Introducing Our School Dog – Lando
Our school dog is Lando, who usually lives with Mr Statham, but will come to school too. Lando is a Cockapoo.
Children can benefit educationally and emotionally, increase their understanding of responsibility and develop empathy and nurturing skills, through contact with a suitable, calm dog.
In addition to these benefits, children take great enjoyment from interactions with animals. By having a school dog we want to encourage those children who are less enthusiastic about being at school to have something to look forward to.
The breed of Cockapoo is carefully selected as suitable for this type of environment. Lando is well cared for and responsibly owned by Mr Statham.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A School Dog?
Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of dogs in schools. Dogs have been working in schools for over 5 years across the UK with several integrated very successfully in local Enfield schools, including six other Ivy Trust schools. Dogs have been commonplace in schools in other countries for many years.
Evidence indicates that benefits include:
Cognitive – companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving and game-playing. Reading to a dog can be very beneficial as dogs give unconditional acceptance and are non-judgmental. Dogs make amazing listeners.
Social – a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing and focused interaction with others. Attendance for some pupils has improved because of a school dog.
Emotional – a school dog improves self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach empathy, compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety. This has been known to reduce the percentage of violent or aggressive behaviour in school.
Physical – interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses.
Environmental – a dog in a school increases the sense of a family environment, with all of the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.
All costs associated with Lando will be covered by Mr Statham. Having a school dog will therefore be no additional cost to Eastfield Primary School.
Lando is a Cockapoo, chosen for his mild temperament, friendliness and non-moulting coat.
Cockapoo Characteristics
- A small dog
- Completely people-oriented
- Is very adaptable
- An affectionate, kind, friendly dog
- Is good with children
Some Concerns You Might Have
Our school does have a ‘no dogs’ policy – however Lando will be the school dog and will be in school for a specific purpose. He will be on a lead at all times when moving around the school property and will always be accompanied by an adult. Lando will also be fully insured to carry out his role thus allowing him to be on the school site.
We still will not be allowing other dogs onto the school site at any time as their temperament etc. is unknown to us. So the ‘no dogs’ policy still applies to other dogs.
Some children may have had upsetting experiences and thus have a fear of dogs (or another animal). Lando is calm and gentle around children; he has a very loving and gentle nature. As he is being brought into the school from a puppy, the children will be able to watch him grow and develop and the children’s confidence in being around him can increase over time.
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.
It is understandable that some of you may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. The Cockapoo breed is known to be hypo-allergenic. Lando will be subjected to a thorough cleanliness and grooming regime. We will ask parents who are concerned to make the school aware if their child has an allergy.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Lando to the Eastfield family and embrace all that he has to offer the school. If you do not want your child to interact directly with Lando then please put this in writing to the school.
Here are our Procedures about dogs.