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School Dog - Advantages and Disadvantages?

108 replies

Diegomolly1 · 12/01/2019 19:01

Hi, does anyone have any pros and cons for a school dog please? Parents were not consulted and the children were informed first. Disappointed the communication from the Head was so late as it had been in the pipeline for a while. My other worry is that if the dog is not deemed suitable to attend in school there will be a lot of very disappointed children. But apart from this any experiences in other schools greatly appreciated. Many Thanks

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AuntieDolly · 12/01/2019 19:03

What's a school dog?

newtlover · 12/01/2019 19:04

never heard of a school dog
a dog that visits a school I have heard of and may be a good thing
I can't imagine a dog 'belonging' to a school and AFAIK the RSPCA discourage class pets even hamsters and the like

Cauliflowersqueeze · 12/01/2019 19:06

They have to have a special licence and be on a lead at all times. I think you can imagine the gazillions of checks and risk assessments that would take place.
I have 2 friends whose schools have school dogs and they are incredibly popular with children and staff alike. Wish we had one. Kids adore stroking them etc.

goldengummybear · 12/01/2019 19:06

I'm assuming a pet rather than working dog like a guide dog.

Did the school even ask about allergies to the dog hair? I know kids who are scared of dogs so wouldn't be impressed with a dog-as -a-pet

BrokenWing · 12/01/2019 19:08

No experience, but where is the dog coming from and where is it staying? I would have thought they would have had to check for any children with dog allergies. What will they do with children that are terrified of dogs. I wouldn't put any dog in that environment and would be concerned about the welfare of the dog along with the safety of the children (lots of noisy children and a stressed out dog is never a good mix).

Hope any dog costs, which can be substantial, are not coming out of school funds?

Cauliflowersqueeze · 12/01/2019 19:08

You can see the insurance policies and RAs online. Here’s more guidance

www.dogshelpingkids.co.uk/SCHOOL-DOG-FACTSHEET-APRIL2017.pdf

GerryblewuptheER · 12/01/2019 19:09

Depends on the context.

Dds school has a PaT dog which is brilliant. But she's always on lead. Supervised. And consent forms sent out when your child is on the read to a dog scheme.

But she belongs to the care takes lives at his house she doesn't wander round the school or live in the office or anythung.

parrotonmyshoulder · 12/01/2019 19:09

They don’t have to be on a lead at all times. The two schools I know with dogs have no problems at all. Children who are frightened of dogs learn not to be so frightened of dogs.
Parents don’t have to be consulted on every matter of school policy.

GerryblewuptheER · 12/01/2019 19:10

Oh and she was his pet first. So wasn't paid for out of school funds.

TeenTimesTwo · 12/01/2019 19:14

I don't see why parents need to be consulted, or why the children shouldn't have been told first.
I can't imagine that they won't have done loads of risk assessments before making their decision.
Children will learn not to be frightened.
Dogs can be great at listening to readers apparently, and stroking a pet can be calming for anxious sorts.

Sounds like a great idea, given that I expect the school will have thought it through first.

GerryblewuptheER · 12/01/2019 19:18

Dogs can be great at listening to readers apparently, and stroking a pet can be calming for anxious sorts

At Dds school it's pretty much instant calm down when the dog is introduced. She really helps children who are wound up/kicking off/upset etc

BubblesBuddy · 12/01/2019 19:19

Lots of advantages. Disadvantages: holidays. Who looks after the dog? Vets fees? Has the school got deep pockets? Coping when it has to be put down!

Cauliflowersqueeze · 12/01/2019 19:33

They don’t have to be on a lead at all times at the 2 schools I know, this is a requirement for their insurance. I assumed it would be the same for all but maybe not in that case.

BobDobbs · 12/01/2019 19:45

Our school has a dog. She was already there when dd started so I don't know if parents were consulted. When dd started we were asked if she had any allergies or if she was scared of dogs, we said no to both. I think she lives with one of the office staff.

All of the children seem to love the dog, walking her at lunch time is the favourite reward for good behaviour. I don't think there are any downsides.

snop · 12/01/2019 19:48

Dd has wanted a dog forever, but as we are working all day we can't get one. She would love her school to get a dog. I think it's a brilliant idea.

Shockers · 12/01/2019 19:49

DD’s school had a dog- the kids loved him.

budgetneeded · 12/01/2019 19:51

I’ve experienced volunteer/therapy dogs at the Calgary Airport, I gather it reduces stress to see and pet pets.
I’ve stayed at a hotel with a resident dog that guests could take for walks.
Most long term care facilities will have resident cats and therapy dog visits.
I’m sure a school dog would be similar.
I’m sure for the children it’s great, not so sure about the dog though.

derekthe1adyhamster · 12/01/2019 19:51

Many boarding houses have dogs belonging to the house staff. They are a real hit. But there is always someone with a phobia to be aware of

Shadowboy · 12/01/2019 19:55

When I was at school we had two school dogs. They were taken home with the deputy and I remember it being a great privilege when one came and sat with you at reading time. It was fantastic. I have such lovely memories of the school dog and it made school very ‘homely’. The dogs were not always on the lead but this was late 80’s/early 90’s

Heyha · 12/01/2019 19:55

The RSPCA couldn't find their own arse in the dark so wouldn't take too much notice of that ridiculous policy...I can't say too much as I'll out myself but there are many many many schools that keep animals successfully as part of their curriculum. Primary, secondary, special, public, state, rural, inner-city. You've had some good info from PP but it will almost certainly be a positive thing for your school, once you've got into the swing of it 🙂

Leeds2 · 12/01/2019 20:23

Not what you asked, but my DD's university bring in a "team" (I don't know how many) of dogs at exam time, for students to go and visit if they want to. I believe it is to help with anxiety.
I would be concerned in a school if the dogs were allowed excess to all areas, and my DC was allergic and/or frightened. I would expect the school to address this though, as I would think they would know if a child was allergic.

Lindorballs · 12/01/2019 20:29

My DDs school has a dog. I think it lives with one of the office staff overnight. I’m not a dog person and DD is/was scared of dogs. But it’s been fine. I think it’s helping her get over her fear. The kids who do like dogs LOVE the dog. It doesn’t cause any problems at all and for many is a positive. I think it’s a low allergy type of dog - part poodle or something

Original poster
Diegomolly1 · 12/01/2019 20:35

But wouldn't it be nice to consulted out of common decency?

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Original poster
Diegomolly1 · 12/01/2019 20:41

Isn't it just polite to inform parents??? I couldn't answer any questions when my child came home. Poor communication just leads to grumpy parents. Where has politeness and common decency gone? If I was a head I would always be communicating with parents. It's stops mis communication and misunderstanding. Up front and great information is the key!

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