Dog-assisted interventions in outreach youth work: the possibilities and limitations of 'Dog' method

This thesis examines the use of animals in social work as a form of dog-assisted intervention in mobile youth work. Animal-assisted interventions are becoming increasingly significant, particularly in health and psychological contexts, but social work is also increasingly turning its attention to this emerging field. The paper begins by examining mobile youth work and its methods. This is followed by an overview of the forms of animal-assisted interventions and their numerous effects on people, before going on to consider dog-assisted intervention as a potential method within mobile youth work. It illustrates how a professionally trained dog can support mobile youth work in achieving its objectives. However, the limitations of using animals are also highlighted. Finally, points of criticism and existing challenges are outlined.