Innovative Animal-Assisted Therapy Now Offered At CWS’ Emergency Shelter

Sandy, whose bright purple shirt is emblazoned with an embroidered star, looks at the little dog and gives a clear command: “jump!” Gus Gus promptly leaps over the plastic hurdle and trots back to Sandy, who rewards him with a treat.  This positive, trusting interaction between Sandy and her dog is at the heart of the work of The Little Dog Laughed, which now offers animal-assisted therapy at CWS’ emergency shelter.

Sandy and Gus Gus volunteer for Little Dog Laughed as a “S.T.A.R. Team,” which stands for, “See what you like, Tag it with a click And Reward.” Unlike some other types of animal-assisted therapy, Little Dog’s mission is to use the joy of positive dog training to teach non-violent relationship and problem-solving skills.

In carefully structured, one-on-one sessions, children teach a dog how to perform tricks, play games, or obey commands varying in complexity. These empowering sessions impart concepts that are naturally inherent in positive dog training, including interacting safely and respectfully with animals, building trusting relationships, effective problem solving, and adjusting confidently to new situations. Norma, CWS’ Child and Family Counselor, said that the dog training sessions were a great opportunity for kids staying in shelter to know that they had a positive impact.

Linda Keast, the Director of Little Dog Laughed, explained that though her program supports positive behaviors and outcomes, “We explicitly don’t advertise that to the kiddos. They know us not as therapy, but as S.T.A.R. Teams who come in to teach them dog training. As far as the kids are concerned we’re just there to have fun!”

We appreciate The Little Dog Laughed, an all-volunteer organization, providing these fun, valuable experiences to children residing in CWS’ emergency shelter!