The value of pet ‘therapy’ is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication. Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of children and lower the rate of anxiety simply by making the environment happier, more enjoyable and less forbidding. There are also benefits seen in pupils’ willingness to learn and participate and increased positive social interactions and behaviour through a shared responsibility. Well-being ‘school-based’ dogs offer a variety of benefits to pupils, including improved emotional well-being, enhanced social skills, and increased academic motivation. They can help reduce stress and anxiety, foster empathy and responsibility, and even improve reading skills. In addition to this, pupils will benefit in the following areas:

Improved Emotional Well-being:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Interacting with PAT dogs can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the feel-good hormone), leading to a calming effect and reduced anxiety.
• Increased Happiness and Mood: The presence of a PAT dog can create a more positive and enjoyable environment, improving overall mood and fostering a sense of well-being.
• Greater Sense of Security and Comfort: For some pupils, especially those with anxiety or emotional difficulties, the presence of a PAT dog can provide a sense of security and comfort, making them feel safer and more relaxed.

Enhanced Social Skills:

• Increased Social Interaction: PAT dogs can act as icebreakers, encouraging students to interact with each other and build relationships.
• Improved Communication Skills: Interacting with a dog can help pupils develop their communication skills, including learning to express their feelings and understand social cues.
• Development of Empathy and Compassion: Pupils can learn to understand and respond to the needs of the dog, which can translate into greater empathy and compassion towards others.

Increased Academic Motivation and Performance:

• Improved Reading Skills: Studies have shown that therapy dogs can improve reading fluency and motivation, as pupils may feel less pressure reading to a dog than to a teacher or peer.
• Enhanced Executive Functioning Skills: Working with PAT dogs can stimulate memory, problem-solving skills, and attention span, all of which are important for academic success.
• Increased Motivation to Learn: The presence of a PAT dog can create a more positive and engaging learning environment, making pupils more motivated to participate in class and complete tasks.

Other Benefits:

• Reduced Absenteeism: Pupils may be more likely to attend school when they know they will have the opportunity to interact with a PAT dog.
• Improved Behavior: In some cases, therapy dogs have been shown to reduce aggressive behaviour and improve overall behaviour in the classroom.
• Stronger Teacher-Student Relationships: Interacting with a PAT dog can create a positive and relaxed atmosphere, fostering better relationships between teachers and students.

The rationale behind this decision was:

* For the school to have a pet that was able to live as naturally as conditions would allow.

* For the dog to be properly cared for outside of the school day.

* To have a pet that the children could interact with and also be of benefit to the children’s social and emotional development. 

Prior to purchasing Poppy, visits were made to the home of the puppy’s parents to ensure that the temperament of the parents was suitable for interaction with children. Once settled in her new home with Mrs Guymer it was decided that Poppy would be introduced to the children gradually. A local vet’s practice thoroughly checked Poppy for temperament and any illnesses and is responsible for her vaccination programme. There are no diseases that could be caught from the puppy as she is kept up to date with immunisations including rabies and her worming treatment is in line with European vet guidelines. A register of her annual health check is kept both by Mrs Guymer and the vet’s surgery (Avon Lodge Vets in Salisbury). Poppy is also insured with Many Pets Insurance.

It is accepted that interacting with animals is not appropriate for all children but that for some it has the potential to provide many positive benefits. Any parent who does not wish their child to interact with the dog should notify the school office. 

Our risk assessment and rules for conduct and behaviour with Poppy are available below