School Wellbeing Dogs
Agatha (Aggie) is an 8-year-old Cockapoo, owned by Mr and Mrs Bull who are Head of our Boarding community at Warwick School.
Aggie has lived on the school site with the Bull family as part of the boarding community for her whole life. Aggie began ‘working’ in the Wellbeing Hub in September 2022 and has been a welcome and very popular addition to Wellbeing provision in the Hub! She seems to know when pupils need a quiet cuddle on the sofa and sits calmly with them (providing hand licks to those who want them!). She also seems to sense when pupils want some fun and distraction, happily charging round the Hub in pursuit of her toy dinosaur or tennis ball, providing smiles and laughter to everyone. We love having Aggie in the Hub and the pupils soon learn her ‘shift’ pattern and come in specially to see her on the days she’s working with us.
Benji is a young golden retriever, who joined our resident wellbeing dog Agatha this year.
Benji joined Aggie as one of our wellbeing dogs from the beginning of September 2024. He is very friendly and playful; he loves playing with other dogs, chasing them around, and playing tug-of-war - he has done this with Aggie in our pastoral committee meetings in the Wellbeing Hub and disturbed the peace! He loves a tummy-scratch, and will roll over to get one from almost anyone he meets.
Benji lives with Mr Thomson, and is based with him in the pastoral office during the school day. Benji loves playing with pupils - especially with a group of Year 7 boys who come to see him most lunchtimes!
He is incredibly affectionate. He wants to meet EVERYONE, so it can take a LONG time to walk across the campus if it is at breaktime or lunchtime!
What are the benefits of wellbeing dogs in schools?
As our wellbeing dogs, Aggie and Benji's role is to support our pupils if they need a calming influence, want a cuddle, or just want some time away from the classroom in a warm and welcoming environment.
Some of the benefits of a wellbeing dog in schools are:
- They provide a calming effect for those pupils who interact with them
- They have in some cases been shown to improve pupil attendance and increased motivation for learning
- They support pupils with their social and emotional learning needs.
- They help to teach empathy and interpersonal skills
- They can help to relieve anxiety and stress
See pictures of Agatha (top) and Benji (bottom) below!
Will they be kept on a lead?
Both Agatha and Benji will be kept on a lead and harness when moving between classrooms or on a walk and will be under the full control and supervision of an adult. There may be occasions when they are off lead, but this will only happen in an enclosed space and under the control of an adult. Before removing the lead, all present will be consulted.
Where will they stay?
Agatha will have a bed in the Wellbeing Hub and will spend much of her time there. She lives on school site with the Bull family so will return there regularly throughout the day.
Benji will be with Mr.Thomson in the pastoral office.
Could dogs be anywhere in school?
Agatha will not go into the dining room; she will not roam around the school or make unexpected visits to rooms. She will be based in the Wellbeing Hub/Junior School/boarding house and work with key staff.
Benji will be accompanied by Mr.Thomson whenever they go on a walk around the grounds, but neither of them will enter the dining room or make unexpected visits to classrooms.
Will a student be left alone with them?
Students will always be supervised when with Agatha or Benji.
What if a student does not like dogs?
If a student does not want to engage with our wellbeing dogs, they will not have to. Students will always be asked if they wish to engage and can always say no. Experience and research have shown that, with proper guidance and handling, children can learn to overcome their fear of animals and grow in respect and appreciation for them.
What if a student is allergic to dogs?
It is understandable that some students may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. However, both Agatha and Benji will be subjected to the most thorough cleanliness and grooming regime. They will also only be allowed in situations with pupils who voluntarily wish to work with them.
The school should be informed of all students who have an allergy to dogs/dog fur. This information will be circulated to supervising adults, so they know, and students will be kept a safe distance away. Students with severe allergies should seek advice before entering the Wellbeing Hub (or other spaces where our wellbeing dogs will be ‘working’).
What if a student has never engaged / touched a dog before?
Students will be given guidance and instructions before engaging with Agatha or Benji. It can be hugely rewarding and therapeutic to engage with animals but this will always be done under instruction and with supervision.
Are there hygiene risks?
The Risk Assessment and Procedures documents outline details of the hygiene practices which will be in place – such as cleaning of hands and the environment before and after meeting Agatha or Benji.
When can a student meet them?
If you do not inform the school otherwise, we will assume you are happy for your child to interact with Agatha and Benji if they wish to do so.
Will other school dogs be allowed in school?
KHS also have a school dog called Parsnip and Warwick Prep School have a dog called Ollie. Visitors/parents are not allowed to bring dogs on site.
Will Agatha and Benji be properly cared for?
Both Agatha and Benji is extremely well looked after. Agatha lives with the Bull family in the boarding house so is always on the school site. Agatha will meet with students in a controlled setting and will always be accompanied by a trained adult. Whilst Agatha is ‘working’ in school, she will have access to a bed and a quiet space in her home and in the Wellbeing Hub, where she can relax during the day. Agatha will visit the vet regularly for all her vaccinations and will have all worming and flea treatment, as directed. She will also undergo regular check-ups. If she is unwell for any reason, she will stay at home.
Benji is owned by Mr. Thomson who spares no expense or effort to ensure his wellbeing.
What if they do not enjoy their work?
If at any point it comes to light that Agatha or Benji does not actively enjoy life in the school environment, then they will no longer attend.
