How Therapy Dogs Help Children Develop Social Skills & Friendships
Children who have experienced trauma often struggle with emotional regulation, trust, and a sense of safety.
Social interactions don’t come naturally to every child. For some, making friends, joining conversations, or understanding social cues can be overwhelming.
Whether due to anxiety, neurodivergence, or past experiences, social struggles can impact a child’s confidence and emotional well-being.
🐶 Therapy dogs create a bridge for connection, helping children develop confidence in their social interactions.
Why Do Some Children Struggle with Social Skills?
Fear of rejection – Worrying about not being accepted.
Difficulty with non-verbal communication – Struggling to read body language or tone.
Low confidence in conversations – Finding it hard to start or maintain discussions.
Social anxiety – Feeling overwhelmed by group settings or unfamiliar situations.
How Therapy Dogs Help Children Build Friendships
🐾 Providing a Shared Focus – A therapy dog acts as a natural conversation starter.
🐾 Encouraging Cooperative Play – Activities involving dogs promote teamwork.
🐾 Reducing Social Anxiety – Stroking a dog helps children feel calmer in social settings.
🐾 Boosting Confidence in Social Interactions – Therapy dogs create a safe space for practicing communication.
📩 DM me today if you’d love to help children develop friendships and social skills through therapy dogs!
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