Visiting Dogs in Children's Homes

Introduction

Visiting dogs in children's homes represent a valuable addition to the educational and therapeutic care of children and adolescents. These specially trained dogs not only provide emotional support but also promote the social development, self-confidence, and communication skills of young people. Animal-assisted intervention in children's homes has proven to be extremely effective and is increasingly being integrated as a fixed component of care concepts.

What are Visiting Dogs?

Visiting dogs are specially trained dogs that regularly visit facilities such as children's homes, nursing homes, or hospitals to promote positive emotional and social interactions. Unlike therapy dogs, visiting dogs do not work directly in therapeutic sessions but provide general social support and joy through their presence and interaction.

Distinction from Other Dog Types

Effects of Visiting Dogs in Children's Homes

Emotional Development

The presence of visiting dogs in children's homes has proven positive effects on children's emotional development:

• Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: Studies show that contact with dogs lowers cortisol levels and increases well-being
• Promotion of Empathy: Children learn to recognize and respond to the dog's needs and emotions
• Emotional Regulation: Dogs help children better understand and regulate their own emotions
• Building Trust: The relationship with a dog can help children rebuild trust in people

Social Competencies

Visiting dogs promote the development of important social skills:

1. Communication Skills: Children practice verbal and nonverbal communication with the dog
2. Teamwork: Joint activities with the dog promote cooperative behavior
3. Responsibility: Children take responsibility for the dog's well-being
4. Conflict Resolution: Through interaction with the dog, children learn to resolve conflicts peacefully

Cognitive Development

Working with visiting dogs also supports cognitive development:

• Concentration Ability: Children must concentrate to understand the dog's signals
• Problem-Solving Skills: Children develop strategies to interact with the dog
• Language Development: Conversations about the dog promote vocabulary and expression

Areas of Deployment in Children's Homes

Regular Visiting Programs

Regular visiting programs are the core of animal-assisted intervention in children's homes. These programs include:

• Weekly Visits: A fixed rhythm gives children security and something to look forward to
• Group Activities: Joint activities with the dog promote group dynamics
• Individual Contacts: Individual time with the dog enables intensive relationship work

Special Projects

In addition to regular visits, special projects can also be carried out:

• Reading Dog Programs: Children read to the dog, which promotes reading skills and self-confidence
• Exercise Programs: Joint walks and games promote physical activity
• Creative Projects: Painting, crafting, or photographing with the dog as a subject

Crisis Intervention

Visiting dogs can also be deployed in crisis situations:

• Trauma Processing: Dogs provide comfort and emotional support after traumatic events
• Conflict Mediation: The presence of a dog can have a de-escalating effect
• Farewell Support: Dogs can provide support in farewell situations

Requirements for Visiting Dogs

Character Traits

A suitable visiting dog for children's homes should have the following characteristics:

• Patience: The dog must be calm and patient, even in noisy or loud situations
• Friendliness: An open, friendly nature towards people, especially children
• Stability: Emotionally stable and not easily disturbed
• Social Compatibility: Good compatibility with other dogs and people
• Adaptability: Flexible in various situations and environments

Health Requirements

The dog's health is of crucial importance:

Training and Certification

Visiting dogs must complete special training:

1. Basic Training: Basic obedience and socialization
2. Specialized Training: Training for deployment in facilities
3. Suitability Test: Examination of character and health suitability
4. Certification: Official recognition by recognized organizations
5. Continuing Education: Regular further training and refresher courses

Preparation and Implementation

Preparation of the Children's Home

Before a visiting dog program starts, various preparations must be made:

• Room Design: A quiet, safe room for encounters
• Staff Qualifications: Training of staff in handling dogs
• Parent Information: Education of parents about the program
• Hygiene Concept: Clear rules for hygiene and safety
• Emergency Plan: Preparation for possible emergencies

Course of a Visit

A typical visit follows a structured process:

1. Arrival and Greeting: The dog handler introduces themselves and the dog
2. Acclimatization Phase: The dog can explore the environment
3. Making Contact: Children can approach the dog
4. Interactive Activities: Joint games or exercises
5. Rest Phase: Time for quiet interactions
6. Conclusion: Farewell and debriefing

Safety Measures

The safety of all participants has the highest priority:

• Supervision: Constant supervision by qualified staff
• Hygiene: Hand washing before and after contact
• Respectful Interaction: Clear rules for handling the dog
• Retreat Space: Possibility for the dog to retreat
• Emergency Equipment: First aid equipment for humans and animals

Positive Effects on Children

Scientific Findings

Research results prove the positive effects of visiting dogs:

• Reduction of Behavioral Problems: Studies show a significant improvement in behavior
• Increase in Self-Esteem: Children gain self-confidence through the relationship with the dog
• Improvement in Social Integration: Better integration into the group
• Promotion of Emotional Stability: Support in emotion regulation

Long-Term Effects

The positive effects can persist in the long term:

• Sustainable Behavioral Changes: Learned social skills remain
• Better Relationship Skills: Improved ability to build relationships
• Increased Resilience: Greater resistance to stress
• Positive Memories: Beautiful experiences with the dog remain in memory

Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges

When implementing visiting dog programs, various challenges can arise:

• Allergies: Some children or staff may be allergic to dogs
• Fears: Some children are afraid of dogs
• Organizational Hurdles: Coordination of appointments and rooms
• Costs: Financing of the program
• Liability Issues: Legal protection

Solution Approaches

For each challenge, there are practical solutions:

1. Allergies: Alternative activities for affected persons, strict hygiene
2. Fears: Slow, careful approach, no pressure
3. Organization: Fixed appointments, clear responsibilities
4. Financing: Donations, grants, cooperations
5. Liability: Comprehensive insurance, clear agreements

Checklist for Introduction

Before a visiting dog program starts in a children's home, the following points should be completed:

• Qualified dog handler with certified visiting dog
• Approval of the home management and the organization
• Information and consent of parents
• Training of staff
• Preparation of facilities
• Creation of a hygiene concept
• Clarification of insurance issues
• Development of an emergency plan
• Setting of visiting appointments
• Documentation system for visits

Conclusion

Visiting dogs in children's homes offer a valuable addition to educational and therapeutic care. They promote the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children and contribute to a positive climate in the facility. With proper preparation, qualified dogs, and committed dog handlers, visiting dog programs can achieve sustainable positive effects and enrich the lives of children in children's homes.

Last Update: October 21, 2025