Ollie – the FBCA School Dog
There are many benefits to having a dog in school:
- A greater enjoyment of being in the school environment, improved attendance and a greater willingness to learn and participate.
- Improved behavior, social interaction and sense of responsibility.
- Pupils achieve more complex goals when the school dog joins their sessions.
- Increased knowledge of dogs and how to behave safely and appropriately around them.
- Students have greater access to the community with a school dog. Everyone loves a cute dog!
- Pets can encourage a child’s learning needs, especially in reading, communication, observation and speaking. This is a useful tool when teaching all children but can be particularly helpful for those who learn in unique ways.
- They can help children with behavioral needs and time with the pets can be used as a reward.
- For some children, it will be their only contact with a pet as they don’t have them at home.
- Learning, including reading time and some curriculum involvement.
- Self-esteem and interest for students, especially for some more vulnerable students.
- Anger management, bereavement and stress reduction.
- Developing responsibility.
- Knowledge and understanding of animals.