Your name and role:
Mark Wilson
About yourself:
Primary School Teacher in a rural primary school near Canterbury, Kent. School Dog owner and handler.
Article summary:
A school dog can be transformational, from providing emotional support to pupils, helping them manage anxiety, and creating a positive classroom atmosphere, to enhancing learning, particularly for reluctant readers. The presence of a dog encourages responsibility and a sense of belonging within the school community. However, with the rapid rise in the number of school dogs, it’s now time to consider adopting national minimum standards to ensure the safety of both the dogs and pupils. Training programs for school dogs currently vary in length and quality, with some dogs entering schools untrained. Proper policies, training, health checks, and insurance are essential for minimising risks. Introducing school dogs can be transformative, but it must be done responsibly, with a focus on safeguarding the wellbeing of the animals, pupils, and staff.
As a primary school teacher and school dog owner, I see firsthand the incredible benefits that a school dog brings to the classroom. Our school dog, Mr Floss, has become a beloved member of our community, fostering a calming environment for pupils and providing a unique form of support. From helping children with anxiety to encouraging reluctant readers, the presence of a trained dog in school transforms learning in ways that are hard to replicate with traditional methods.
One of the most inspiring moments I’ve seen involved a child who had selective mutism. They wouldn’t speak to adults or peers, but something about the gentle, non-judgmental presence of Mr Floss made them feel safe. Over time, they began to whisper to the dog, and eventually, they started reading aloud to them. It was a breakthrough moment. This child, who had never spoken in class, found their voice through the unconditional companionship of our school dog.
Our dog has also been instrumental in helping children who struggle with school attendance. We’ve had several children with emotionally based school avoidance who simply wouldn’t come to school until they learned they could spend time with Mr Floss. For them, the promise of seeing the dog made the school environment less intimidating. Mr Floss has even helped children overcome deep-rooted fears of dogs. One pupil, who had been terrified of dogs after a bad experience, gradually grew comfortable being around Mr Floss because of his calm and gentle nature, and this shift had a profound effect on their confidence and emotional well-being.
The Growing Trend – And Why We Need National Minimum Standards
There’s no denying the rise in schools introducing dogs, which is exciting. However, the rapid increase raises an important question: Are we doing enough to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the dogs and the children?
Currently, the standards for training school dogs vary greatly. Some training programs last a day, others can stretch over several months and years with rigorous assessment points. Some dogs enter schools with no formal training at all. While well-meaning, this can pose risks. School dogs need specific training to handle the unique demands of a school environment – loud noises, sudden movements, and unpredictable interactions with young children.
Just as important as the dog’s training is the school’s preparation. Some schools, like ours, have clear policies, insurance, and protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Unfortunately, not every school has taken these steps. Without proper policies, schools are putting themselves at significant risk if something goes wrong.
Why National Minimum Standards are Needed
It might be beneficial to start exploring the idea of introducing nationally agreed minimum standards to guide how schools bring dogs into their environments. These standards could include:
Comprehensive Training: Dogs must be properly trained not just in general obedience, but in school-specific situations.
Health and Welfare: Dogs should undergo regular health checks to ensure they’re fit to be in a school environment.
School Policies and Insurance: Every school with a dog should have a clear policy in place, including risk assessments and necessary insurance to protect both the dog, the pupils and staff.
Introducing a school dog can be a beautiful experience, but it must be done with care and attention to detail. With proper training and clear guidelines, we can ensure that the growing trend of school dog’s benefits everyone in schools – especially our beloved four-legged friends.
Key Takeaways or Keywords
- Emotional support: School dogs help reduce pupil anxiety and create a calm learning environment.
- Responsibility: Caring for a dog fosters empathy and life skills in children.
- Enhanced learning: Dogs can improve engagement in activities like reading and writing.
- National minimum standards needed: Varying levels of training and preparation create risks without clear guidelines.
- School policies and insurance: Proper protocols must be in place for safety.
Reflection Points
- Should all schools with dogs be required to follow nationally agreed standards and undergo specific training programs?
- How can we balance the desire for school dogs with the responsibility of ensuring safety for pupils and the animals?
- What might be the consequences for schools that introduce dogs without proper preparation?
Glossary
School Dog: A dog trained to work in a school setting, providing emotional support, assisting in learning, and enhancing the overall school environment.
National Minimum Standards: A set of guidelines and policies that ensure the consistent training, welfare, and safety of school dogs across the country.
