Lesson 9: Guidelines on Reducing Stress.

Guidelines on Reducing Stress in School Dogs

This lesson builds upon everything we’ve discussed so far, from understanding the dog’s temperament and body language to recognising the early signs of stress. Now, we’re focusing on practical ways to reduce stress and ensure a positive, ethical experience for both the therapy dog and students in educational settings.

We’ll be referring to expert guidance from organisations like the Dogs Trust, the National School Dog Alliance, and the Association Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) to help ensure ethical and effective practice.

Putting the Pieces Together

• Temperament & Breed Influence: Understanding how a dog’s temperament and breed affect their ability to cope in a school setting.
  
  

• Recognising Stress Signals: Subtle signs of stress in dogs—such as lip licking, yawning, shaking, or turning their head away—need to be monitored closely.
  
  

• Ethical School Dog Practice: This includes prioritising welfare by making informed decisions to reduce stress before it builds.
  

What the Experts Say

Dogs Trust Recommendations:

• Whole-School Approach: All staff and students should understand the dog’s role, boundaries, and how to behave around the dog.
  
  

• Rest and Quiet Time: Ensure dogs have structured rest periods and a designated space to retreat and decompress.
  
  

• Ongoing Welfare Checks: Welfare should be consistently monitored, and the dog must have the choice to participate.
  
  

National School Dog Alliance (NSDA) Recommendations:

• Handler’s Role: Handlers should have experience and training in dog behaviour and stress signals, ensuring they act in the dog’s best interest.
  
  

• Building a Relationship: Handlers must foster trust with the dog, understanding their likes, dislikes, and overall needs.
  
  

• Dog Welfare: Handlers must advocate for the dog’s well-being, recognising when to remove the dog from stressful situations.
  

Ethical Considerations – Dogs Trust’s Caution

• Challenges of School Environments: School settings can be noisy and overstimulating for dogs, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
  
  

• Dogs Must Enjoy Their Work: It’s essential for a school dog to actively enjoy their role; merely tolerating it is not ethical.
  
  

• Transparency: While the Dogs Trust acknowledges the benefits of school dogs, they caution against placing dogs in schools without careful consideration.
  

Raising the Bar – Best Practices for School Dogs

• Suitability Assessment: Ensure a thorough assessment of each dog, considering breed, temperament, age, and individual preferences.
  
  

• Clear Role Definition: Clearly define what the dog’s role will be, how often they will work, and when they will rest.
  
  

• Training for Handlers: Handlers should be well-versed in dog behaviour, stress signals, and trauma-informed practices for both children and animals.
  

Practical Ways to Reduce Stress

Before the Session:

• Daily Log: Keep a record of the dog’s mood and energy levels to identify patterns and triggers.
  
  

• Avoid Overworking: Don’t schedule back-to-back sessions, and ensure the dog can opt-out if needed.
  
  

During the Session:

• Choice and Control: Allow the dog to approach rather than be approached, and ensure sessions are short—15-30 minutes is ideal.
  
  

• Avoid Chaos: Minimise environmental stressors such as loud noises or unpredictable movement.
  
  

After the Session:

• Decompress: Allow the dog to relax, whether through a walk, play session, or quiet time.
  
  

• Reflection: Reflect on the session—did the dog enjoy it? Were there signs of stress?
  

Proactive vs. Reactive Strategies

Proactive Strategies (Preventive Measures):

• Choose the Right Dog: Select a dog with a calm temperament, who enjoys interacting with children and can handle loud noises.
  
  

• Structured Routine: Set clear schedules for work and rest, ensuring a predictable environment.
  
  

• Staff & Student Education: Educate everyone on dog body language to prevent stress from escalating.
  
  

• Quiet Space: Provide a consistent, quiet retreat area for the dog to decompress.
  
  

Reactive Strategies (Responding to Stress):

• End Sessions Early: If the dog shows signs of stress, such as yawning or panting, end the session immediately.
  
  

• Redirect Attention: Offer calming activities or a break to reduce stress during the session.
  
  

• Remove the Dog: If stress persists, take the dog to a quiet area to relax and recover.
  
  

• Document the Incident: Track stressful incidents to adjust future sessions and better understand stress triggers.
  

Building a Culture of Advocacy

• Reducing stress is a collective responsibility, not just for handlers but for everyone in the school environment.
  
  

• Prioritise the dog’s emotional needs to create a supportive, positive learning environment for both the dog and students.
  

Key Takeaways:

• Always monitor the dog’s body language and respond to subtle signs of stress.
  
  

• Use proactive strategies to prevent stress before it builds, and reactive strategies to manage it when it does.
  
  

• Ensure that the dog’s welfare is always the top priority, and make ethical decisions in the best interests of the dog.