Double physics for Fido: Why all schools should have a dog

DOGS only usually get a mention in school when they’re accused of eating homework.

But if the Education Secretary gets his way, they’ll soon have their own baskets in class.

Damian Hinds believes a resident pooch can significantly enhance pupil wellbeing – calming anxious youngsters and helping them ‘come out of themselves’.

A number of schools are bringing pets in to help children connect with nature and let go of the stress of studying. And while in days gone by, teachers might keep a fish or gerbil, now they are bringing in pets such as dogs.

In some cases, the animals are looked after by teachers, while in others they are brought in by volunteers. It follows a similar move in the university and corporate sector, with ‘wellbeing puppies’ brought in to help relieve anx- iety among students and staff. Speaking at the University of Buckingham Ultimate Wellbeing conference, Mr Hinds said: ‘On my travels – and I have had the opportunity to go to many schools – I’ve met more than a couple of wellbeing dogs. First I was a bit surprised but actually it’s a great thing. For the kids it can be really uplifting – particularly kids that have different ways of expressing themselves and coming out of themselves. And the dog or the pets can really help.’

Asked if more schools should follow suit, he said: ‘That’s for schools to decide’, and joked: ‘ I don’t have a central dogs policy.’

Anthony Seldon, vice chancellor of Buckingham, where wellbeing dogs help students, said: ‘Every school in the country can and should have animals ... Children can relate to animals when they are anxious and sad in a way they can’t always with human beings.’

‘Anxious and sad’