INTRODUCTION: The 2000 US census reported that, during the late 20th century and early 21st century, there was a large increase in the number of older adults living in the United States of America, which will likely lead to an increase in the incidence of dementia. In recent years, dog-assisted therapy has been widely regarded as a generally accepted method of providing elderly residents with good feelings and increased self-maintaining behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychological and behavioral effects of dog-assisted therapy on elderly residents with dementia. I predict that dog-assisted therapy will help seniors with dementia resolve their behavioral and emotional problems such as aggression, agitation and psychosis. LITERATURE REVIEW Several studies have examined the effects of dog ownership on people's physical and mental health. Owning a dog produces significant health benefits and provides social support that encourages dog owners to walk (Cutt et al. 2007). Pet owners appear to have lower systolic blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels (Anderson et al 1992). Pet owners with severe mental illness living in the community demonstrate greater social integration in the community (Zimalog and Krupa 2009). Socially excluded participants who worked in the presence of a dog reported higher mental well-being than socially excluded participants who did not work in the presence of a dog (Nilüfer et al 2012). While there is evidence to suggest that owning a dog can improve people's physical and mental health, little research documents the psychological and behavioral effects of dog-assisted therapy, particularly on older dementia patients who struggle with. .. article ......an-animal-therapy-to-care-for-your-loved-one/ Cutt, Hayley, Billie Giles-Corti, Matthew Knuiman, Valerie Burke. “Dog ownership, health and physical activity: a critical review of the literature.” Health & Place 13.1 (2007): 261-272.Nilüfer Aydina,Joachim I. Kruegerb, Julia Fischera, Dana Hahna, Andreas Kastenmüllerc,Dieter Freya, Peter Fischer “Man's best friend: how the presence of a dog reduces the mental distress after social exclusion.” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 48.1 (2012): 446-449. Vann Madeline “How Animal Therapy Helps Dementia Patients” Everyday Health Blog, (2010).http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps -dementia-patient s.asp Zimolag, Ulrike and Terry Krupa. “Pet Owning as a Meaningful Community Occupation for People with Severe Mental Illness.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 63.2(2009): 126-137.