupational therapy sessions for children on the autism spectrum when compared to usual care occupational therapy. Development of a protocol is crucial due to the current lack of guidelines and standards of safe and ethical practice of animal assisted therapy as an adjunct to occupational therapy [14].…”

“…The dog participating within this program will be over twelve months of age [14] [38] [39]. The dog will have local council registration.…”

“…Animal Welfare and Code of Ethics The term "animal welfare" is defined as the "state of the animal as it attempts to cope with its environment" [14: p. 218]. The five freedoms (1969) have frequently been referenced within HAI literature, to conceptualise animal welfare [14] [39]. These "five freedoms" included: 1) freedom from hunger and thirst, 2) freedom from discomfort, 3) freedom from pain and injury, or disease, 4) freedom to express normal behaviour, 5) freedom from fear and distress [14] [39].…”

“…The dog will be worked off lead at all times or on loose flat collar if required (e.g., if outside) allowing the dog the opportunity to move away if uncomfortable [14] [39]. The dog is to never be "held" in an interaction with a client, by the therapist, instead the therapy dog will choose to interact on their own accord [14] [39]. The therapist will ensure that a clean mat and bowl of water is placed safely in the room (away from places the water can easily be spilt) [26].…”