A School Dog

School dogs and Animal-Assisted Education is becoming very popular in schools across the country. 

Research shows that benefit’s of having a school dog include the:

• Cognitive development- companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving, game- playing and can improve reading skills
• Emotional development- a school dog improves self-esteem, and acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety.
• Physical development- interaction with a pet reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, and gives motivation to move, walk, and stimulate the senses.
• Environmental benefits- a dog in school contributes towards the creation of a home-style environment, with all the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.
• Social benefits- a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, well-being, developing social skills, and focused integration with others

Bailey joined the headteacher's family when he was 8 weeks old and has been raised around children young and old in a very busy household. He has spent the first few months of his life mastering his basic training and graduated to more advanced training with Mullenscote Training Centre in Quarley. Bailey has successfuly passed the PAWS Therapy Dog certification programme the UK's first comprehensive programme equipping Bailey with everything he needs to know and do to deliver safe and effective animal-assisted education in school.

Things to know about Bailey:

• He will always be on a short lead and in the company of an adult when moving around the school. 
• He is crate-trained and will have quiet time in his crate throughout the day to rest. But also, if a child/adult doesn't want to interact with him, he will happily lie in his crate with a toy.
• He will not be allowed around the children when they are eating
• He has been trained to go to the toilet around the back of the staff carpark away from all spaces the children use.
• Bailey has full public liability insurance and a comprehensive risk assessment

I hope you are as excited as we are in school - it feels like such a long journey since we started looking for a dog to deliver animal-assisted education. If you have any questions, as always, catch Mrs Whatley on the playground.