With the aim of enhancing student wellbeing and creating a more supportive learning environment, the school has launched a School Support Dog Program.
It is based on research which indicates that the presence of dogs in schools can help reduce stress and anxiety, while also improving focus, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
With this in mind, teacher Brenda Norman has partnered with local dog trainer Vicki Dey to begin training her three labradors - Pippa, Tilly, and Dexter - to become certified support dogs.
“It’s been a fun experience, but it’s also been a lot of work,’ Mis Norman said.
The dogs are currently undergoing final assessments, which must be completed on-site at the school.
During this phase, they will wear yellow ‘in training’ vests.
Once fully registered, they’ll proudly sport black DHS Support Dog vests.
Miss Norman said only one dog will be present at school at a time, and will always be on a lead and under the control of a trained handler.
The dogs will participate in classroom and school activities, but will rest during recess and lunch breaks, away from the playground.
“It’s about the dog's welfare just as much as the kid's welfare.”
The program officially today, with the dogs’ first school visit.
Miss Norman reminds people that it will be a gradual process.
So far, only learning their new skills in controlled environments, this will be their first interaction with so many children at once.
“It’s almost like a school orientation, but for dogs,” she joked.
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