Handling a Dog by Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Calming Or Exciting?(Report‪)‬

Several studies have provided convincing evidence that pet ownership, especially ownership of dogs, has significant long term cardiovascular benefits (Friedmann, Katcher, Lynch, & Thomas, 1980; Friedmann & Thomas, 1995; Friedmann, Thomas, Stein, & Kleiger, 2003) as well as other health benefits (Siegel, 1990). These findings have led to an interest in the possible therapeutic benefits of introducing animals in a variety of institutional settings. Often, pet therapy occurs in an institution with relatively brief exposure to an animal. Therefore, studies which assess participants' reactions following brief exposure to an animal may be comparable to the limited exposure times which often typify pet therapy programs.