Another new member of the family – School dog

Dear Parent/Carer,

Rory, our school Labradoodle, has had such a positive impact on our school that we will soon be adding another new member to our school community.

Alfie is a Show-Type Cocker Spaniel puppy who has recently  joined Mr Joy’s family. 

As was previously outlined prior to Rory’s arrival, the key benefits of having a school dog include the following:

Cognitive development – building a companionship with a dog helps children stimulate their memory, problem-solving and game-playing skills. Having a school dog is known to increase enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of animals, which motivates children to think and learn.

Social skills – dogs provide a mutual topic for conversation with others, and encourage responsibility, wellbeing and focused interaction with others.

Emotional skills – dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and are known for improving moods. Dogs can also help children develop compassion and respect for other living things and can reduce children’s anxiety. Building respect can improve children’s relationships with each other, parents and teachers and shows them how to nurture and care for another living thing. If any children are suffering from bereavement or are particularly sad, dogs can provide children with comfort and friendship.

Physical development – interaction with dogs is known to reduce blood pressure, provide tactile stimulation, assist with pain management and give motivation for children to move and walk.

Reading – school dogs are known to help children with their reading and literacy skills, through their calming presence and ability to listen to children read without being judgmental or critical. Children can build their confidence to read aloud to others through having a school dog.

School community – having a school dog builds the sense of a family environment and togetherness.

IMPORTANT!

Alfie is not a hypoallergenic breed. This does mean that some shedding of fur occurs. A strict grooming routine will be upheld which will help to reduce shedding dramatically but if your child has dog/animal related allergies, could you please call the office and let us know immediately. 

When Alfie has completed his dog training, we will have him assessed by the Therapy Dogs charity to train as a therapy dog, but he does need to familiarise himself with our school prior to this. Show-type Cocker Spaniels are well-suited for therapy work due to their affectionate, biddable, and people-friendly nature, combined with a calm temperament. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them particularly trainable for the role. 

Alfie will spend the majority of his time in Mr Joy’s music room or in the head teacher’s office.

A suitable bed, food, water and cleaning supplies for Alfie will be provided, and he will be sufficiently toilet-trained. I must stress that pupils will not be expected to clean up any dog mess, and we will ensure that the school grounds are kept clean at all times.

Whenever Alfie is being walked around the school, he will always be with an adult and have a short lead to ensure he is controlled at all times.

PLEASE NOTE: Alfie will be classed as a working dog with permission from the Governors to be in school. The Leeds City Council rule that no dogs are allowed on school premises remains in force and we ask all dog owners to abide by this.

Kind regards

Andy Joy