Therapy dog
Hundens hus
The dental therapy dog used in this study was a 4‐year‐old 26‐kilo Labradoodle. The dog and handler had undergone a 1‐year therapy dog training program (Hundens hus) and were certified as a therapy dog team for dental clinics. Before each clinic visit, the therapy dog underwent showering, grooming, and claw clipping. Before entering the building, the therapy dog was fitted with a vest describing the dog as such. The dog was fitted with socks with neoprene soles to minimize sliding on slippery surfaces and the risks of accidentally scratching humans. The dog handler (A. M. G.) was consistently present and seated next to the therapy dog for monitoring purposes. The performance and behavior of the dental therapy dog during the encounters with the pediatric patients and their parent/guardian were detailed in writing by the dog handler.