Puppy support for youth trauma

Researchers at Victoria University (VU) have shown the positive impact of the human–animal bond on young people in a youth residential care program. 

In collaboration with The Unconditional Love Foundation (UCLF) and Uniting Vic. Tas, Associate Professor Fiona MacDonald worked with young people and staff at a youth drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in regional Victoria. Through observing sessions with UCLF’s dogs, interviewing staff and surveying young people, she was able to investigate how an animal-assisted community outreach program could enhance rehabilitation.

According to Associate Professor MacDonald, the ability of the dogs to almost instantly break down communication barriers was a clear outcome of this project.

Many of the young people in the program have come from difficult situations, have been in rehabilitation before and do not place much trust in the process.

“One of the strongest outcomes from the research was the presence of connection, trust and relationships between the dogs and young people. While these three important social influences take considerable time to build between humans, human relationships with the two UCLF dogs were remarkable. It really showed that with well-trained, temperament-tested dogs how quickly the human-animal bond can develop,” Associate Professor MacDonald said.

It was essential that the right conditions were present to support this connection. As a result, Uniting Vic.Tas and UCLF were flexible with the way they conducted the sessions. Young people could move in and out of the sessions, stay for a while to engage with the dogs and then leave with no pressure to stay or contribute to the discussion. 

“A moment to pat, feed or just lie down with a dog was all that was needed for some of these young people to move from an agitated pre-session state to one of calm. By extension, the connection, trust and relationship with the dogs enabled young people to open up about their lives, their alcohol or drug use and future desires. 

"For some, that meant sharing experiences with animals from childhood, while others were missing their pets while in the Centre. Staff and management all reflected that this level of openness was absent from other programs at the Centre,” she said.

Young people reported the following aspects from their experiences with the dogs in the sessions: 

• building an environment of safety and respect
• building empathy
• changing behaviours, with more young people actively participating in the sessions.

The results from staff were similar, with most reporting:

• building an environment of safety and respect
• building emotional intelligence among the participants. 

Staff members said of the program:

“We completely believe in the power of the human–animal bond, and that is a connection. And one of the more modern philosophies around addiction is that a lack of connection is a hugely contributing factor. So, with those two ideas meshing together, the animals come in and provide both some connection, and some joy.” 

“Most will come with an animal story, but some may not have ever had a pet. It’s opening that idea up to them.” 

It is hoped the research can lead to further research into the benefits of the human-animal bond in environments supporting young people to overcome complex life circumstances. 

To speak to Associate Professor MacDonald contact Gemma Williams – Media and Communications Manager (Research and Impact) call 0401 664 047 or email [email protected]