Paws-on Learning: A Graduate Student’s Experience with Speech Therapy Dogs
Have you had the chance to share your passion with a newcomer in your chosen field?
This past summer I had the delightful opportunity to introduce a speech-language pathology graduate student to animal-assisted therapy as she completed her practicum requirements for Baylor University.
Stefanie Morgan joined me with experienced speech therapy dog Delta as well as with Sky, who was just starting her therapy dog journey at the time.
I was curious to learn Stefanie’s observations after 12 weeks of working with the dogs in a limited capacity while her primary focus was on learning the day-to-day strategies of speech, language, and reading therapy.
Stefanie spent a few hours observing before officially starting her practicum. As she came through the door she commented, “I feel like I’m meeting a celebrity” as she greeted speech therapy dog Delta.
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Benefits of a speech therapy dog’s presence
Having adopted her own dog, a German Shephard named Goose, just months before the Covid-19 pandemic, Stefanie already had a sense of how much animals can enhance human well-being. “During those weeks at home, Goose provided me with a sense of purpose and his presence has always helped me feel calm and grounded,” she noted.
Though Stefanie had already seen clips of Delta working on the Speech Dogs site, she did find some additional benefits to including the dogs as she began working with us.
“Initially, I expected the therapy dogs to primarily assist clients in transitioning into the session, but I quickly realized that they help create a positive environment for everyone involved. The dogs also seem to put caregivers at ease; I notice how people visibly relax and brighten up when they see the dogs as they walk through the door…and [they] provide them with an immediate topic to discuss, facilitating interaction right from the start. Their presence adds an additional layer of connection and warmth to the therapeutic process.
“The easiest aspect of AAT is building rapport with clients. The dogs help create a non-judgmental atmosphere that helps clients feel at ease. ”
Therapy dog Delta provides non-judgmental listening as a client practices articulation skills while reading a book with graduate student Stefanie.
Two speech therapy dogs, two different experiences
Stefanie noted she was also surprised “how rewarding it was to see Delta and Sky bring their unique personalities into the sessions.
“The dogs introduce different energies into the clinic and impact sessions in distinct ways. For example, Delta brings a calming presence, often lying down next to clients as if she wants to listen to them. In contrast, Sky is energetic and eager to please; she makes clients laugh by enthusiastically following their commands.
“It genuinely feels like Delta and Sky find purpose in serving others, and they seem to love coming to work as much as the clients enjoy having them there.”
New speech therapy dog Sky checks in during an animal-assisted speech therapy session led by graduate student Stefanie.
The nuts and bolts of including a student in animal-assisted therapy sessions
Because Stefanie was learning so many skill sets at once and managing a therapy dog takes a high-level of vigilance for everyone’s safety, Delta and Sky were included in sessions where I was present to observe.
Early on we focused on recognizing each dog’s body language using recordings from sessions, photos, The Language of Dogs, and one-on-one interactions as Stefanie learned how to direct the dogs.
My two therapy dogs are very different in both how they communicate stress as well as just their baseline behaviors. Sky is very wiggly and vivacious and will jump away quickly if she is unsure about a situation, for example, whereas Delta tends to get very quiet and still if she is feeling stressed.
“One of the more challenging aspects is making sure the dogs feel comfortable while simultaneously managing the session,” Stefanie noted.
“There can be unpredictability in the behaviors of clients…a child may let out a playful scream or attempt to lovingly hug one of the dogs. It is important to check in with the dogs and look for signs that they might need a break. Finding this balance has taken time, but getting to know each dog and their needs has been invaluable.”
Delta and Sky both took to Stefanie quickly and knowing that she often stashed treats in her pockets helped cement their bond as well.
Delta, however, initially would look to me for guidance when Stefanie tried to direct her. We found taking some moments between clients in which I left the room allowed Stefanie to find what worked best to get Delta’s attention and cooperation.
Plus, it was surprisingly peaceful being able to use the restroom or check the mail without a dog at my side, though I did have another professional from the building express concern when she saw me walking through the hall alone for the first time.
“My favorite moments are when she approaches an activity and tries to sit right in the middle of the materials—she’s so funny and endearing. It’s also special when she approaches a client and gazes at them, which makes them feel special and valued,” Stefanie said of speech therapy dog Delta.
A future in animal-assisted speech therapy?
Stefanie didn’t hesitate when asked if she sees herself providing animal-assisted speech therapy in the future. “Absolutely—the benefits I've observed during my practicum have convinced me of the value they bring to therapeutic settings.
“I believe that therapy dogs can enhance client outcomes by providing emotional support and motivation, which are critical components in the recovery and development process. Partnering with a therapy dog would align well with my goal of providing holistic care.
Stefanie recalls a time “Sky looked so happy and playful, rolling over and performing tricks for attention. The client was engaged and motivated to talk about what Sky was doing. We all ended up laughing and it was a truly joyful and memorable experience for everyone involved.”
“As I prepare for my next internship, which will focus on working with adults, I am interested in exploring how therapy dogs could support this population…how the presence of a therapy dog can enhance engagement, reduce anxiety, and improve overall therapeutic outcomes for adult clients.”
Realizing the experience she received over the past few months was just the tip of the iceberg for animal-assisted therapy, she commented she’d love to learn more about the specific requirements and standards for therapy dogs in different setting as well as legal and ethical considerations.
Stefanie hopes other graduate students have a chance to seek out opportunities to observe or participate in AAT sessions to experience the dynamics of the work firsthand.
“I hope that therapy dogs become more widely integrated into the field of speech-language pathology, as they offer rewarding benefits for all parties involved.”
I’d like to thank Stefanie for all the hard work she put in with my clients and my therapy dogs. I can’t wait to see where she takes her talents in the future and look forward to hearing updates as she settles in to life as a full-fledged Speech-Language Pathologist and perhaps, as an animal-assisted interventionist as well!
Thanks also to my wonderful families at Arlington Speech & Reading for welcoming Stefanie and allowing a new professional to learn the ropes.
If you are interested in learning more about partnering with a dog in a professional setting, check out Paws for Progress: Integrating Animal-Assisted Interventions Into Your Speech-Language Pathology Practice available now from ASHA Press!
And check out the new online course, Talk to the Paw: Foundations for Therapy Animal Inclusion in a Professional Setting. Over 7 hours of content with more than 70 vide clips from actual animal-assisted therapy sessions to illustrate the the what, why, and how of therapy animal partnership!
May your days be filled with puppy wiggles and children’s giggles,
Sharlet
