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R~S.t VCWcFLeet, PVi.D., RPT-S is a licensed

psychologist and registered play therapist-supervisor with35 years of clinical and leadership experience in a varietyof settings. She is the president of the FamilyEnhancement & Play Therapy Center. Inc. in Boiling

Springs, PA. She is the clinical consultant for the BeechStreet Program. Dr. VanFleet is the founder of theInternational Collaborative on Play Therapy and a PastPresident/Board Chair of the Association for PlayTherapy. She has authored several books on filial/familytherapy, numerous chapters on play therapy, and isfeatured on 3 video workshops. Rise has trainedthousands worldwide, and she has received 2 prestigiousnational awards for her work. She is also the author of

Play Therapy for Kids and Canines: Benefits forChildren's Developmental and Psychosocial Health (dueout in 2007). She is an Approved Evaluator with theAmerican Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen® Program, afull member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and a

professional affiliate of the International Association ofAnimal Behavior Consultants and the International Societyfor Anthrozoology. She is responsible for the PlayfulPooch Program and offers training programs in Canine­Assisted Play Therapy. She is also involved in ongoingresearch on the use of animals in conjunction withtherapy.

K~rr~e is a trained play therapy dog. She is a 3-year-old

rescued border collie/beagle mix. She is very playful andshe truly enjoys being with children and families.

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The Playful Pooch Program is designed to provide canine­

assisted play therapy services to children and families and to

offer training in the use of canines in play therapy to mental

health professionals. Canine-Assisted Play Therapy is acombination of the well-established fields of Animal Assisted

Therapy and Play Therapy. Playful child-canine interactions

are systematically used to make progress toward therapeutic

goals. Substantial research has clearly demonstrated theimportance of the human-animal bond as well as the value of

properly trained animals for treating children with a wide

range of difficulties. The Playful Pooch Program is just one

part of the child's overall treatment, but it can facilitate

progress on many dimensions.

sCifett:)Every effort is made to ensure the safety of everyone involved inthe Playful Pooch Program. Only properly trained dogs are used,and all interactions with children are completely supervised.Parents or caregivers should discuss with their therapist any petallergies or prior negative experiences with animals that the childmay have had. This program is completely voluntary. In the veryunlikely event of scratches or other injuries, staff will immediatelyinform parents and apply first aid. To date, the program has runsuccessfully with no negative incidents.

pvtpv!V~t~ov\' of tVlt c.Vt~ldWe prepare children in advance of meeting the therapy dog sothey know what to expect and how to greet the dog safely. Weteach children some simple canine "body language," basiccommands, how to give the dog adequate space when interacti ng,and how to use treats safely. We also give the chiId suggestionsand reminders as they are meeting and interacting with the dog.Any behaviors by the child or the dog that could lead to injury arestopped immediately and a different activity is used.

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There are many potential benefits of Canine-Assisted Play

Therapy. Your therapist will discuss possible advantages for

your child when recommending this program. Some of thecommon benefits are listed below.

Helps children open up quickly, capitalizing on thenatural interest that children have in animals

Fosters healthy attachment relationships, not only with

the dog, but also with peopleDevelops children's empathy, sharing, and care-giving

capabilitiesBuilds children's skills and confidence in themselves

Allows children to experience unconditional acceptance;

therapy dogs quickly communicate how special they thinkthe children are in a way that children understand

Helps children share traumatic experiences in an

emotionally safe wayTeaches children appropriate behaviors with animals,

and consequently, with other children and people

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Prepares children for encounters with unfamiliar dogs in

publicHelps children become more motivated for exercise andfitness

Helps calm children emotionally and physiologically;reduces anxieties and fears

Provides a unique opportunity for children to overcome

fear of dogs

Helps children who have been abused, neglected, or

rejected find new hope

Canines are playful, and children usually are very motivated

to play with them--both speak the "language" of play.

I could Ilever take dogs for gmllted .... TlU!ywere justallimals, (({tel'afl, alld it seemed to me that their maillpreoccupatioll ought to be ill seekillg food alldpf'Otectioll; illStead they dispellSed a .flow of ((ffectiollalld loyal(v which appeared to be limitless.

--.James He •.•.iot. vete •.ina •.ian & autho •.

UlhCl"C Go@s OJt?A number of different activities and interactions

are used to accomplish therapeutic goals. Some ofthe options are listed below.

Children help train the dog, learning basic

obedience commands. They also can help teach

the dog new tricks.Children learn how to stay safe with dogs as

well as how to keep the dog safe.Children take part in grooming and caring for

the dog, learning appropriate touch and

sensitivity to the dog's signals. This can helpcalm both the child and the dog.

Children learn agility activities, such as runninga small obstacle course with the dog.

When the therapy dog is present as a part of

the playroom, children may involve it in some oftheir imaginary play.

.• Children might communicate their thoughts andfeelings to the dog, either directly by telling

the dog, or indirectly by stories or artwork

involving the dog.Children engage in problem-solving by helping

the dog "resolve" problems that might besimilar to the child's.

Children learn to self-regulate their emotions

and behaviors as they interact with the dog.They learn responsibility for the safety and

enjoyment of all involved.Children playa variety of games with the dog,

designed to help the child with various

problems or to build the child's confidence.

All the interactions are kept playful to maintain a

climate of emotional safety for the child. Much

therapy work can occur in this environment.Sometimes the children initiate the activities with

the canine, and at other times, the therapist

suggests brief activities tailored to the child's

personality, strengths, and needs. Children arenever asked to do something if they feeluncomfortable with it.