Play Therapy With Kids Canines

VanFleet (licensed psychologist with focus on play therapy) offers child and family clinicians guidelines for incorporating play with dogs into treatment for a variety of child problems. Early chapters summarize the rationale for animal-assisted therapy from neuroscience and psychology, as well as discussing ethical considerations and safety and training guidelines. Anecdotes from the author's and other play therapists' practices discuss the use of dogs in exercises for anxiety reduction, treatment for grief and loss, confidence building, weight reduction and fitness, work with behavioral and social difficulties.