The Healing Power of the Pup

From a young age, I’ve struggled with anxiety, something that, years later, I would come to understand as part of my autism and ADHD. Social interactions often felt overwhelming, and I found it hard to connect or relax around people. But one thing that always brought me comfort was my family dog.

I can still picture the moments when I was at my most anxious, my dog would quietly come over, rest his head in my lap, and just be there. There was no expectation, no pressure to communicate; just a gentle, non-judgmental presence. That simple act of connection was so grounding.

As I grew older, especially during my time as a student, I realised how much having a dog by my side supported my confidence and sense of belonging. Walking my dog gave me a reason to go outside when the world felt overwhelming. It opened up moments of connection that didn’t feel forced; a neighbour stopping to say hello, someone asking about my dog. These little interactions slowly built my social resilience and helped me feel part of the world again.

And it isn’t just emotional, there’s science behind it. Research consistently shows that stroking or spending time with animals helps calm the nervous system, lowering cortisol and slowing the heart rate. Nancy Gee, a leading researcher in the Human-Animal Interaction Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, has shown that interactions with dogs increase oxytocin levels, the hormone linked to bonding and stress relief.

A few years ago I took my dog, Goose into an elderly care home to visit a friend. The change in energy was immediate. The residents lit up, staff smiled, and the silence was broken with residents calling to others telling them what was happening and interacting around Goose. Stories of old pets ensued and there was so much laughter. It was also particularly poignant when a man, who was very quiet and had limited mobility, managed to feed Goose a treat which she took very gently from his hand. His face lit up from the interaction and he began to speaking and for a moment the whole room softened. These moments are what made me realise how much the presence of a dog can bring joy, calm and presence.

What the Research Tells Us

A growing body of evidence supports what so many of us instinctively feel around animals. One UK-based study involving eight- and nine-year-old school children found that brief, regular interactions with dogs led to reduced stress and improved cognitive performance.

For children who experience anxiety or find school challenging, these small but consistent experiences can make a real difference in their wellbeing and engagement.

In many ways, that finding mirrors my own experiences growing up. The comfort and motivation that came from caring for my dog helped me to feel calmer, more capable, and more connected, the very same benefits now being shown in research with children.

Similar research from Canada has found that even a few minutes spent petting a dog can lead to lower stress levels and reduced feelings of homesickness, outcomes that are especially relevant in environments such as boarding schools or university campuses, where young people are adjusting to new surroundings and independence.

Megan Mueller, an Associate Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, offers another wonderful perspective on why dogs are so beneficial. She explains that dogs naturally encourage us to live in the moment, to notice the world around us and find joy in simple things. As she puts it, they pull you out of your phone and into the environment you’re in.

That’s something I really connect with. My coaching sessions take place outdoors, and nature itself provides a calm, grounding setting. Having a dog alongside adds another layer to that experience, a living reminder of curiosity, presence, and gentle companionship.

How I Work with My Dog, Goose

In my coaching practice, I offer the option for clients to meet my dog, Goose; though this is always completely optional. Some people are naturally drawn to her after seeing her photo, while others prefer to work without her presence. Either choice is entirely respected.

When Goose is part of a session, she brings a warm and grounding energy. For clients who might find traditional talking therapy a little intense, walking together with Goose can make conversation feel easier and more natural. Those moments of quiet that could otherwise feel awkward are softened by stroking her, responding to her curiosity, or simply watching her explore.

When we pause to sit - whether in a quiet outdoor spot or back in a room - Goose often has an incredible instinct for sensing emotion. She might rest her head gently on someone’s lap, offering silent reassurance. That simple, tactile connection can bring calm and help people feel safe and grounded.

Goose has been chosen for her gentle temperament and calm, friendly nature. She thrives on human connection and has a wonderful intuition for comfort and play, making her a perfect companion in a therapeutic setting.

For children, working alongside Goose can also foster independence and confidence. Taking the lead on her walk, giving her a treat, or helping to care for her gives them the experience of nurturing and responsibility. Those small acts - doing something kind and seeing the positive response - can have a powerful impact on self-belief and emotional growth.

Why Dogs Make a Difference

Dogs have an extraordinary ability to help us regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and connect with the world around us. Whether it’s through movement, gentle touch, or shared presence, they remind us that healing doesn’t always happen through words. Sometimes, it happens through quiet companionship and unconditional acceptance.

For me, bringing Goose into coaching sessions is about creating that kind of space ; calm, safe, and full of warmth. From my furry co-coach and her gentle presence, growth and connection can naturally unfold.

Further Reading & Research

• Nancy R. Gee, Ph.D., Human-Animal Interaction Program, Virginia Commonwealth University: Research on oxytocin release and stress reduction through interactions with dogs.
• UK Study (2022) – University of Lincoln: “The Impact of Dog-Assisted Interventions on Primary School Children’s Stress and Cognition.”
• Canadian Study (2019) – University of British Columbia: Research showing reduced stress and homesickness in students who engaged in brief pet therapy sessions.
• Megan Mueller, Ph.D., Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University: Studies and interviews on how dogs encourage mindfulness, connection, and presence in daily life.