Exploring the Handler-Dog Connection within a University-Based Animal-Assisted Activity.

Area of Science:

• Animal-assisted activities (AAAs)
• Human-animal interaction
• Canine behavior

Background:

• Research on human-dog interactions in university AAAs is growing.
• Focus has been on student-dog interactions, but handler-dog dynamics require study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze handler-dog interactions during university AAAs.
• To identify changes in handler behavior before and during student interactions.
• To classify handler interaction styles based on warmth and control.

Main Methods:

• Coded 151 video-recorded 10-minute observations of handler-dog interactions.
• Utilized a mixed-methods approach to quantify dog-directed handler behaviors.
• Analyzed changes in behavior (postural state, verbal, physical contact) with student introduction.

Main Results:

• Handlers significantly decreased petting and increased floor-sitting and leash-restraining behaviors when students were introduced.
• Two handler dimensions emerged: warmth and control, defining four interaction styles (Hands-off, Permissive, Authoritative, Authoritarian).
• Student presence influenced handler styles, with some increasing and others decreasing warmth behaviors towards their dogs.

Conclusions:

• Student presence alters handler-dog interaction dynamics in university AAAs.
• Handler interaction styles are context-dependent and influenced by external factors.
• Findings offer insights for optimizing AAA facilitation and handler training.