Buddy our School Dog
All About Buddy
Since the summer of 2018, when he was 8 weeks old, Buddy, the cockapoo puppy came to join Mrs Jacques’ family and has since been coming into school every day to help children with their learning and behaviour.
For the first 2 years, we had a dog trainer, Shelley, who came into school each fortnight to train Buddy and to work with different children from different classes in how to handle dogs and be safe around them. Shelley often brought her own labrador, Theo, with her and the children then had Buddy and Theo to practice the skills they have learned. This included walking the dogs safely on a lead, training them to sit and stay or trying to teach them new tricks. Our school blog is the best place to see what happens as we update it regularly with photos and reports of Buddy and what he is up to!
What are the benefits of a school dog?
- A calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
- Encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children
- Fostering a sense of responsibility
- Improved behaviour, attendance and concentration, reduced stress and improved self- esteem
- Motivating pupils to think and to learn
- Enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of animals
- Encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers
- Teaching children to nurture and respect life
- Helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children, and educational improvements with lower achievers
- Helping children build confidence in reading
What is special about a cockapoo?
A cockapoo is bred from a Show Cocker Spaniel Mum and a Miniature Poodle Dad. They are described as -
An adorable small dog with the personality of a big clown, the Cockapoo is the first of the cross breeds (not a “pure” dog breed), dating back to the 1960s rather than to just a few years ago. Completely people-oriented, the Cockapoo is intelligent enough to train easily, hardly sheds any hair, loves being around children, and is so affectionate that you’ll never feel alone. He’s happy running around an agility course, showing off his tricks to company, being petted as a therapy dog, or just hanging out on your lap.
How has the school planned for this?
- A full risk assessment has been carried out and specific insurance has been obtained for a dog on the school premises
- All contact with children will be carefully planned and children will not be left unsupervised with Buddy
- When not 'working', Buddy will be based in Mrs Jacques' office - his ‘Time Out’ space
What about allergies?
- Buddy is a cockapoo (a mix of a cocker spaniel and a poodle). The poodle element means that he has very low allergy and non-shedding qualities
- All areas of the school are vacuumed and surfaces are wiped down daily
- Any child working with Buddy will wash their hands after, or use anti-bac gel
- A full management plan will be introduced regarding problems arising from any allergies (to date, there have been none)
How will we know what he's doing?
Our own Bowker Vale 'Dog Blog' is updated regularly to show you what Buddy is doing in school.
What level is his training?
Buddy has achieved his 'Bronze' and 'Silver' awards in the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Award. Everyone is really proud of him and he received his certificates and rosettes in assembly. He is working towards the Gold standard now, but this is really tricky to achieve!
