What are the benefits of having a school dog?

A variety of anxiety problems can be addressed by the presence of a dog as it creates a calming influence helping to decrease blood pressure and stress responses.  Children also become less self-conscious of themselves as their attention is focused on the dog instead.

Attention issues and disorders are most commonly associated with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they can also be caused by other things including; anxiety, depression, learning disorders, sensory problems and trauma.

Studies have shown the presence of a trained therapy dog has helped:

Increase children's attention and concentration performance
Provide an outline for excess energy
Provide a non-judgmental companion
Provide social interaction opportunities
Encourage routines
Decrease stress
Offer a healthy distraction

Working with a dog provides children with the opportunity to develop a unique experience whereby they can return empathy, learn to share and understand to consider the needs of the dog before their own. By creating trust through their relationship with the dog they develop the skills to help towards building better relationships with peers and adults.