Reasons to have a dog in school

In summary, academic research has shown that dogs working and helping in the school environment can achieve the following: - 

1) Improve academic achievement

2) Increase literacy skills

3) Calming behaviours

4) Increase social skills and self-esteem

5) Increase confidence

6) Teach responsibility and respect to all life

7) Help prevent truancy

8) Motivate children who are often less attentive

The following information has been taken from a range of sources to provide further detail about the benefits of having a dog in school:

Behaviour: In some schools, dogs are making a difference in the behaviour of pupils. Researchers report that students can identify with animals, and with empathy for the dog, can better understand how classmates may feel. It was found that violent behaviour in participating students declined by 55%, and general aggression went down 62%. Behaviour problems occur in school and these can interfere with learning. Some schools are using dogs to improve behaviour problems by promoting positive behaviour in students. In a controlled study, students were found to have fewer disciplinary referrals in schools with a dog than schools without. Students’ behaviour improved toward teachers, and students also showed more confidence and responsibility. Additionally, parents reported that children seemed more interested in school as a result of having a dog at school.

Education:

Reading programmes:

Children who might be embarrassed to read aloud to the class or even adults are likely to be less scared to read to a dog.

Dogs are used to encourage struggling readers to practise reading aloud.

Research has proved that students who read to dogs show an increase in reading levels, word recognition, a higher desire to read and write, and an increase in intra and interpersonal skills among the students they mix with.

Social Development:

Dogs in school offer an opportunity for improving social development. They are especially useful for teaching students social skills and responsibility.

Dogs help older students build self-esteem; learn about positive and negative reinforcement, responsibility, and boundaries.

Dogs help children to communicate, teach kindness, and empower students.

Researchers report that involving students in the daily care of classroom dogs is a positive experience, promoting their own daily care.

As a reward:

Dogs will be gentle and loving, but at the same time full of fun and enjoyment for the students.

It has been proved that working and playing with a dog improves children’s social skills and self-esteem.

Support Dogs can work with students on a one-one basis and will especially help those students who have been bullied, abused, going through upsetting/difficult times or even scared/phobic of dogs. Students who struggle with social interaction can find a reassuring friend in a dog.