TAILS FROM THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND HOW ANIMALS ARE HELPING US COPE IN DIFFICULT TIMES
BY : RUSSELL GRIGG
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns over its impact on children ’ s emotional wellbeing and mental health . But researchers are reporting some good news . Pets appear to be acting as a kind of buffer against psychological stress during periods of lockdown . At least these were the findings of a recent survey in England where 90 per cent of 6,000 people surveyed said that their pets reduced feelings of loneliness , kept them fit and active and helped them cope with the lockdown ( Ratschen et al ., 2020 ).
These findings do not surprise us . Over recent years we have been researching how trained animals help children and young people ’ s all-round development in schools and colleges . And we have found through first-hand observations and in speaking to pupils , teachers , principals , parents and academics that there is remarkable agreement over how animals can help .
In this article we discuss these benefits and offer guidance for those considering introducing animalassisted interventions into their schools .
The benefits
The human – dog relationship is a very old one . For example , the ancestry of the Arabian Saluki dates back to ancient Egypt – and the breed ’ s speed and quiet devotion made it an excellent hunting companion . Today , any visitor to the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi will testify to the dogs ’ gentle temperament , elegance and intelligence . Like us , however , dogs have different personalities even within the same breed . While Salukis are affectionate towards family , some can be distant towards strangers . And so not all dogs are ideal for use in schools and colleges . They need to be assessed and trained to be around children before the benefits are seen .
The most obvious benefit is in the area of children ’ s emotional development . Dogs read emotional cues very well – whether we are happy , sad or angry . When the dog responds to gentle touch by wagging its tail or moving closer , the child gets immediate positive reinforcement . Similarly , if a child demonstrates loud or unpredictable behaviour the dog may move away , providing instant feedback . Dogs provide a safe sounding board for the sharing of feelings . This is particularly important for children who have difficulties in communicating their feelings , such as those with autism .
There are also potential gains in language and literacy skills . Studies show that when children read to a trained dog , they become more motivated , develop confidence and fluency , and enjoy the experience of reading . The children grow in selfconfidence as they read aloud . They look forward to reading in a relaxed , calming , non-critical environment . The presence of a dog can also encourage children to communicate , perhaps through a conversation about the dog , or by answering or asking simple questions .
In our own observations , we found that very young children would initiate conversation amongst themselves in the presence of a dog , talking about what the dog enjoyed eating ( sausages ), or discussing whose turn it was to give the dog a treat .
There are social benefits too . There are children who find it difficult to interact with others , perhaps because they feel inferior or are socially anxious , fearful or shy . This is significant because social anxiety , fear or shyness can prevent children from achieving their full potential or enjoying social situations . This may be particularly important to consider when pupils return to school after long periods of absence . Animals can prove to be effective ‘ icebreakers ’, prompting children to interact , take turns and share . In caring for animals , children learn to act in a caring , gentle and considerate manner .
And finally , there are physical and physiological benefits . Too many children live sedentary lives . The presence of a dog has the potential
16 Term 3 Apr - Jun 2021
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