Sensory therapy dogs used to enhance students’ wellbeing
15 April 2024
Therapy dogs can reduce anxiety and stress while supporting student focus and self-regulation… but not everyone is comfortable around real dogs.
Inspired by their friends at Santa Maria College, Mary’s Mount Primary School (MMPS) has invested in 10 weighted sensory therapy dogs as part of the school’s strategy to boost wellness amongst staff and students.
And the results have proved a success.
Principal, Emma Bell exclaimed the virtues of the initiative, remarking:
“Students and even staff have loved the effects of these therapy dogs. Research has indicated that weighted blankets and toys assist in promoting mental wellness through deep pressure stimulation and provide a comforting hug-like sensation that triggers soothing brain chemicals.
“In the classrooms, students have been using the dogs to navigate their way through learning.
Having a weighted puppy on their lap when working through challenging tasks allow students to utilise self-regulation as they grow and learn together,”
MMPS School Social Worker Julie Merrells said,
“Dogs are a great way to support students’ sensory needs. We have also found that they can be helpful for children who may be feeling anxious or struggle when separating from their parents in the mornings. The dogs assist students with self-regulation and managing difficult emotions throughout the day.”
“There’s one dog in every classroom from kindergarten to Year 6, the library, and even in Mrs Bell’s office. Each dog has been named by the students. Everyone’s reaction to the therapy dogs made my day! There was so much love in the room I could feel it,” Jenelle Altinier, Drama Teacher said.
Assistant Principal, Erin Leach was keen to see the dogs being used by students in their class. “Each class named their dog which was a lot of fun. Mrs Bell’s dog is called ‘Snoopy’. We also have ‘Dewy’ (in the library), Puppy Paws, Rocky, Theodore, Nacho, Sunshine, Johnny, Fred, and Junior.”
“The dogs are just one visible aspect of the school’s wellbeing wheel skill set incorporating regulation, resilience, collaboration, belonging, and joy. These skills support students across all aspects of their wellbeing including physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual.
“Wellbeing is visible and a lived experience across the school. When students and staff feel good about themselves and their relationships, they flourish, have a sense of fulfilment, and function well as learners.”
Thomas in Year 1 said,
“I love Puppy Paws because he is fluffy and soft.’ Thomas uses him in class, and it makes him feel happy.
Year 6 students Alannis and Heath have welcomed Rocky. ‘We get to hold Rocky whenever we need to. He makes me feel calmer and I can concentrate more.’ shared Health. Alannis likes that ‘Rocky is warm like a blanket, and he makes me feel happy.’
Leo, Year 1 has also enjoyed the new dogs. While visiting the office Leo ‘snuggled up’ to Snoopy. “He was cuddly and warm and made me feel safe.”
