Dog-handler couple evaluation in Animal-Assisted Interventions

The evaluation of animal-handler teams is essential to warrant the effectiveness of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) and the wellbeing of all members involved (Fredrikson et al. 2010, Butler 2004). Despite there are protocols to assess animal-handler teams (i.e Pet Partners, Delta Society), these are not scientifically standardized and are centered on animals’ skills and temperament, without deepening human handlers’ competences and setting’s variables (Serpell, 2001). This study aims at creating a standardized screening procedure to evaluate pet therapy teams, appraising both dog's sanitary, behavioral and educational features, and handler’s personality, theoretical and practical knowledge. Sixty couples till now were exposed to different kind of assessments and divided into three experimental groups: experts, beginners and non-professional, basing upon their expertise in AAI. Handlers were tested using personality questionnaires (BFQ-2, EQ-i) and an ad hoc questionnaire to measure their knowledge about AAI and dog management. The couples were observed during a role-playing that simulated a pet therapy session, presenting various conditions and unexpected stimuli that could occur during clinical experiences. Informed consent was obtained and the couples were video recorded. Videos were coded and analyzed using the OBSERVER-XT. The results show no significant differences between the three groups in the questionnaires but the role-playing suggests that professional handlers are more capable to organize the environment respecting both dog’s and humans' wellbeing and safety and have a better control over their dog’s behaviour. Even if further work is needed, this evaluation protocol seems to be useful to identify qualified pet therapy teams.