Dr John Bradshaw is an anthrozoologist based at the School of
Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol. the UK.to read our body language – and their ultra-sensitive
noses. Seizure Alert Dogs are now being trained to assist
people with metabolic conditions such as brittle diabetes
and Addison’s disease, but the original idea came from
the dogs themselves, some of which seem to have taught
themselves to alert their owners to an impending attack.
It’s not known precisely how they do this, but a dog’s
ability to detect minute changes in the body odour of
the subject must play a part.
The relationship between us and dogs has been in
existence for over 10,000 years, and shows no signs of
weakening. But it is changing, as the traditional tasks that
dogs performed have been supplemented by new roles.
Getting a dog may not automatically make you healthier,
but, if you train it well, it will undoubtedly make you
happier – and encourage you to make new friends.a remarkable change in the residents’ behaviour. They went
from being largely apathetic to become more active and
animated, but also more spontaneous with the dogs –
for example, throwing a ball for the animals to retrieve.
Another notable feature of interaction with dogs is the
extent to which elderly residents reach out and touch them,
reducing their feelings of emotional isolation.
Unfortunately, although claims have been made that
contact with dogs might improve mental functioning,
no such benefits have been detected.
There is evidence that some children with autism-
spectrum disorders benefit from the company of a dog.
Some such children form intense relationships with
animals, seemingly finding them easier to relate to.
One recent study from France indicated that, to be
effective, the dog has to be obtained when the child is
old enough to interact with it: such children tend to
ignore pets that were there when they were a baby.
But dogs really come into their own when they can
combine their outgoing natures with their incredible ability
THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT SOME CHILDREN
WITH AUTISM-SPECTRUM DISORDERS
BENEFIT FROM THE COMPANY OF A DOG
February 2017 69