ROCCO - THE SCHOOL DOG

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Meet Rocco our school dog!

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Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of dogs in schools.

 

Therapy dogs have been working in schools for a number of years across the UK. However, they have been commonplace in schools in the USA and Australia for many years.

 

Evidence indicates that benefits include:

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Cognitive: Companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving, and game-playing.

Social: A dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing, and focused interaction with others.

Emotional: A school dog improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety.

Reading: Reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence. This is due to both the calming effect the dog’s presence has on children and the fact that a dog will listen to children read without being judgmental or critical. This comforting environment helps nurture children’s enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence to read aloud.

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If you do not wish your young person to have interaction with the school dog, then please complete the form linked here.

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