2021-08-172021-08-172018-122018-122018-12https://hdl.handle.net/2346/87665As the application for therapy dogs expand, there is growing concern for their welfare. In this sequence of studies, I aim to provide data and scientific insight into how therapy sessions with children impact therapy dogs and determine which types of child activities may impact the dogs’ welfare. Four experiments were developed to target the evaluation of therapy dog welfare. Assessment of therapy dogs’ behavior, preferences, and choices during sessions with children were conducted. Dogs’ stress behavior varied across dog and across child. No evidence for habituation to the child over time was found. Dogs varied on preference for proximity to the child, but no dog avoided the child. Dogs also differed on their choice to escape the room. The data showed that specific behavior of the dog can predict preference for proximity of the dog to the child in a structured preference assessment. Information from the sequence of studies not only will call awareness to the global issue surrounding therapy dog use and their welfare, but also provide suggestions for updated screening practices for therapy dog organizations, the ultimate goal keeping programs viable and to preserve longevity of service of their therapy dogs.application/pdfengTherapy DogAnimal BehaviorDog BehaviorAnimal WelfareThesis2021-08-17Access is not restricted.