What’s a thoughtful student’s reaction when administrators “attack” school climate with a therapy dog program?
Not that they would be biased, but the Alliance of Therapy Dogs says there are numerous benefits to bringing Fido into the classroom:
- Physical benefits – interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.
- Social benefits – a visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.
- Cognitive benefits – it has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills.
- Emotional and mental health benefits – a therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter; the therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.
Mike Paget, a nationally known school consultant without any apparent bias, says every school should have a therapy dog. Mike is the creator of the Wired Differently Training Program and will present a pre-conference session as well as other sessions in Las Vegas.
The School Climate & Culture Forum features practical, real-world initiatives that are successfully transforming the quality, character and personality of schools. It showcases programs, assessments and tools proven to improve school culture and climate. Evidence-based and research-based interventions will be introduced, while the forum also highlights high-potential efforts currently being implemented in the laboratory of everyday school life. We would love for you to come – but don’t bring your dog without permission from the hotel!