I am a dog lover. Whenever I see a dog I want to pet it, talk to it and hopefully get some love in return. It’s probably because I didn’t have kids of my own that when I even Iook at a dog, I think “baby“! I tend to coddle them which probably isn’t healthy for me or the dog. But my love for dogs is why I adore exam time. My school organizes therapy dogs from St. John’s Ambulance to visit the school library for one hour at the beginning of the day, two days during the exam period. Students and teachers alike flock to the library for a pet, cuddle and if you are really lucky, a sloppy kiss.
https://giphy.com/parkerpup
www.parkerpup.com
This is not a new program. I recall dogs visiting my old school as long as 12 years ago. But when I tell people about the visit they are quite surprised to learn that this type of program is offered. No one is surprised though when I tell them what the purpose of the therapy dogs are; To help reduce the anxiety and stress of students prior to their exams. According to Johns Hopkins University, “Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bondsmothers to babies).” It has also been proven to lower blood pressure and promote relaxation. Perfect for those about to write an exam!
Dogs also provide a sense of emotional support, purely because they are non judgmental. Members of marginalized communities such as those who identify as racialized individuals or LGBTQ may benefit from this aspect alone.
https://giphy.com/parkerpup
www.parkerpup.com
Research also suggests that bringing the same animals in for students over a period of time, allows the student and the dog to bond and therefore form a relationship. I found this great website, therapydogs.com that relays the many benefits of therapy dogs in schools- and it’s just not social or emotional. Cognitive improvements such as: improved reading skills, enhanced executive-functioning skills and stimulating memory and problem-solving skills have also been noted in addition to helping students cope and manage test anxiety.
Of course, therapy dogs are not the answer for every student (or teacher for that matter…). There are some people who are truly afraid of dogs, and there are some owners/ handlers who might not be very good at controlling their pet. Students and staff may have allergies (there are generally hypo-allergenic breeds available such as poodles and poodle cross-breeds) which should be established by your student well-being team prior to organizing a visit by a therapy dog organization. And on the other end, the welfare of the animal must also be taken into consideration. In other words all stakeholders, the school community and the organization providing the therapy dogs must comply with the rules set forth by all involved. Only when there is understanding and guidance will the most successful outcomes be accomplished. After my own experiences and research, I would conclude that schools should incorporate holistic student wellness goals in addition to their individual student academic goals. If therapy dogs are actually able to assist in achieving this, then such a program should be a part of every educational organization’s future improvement plan. That’s just my two cents:)
Works Cited
“The Friend Who Keeps You Young.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young. Accessed 24 February 2025.
“Therapy Dogs in Educational Settings: Guidelines and Recommendations for Implementation.” Frontiers, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.655104/full. Accessed 24 February 2025.
Wallace, Rebecca. “Five ways your pets can help reduce stress and boost your mental health.” Manning Family Children’s LCMC, 10 08 2023, https://www.manningchildrens.org/news-blog/2023/august/five-ways-your-pets-can-help-reduce-stress-and-b/#:~:text=This%20recognition%20of%20their%20support,release%20endorphins%20and%20promote%20relaxation. Accessed 24 02 2025.