Sensory Needs & Therapy Dogs: Building Better Regulation Routines

For many students receiving special education services, sensory processing challenges make everyday school routines overwhelming. Bright lights, loud noises, unexpected transitions, or even the feel of classroom materials can trigger stress and dysregulation. Teachers and occupational therapists (OTs) often rely on structured sensory routines to help students regulate—but sometimes, those routines need extra support.

That’s where therapy dogs step in. By combining occupational therapy and animal assisted therapy, schools are discovering new ways to build regulation strategies that are engaging, calming, and effective. Therapy dogs provide not just comfort, but also targeted sensory input that supports routines for focus, learning, and participation.

Understanding Sensory Regulation in Schools

Before diving into therapy dogs, it’s important to clarify what sensory regulation means. Regulation is a student’s ability to manage responses to sensory input—like sounds, textures, or movement—so they can stay calm, alert, and engaged.

Occupational therapists often design sensory diets—personalized plans of sensory activities that help students balance input and responses. These may include movement breaks, weighted tools, deep-pressure activities, or calming visuals.

When integrated thoughtfully, therapy dogs can enrich these sensory diets by providing proprioceptive, vestibular, and tactile experiences in a joyful, motivating way.

How Therapy Dogs Support Sensory Needs

1. Proprioception: Deep Pressure & Body Awareness

Proprioception is the sense of body position and movement. Students may struggle with awareness of their own bodies, leading to clumsiness or difficulty calming down. Interacting with a therapy dog—like giving gentle hugs, brushing, or leaning—can provide grounding, deep-pressure input that helps students self-regulate.

2. Vestibular Input: Balance & Movement

Some students need extra vestibular input to regulate attention. Activities like walking a therapy dog or playing gentle fetch can offer structured movement that’s calming rather than overstimulating. This allows OTs to embed motor work into meaningful, motivating interactions.

3. Tactile Input: Comfort & Exploration

For children with tactile defensiveness (sensitivity to touch), dogs provide an opportunity to explore textures—fur, collars, grooming tools—in a non-threatening, positive way. Over time, this exposure can decrease defensiveness and increase comfort with classroom tasks.

4. Calming Strategies

Simply sitting next to or petting a therapy dog can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety, and provide a soothing rhythm for transitions. Many students benefit from incorporating dogs into a calming corner routine.

Step-by-Step: Building Sensory Routines with Therapy Dogs

Step 1: Identify Student Needs

Teachers and OTs begin with a review of the student’s IEP. Does the child struggle most with transitions, noisy environments, or self-regulation?

Step 2: Align with Sensory Diet

Integrate the therapy dog into the existing sensory diet. For example:

• A brushing routine for tactile regulation
  
• Short walks for vestibular balance
  
• Quiet reading sessions with the dog for calming input
  

Step 3: Support Transitions

Many students with sensory challenges struggle during transitions. Walking to class with a therapy dog or starting an activity by greeting the dog can make change less stressful.

Step 4: Use Visual Schedules

Include therapy dog interactions in visual schedules so students know when and how they’ll connect with the dog. Predictability reduces anxiety.

Step 5: Collect Data & Adjust

Just like any intervention, data collection is key. Monitor student behavior, attention, and participation to see how dog-assisted routines affect progress.

Evidence for OT + AAT Integration

Research highlights the occupational therapy AAT benefits for students with sensory and regulation needs:

• Reduced anxiety and meltdowns
  
• Increased task engagement
  
• Better tolerance of sensory experiences
  
• Improved peer interactions and participation 

The growing evidence base shows that occupational therapy animal-assisted therapy is more than a feel-good practice—it’s a clinical strategy that enhances the effectiveness of school-based interventions.

Real-World Examples

• Case Example 1: A second-grader with autism uses a therapy dog brushing routine before academic lessons. The proprioceptive input helps him focus, leading to fewer disruptions.
  
• Case Example 2: A middle school student with ADHD begins her day by walking the therapy dog in the hallway. The vestibular activity improves her readiness for seated work.
  
• Case Example 3: A high school student with sensory defensiveness practices grooming tasks. Over time, she builds tolerance to textures that once caused distress.
  

These examples highlight how occupational therapy with dogs can support both individual IEP goals and classroom management.

Classroom Tips for Teachers & OTs

• Pair therapy dog routines with visual supports for predictability.
  
• Create a “dog job chart” so students take turns with tasks (brushing, walking, feeding).
  
• Use dog interactions as natural motivators for less-preferred tasks.
  
• Align all activities with IEP goals to ensure consistency.
  
• Always monitor for allergies, fears, or contraindications before integration.

Beyond Therapy: Celebrating the Bond

The impact of therapy dogs isn’t limited to skill-building—they also bring joy, connection, and school spirit. TheraPets.org celebrates this special bond with fun gear for families and staff. Explore the best therapists have paws t-shirt and other items that share the message: healing and learning are better with paws by your side.

Conclusion: Building Regulation Routines That Work

Sensory regulation is at the heart of learning. For students who struggle with transitions, focus, or sensory sensitivities, therapy dogs offer a powerful, evidence-based support system. By integrating occupational therapy and animal-assisted therapy into sensory routines, schools can help students feel calmer, safer, and more ready to learn.

Therapy dogs don’t just reduce stress—they empower students to succeed in ways that feel natural, engaging, and joyful.

Want to learn how your school can get started with therapy animals? Meet the professionals behind the TheraPets.org model and explore partnership opportunities: Meet the Team.