Your name and role:
Adam Watkins – Student at Swansea University
About yourself:
My name is Adam Watkins, and I am currently studying Criminology and Social Policy at Swansea University. I have a strong interest in dogs and the positive impact they can have on young learners. Through learning about cases such as Fred and others, my interest in this area has continued to grow, strengthening my passion for understanding the role dogs can play in education and development.
Article Summary
This article celebrates Fred, a six-year-old Labradoodle who began visiting Tenby Primary School in February 2025. After identifying reading engagement as an area for development, the school contacted the John Burns Foundation to enquire about the possibility of a reading dog to support reluctant and disengaged readers. Having previously witnessed the positive impact a reading dog can have, the school leadership team was eager to introduce Fred and from the moment he arrived, he became an instant favourite among pupils.
John Burns Foundation
The Burns Foundation ‘Burns By Your Side’ scheme is based on the powerful idea that dogs can make a difference in school and so trains and supports volunteers and their dogs to visit schools. The dogs then work with pre-selected reluctant readers and help them build a positive and joyful relationship with books and reading.
The Burns by Your Side scheme is a form of animal assisted service designed to create a calm and stress-free environment where reluctant readers can enjoy a book with a dog without pressure. This programme is hugely beneficial for children dealing with low confidence and stress, as the scheme helps to soften those barriers and support learning in a way that feels comfortable.
The scheme today has more than 100 dedicated volunteers at schools and colleges across South and West Wales, all giving their time to help children reach their full potential thought the calm and comforting presence of a dog.
Incorporating dogs into schools
Once a dog has been assessed and fully trained just like Fred was, the dogs are carefully matched to a school. After an introductory visit they begin visiting regularly, building relationships between the dog and the child they work with. Schools also gain so much from the programme too. Children learn to behave safely and respectfully around dogs, that gives them valuable life skills that go beyond reading. The support is also completely free to schools, enhancing the incredible work that teachers already do with their learners every day.
About Fred
As a puppy, Fred was full of mischief, always running off and being returned by neighbours who found the whole situation hilarious. He loved to socialise with every dog that he saw, and definitely took advantage of this, often refusing to come back no matter how many times he was called. So when it was announced that he was going to be starting training with the Burns Foundation, many people shook their heads and laughed, but in the end Fred had the last laugh, not only did he qualify, he even got invited to the Houses of Parliament. Once in the houses of Parliament, Fred flopped on the floor as he was tired from the journey. He had come in third place, an undeniably significant achievement, yet when he woke, he found himself quietly wondering what all the fuss was about.
Fred has always been a special dog. On his early walks around town, people would constantly stop just to say hello, their faces lighting up the moment they saw him. He was so popular that Sandra, his owner began keeping count of how many times that Fred was approached. From how popular he was and the joy he brought to others, Fred was enrolled in the Burns Foundation where he began his training. He started six-week bronze level course before moving on to the silver level which was more intense but great fun. Throughout his training the welfare of Fred was always at the heart of everyone involved.
Fred in Action
The journey of Fred and Tenby Primary School began when reading engagement was identified as an area for improvement on the school development plan. What started as an idea to encourage young readers soon became something much more. With boundless enthusiasm, Fred has not only helped improve children’s reading skills but has also transformed their confidence and attitude towards reading. Working mainly with children in Year 1 and Year 2 and supporting the pr encouragement to those who need it most. His gentle presence helps sensitive and reluctant readers grow in confidence, improve their fluency, and engage more fully with reading. More than that, Fred shows that reading success isn’t just about skills, it’s about smiles, self-belief, and happiness too.
More than just a reading dog
Fred’s impact reaches far beyond reading. One Year 3 pupil, who had been left frightened of dogs after a negative experience, was initially too scared to go near him. But Fred’s calm and respectful nature gradually worked its magic. Slowly, fear turned into trust, and trust blossomed into friendship. Today, she not only pets Fred with confidence but reads to him each week. This is proof that Fred’s role in Tenby Primary School is about far more than reading. In fact, Fred is no longer just a visitor at Tenby Primary School; he is part of the family. A true school celebrity with more than 200 friends (the headteacher included!), he fills the corridors with excitement the moment he arrives. Those small, simple moments: a cuddle, a scratch, a quiet hello, create lasting smiles and a powerful boost to children’s emotional wellbeing. Fred has impacted the hearts of students and teachers. He was nominated for the National School Dog Alliance’s 2025 School’s Dog of the Year award to show his exceptional contribution to the school. The impact that Fred has had, highlights the impact of reading dogs in general.
Fred’s Wellbeing
Fred’s wellbeing is just as important as the children he supports. Sandra, trained by the John Burns Foundation, carefully monitors him for any signs of stress to ensure his visits are always safe and positive. Thankfully, Fred’s wagging tail says it all, he is always excited to arrive at school and seems to thrive on helping his pupils in every way he can. The Foundation’s structured approach, including sixteen weeks of initial positive training, annual assessments, awards and supervised sessions highlights that the dog welfare is at the heart of the programme. The training is not just for the dogs! During the sessions, volunteers are given key information about working with a dog in school, as well as helping to refine calm settled behaviours with the dogs. The training team also watch the dogs carefully over the weeks to ensure they are not exhibiting signs of stress. The dogs are then accompanied by a trainer for their first school session to ensure that the dogs are happy in the new environment.
