International airports can sometimes be chaotic and stressful places but perhaps a soothing cuddle from an Assistance Dog could bust that travel tension.
That’s the concept being put into play at the American Airlines check-in counters at Sydney International Airport.
Two days a week, passengers will be greeted by Labrador and Golden Retriever service dogs as part of an initiative called emBark.
Image: NBN
The intuitive dogs are trained to recognise anxious people: that could be anyone from nervous flyers to people trying to make their way through the airport with a couple of unruly kids on their hands.
Richard Lord from Assistance Dogs Australia said the animals were a good way to help people relax before take-off.
“They’re nice, calm dogs, and they work particularly well with people who are anxious,” he said.
Image: NBN
“They can detect that, and then they move in and cuddle up or place their chin on the person’s knee if they’re sitting down, and that reduces the anxiety of the flyers”.
Richard Lord from Assistance Dogs Australia
Aww. What beautiful creatures.
Airport and American Airlines officials say there is already less tension when the dogs are about.
Image: NBN
Customers at the counter are more relaxed when they check-in and that’s positive for everyone. Even those who work behind the counter say the dogs create a better working environment.
The airport is a final test for these Assistance Dogs before they are placed with those who need them permanently (such as people with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress, and autism).
Image: NBN
It’s a win-win situation as these dogs sooth nervous travellers, while at the same time, benefiting from the airport environment as a socialisation opportunity.
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