The Effects of Dogs on Learning: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Integrating dogs into learning environments is becoming more prevalent as growing evidence demonstrates positive benefits of dogs on human functioning. To date, there is no known quantitative review of research that specifically investigates the impacts of dogs within school/classroom environments. We sought to fill this gap with a meta-analysis that includes a comprehensive search investigating the effects of dogs on learning with ele- mentary, middle, and high school students. Specific outcomes investigated were reading, social skills, and emotional/behavioral skills. In addition, we also sought to understand how characteristics of students and dogs and method- ological features facilitate the effects of animal-assisted learning on learning outcomes. After an extensive search for studies meeting specified inclusion criteria, data from 20 studies were extracted yielding 66 independent effect sizes. In general, results showed that the inclusion of dogs within learning environments produces positive learning outcomes for students. We conclude with limitations and implications of the review.

Keywords:

• animal-assisted learning
• dogs
• human–animal interaction
• learning outcomes
• meta-analysis