Dogs have a definite therapeutic value for children, the disabled, and the elderly. Research, and our experience, confirms that there are huge benefits from a Canine Educator programme at school, such as:
* The programme provides a safe place for children to work through fears they may have developed of animals and dogs.
* Children learn how to keep themselves safe around dogs.
* Children have the opportunity to take responsibility for an animal, taking care of its needs and providing for its well-being. This responsibility relates to the Participating and Contributing and Relating to Others key competencies in the New Zealand curriculum.
* Dogs in the classroom encourage caring and compassion, and contribute to a calm, caring, and enriching environment with a special Kiwi flavour.
* Dogs never judge and are always keen to listen to a story or what a child has to say.
* For children who have difficult times at home, or learning or behavioural issues, dogs can create a diversion in their thinking and give that child, and other class members, some relief and positive time out.
* Every dog in this programme has undertaken training, possesses a calm temperament, and has passed a set criteria test. The test was designed for working in school by a very experienced Christchurch dog obedience judge.
Our 'Canine Educator' is a 3 year old Griffon called Luna.
