Advancing personal and academic growth, community engagement, and skill development through an assistance dog training minor.

Abstract

Objective: Describe the experiences of students in an undergraduate Assistance Dog Training Program (ADTP) academic minor. Participants: Students enrolled ADTP at a large, public research university. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative survey data and historical program evaluation data were analyzed to describe student experiences. Furthermore, the PERMA (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments) theory of well-being was used as a theoretical lens to understand participant well-being. Results: ADTP provided opportunities for meaningful service learning, working with animals, developing career interests, fulfilling personal interests, and meeting degree requirements. ADTP participation positively influenced the undergraduate experience by advancing personal and academic growth and life skill development. Finally, the ADTP positively influenced student well-being. Conclusions: Lessons learned to strengthen the ADTP were identified and are discussed. The ADTP can be a model for replication on other campuses to meet the need for more assistance dogs and potentially to support student and community well-being.