Therapy Dog

The role of our therapy dog is to respond to people inside the school environment, under the guidance and direction of its owner.

Recent studies have highlighted that children who work with therapy dogs experience increased motivation for learning, resulting in improved outcomes. Therapy dogs are being used to support children with social and emotional learning needs, which in turn can assist with literacy development.

Research into the effects of therapy dogs in schools is showing a range of benefits including:

- Increases in school attendance

- Gains in confidence

- Decreases in learner anxiety behaviours

- Positive changes towards learning and improved motivation

We’re excited to have Walter work at Lara PS to support students with social and emotional learning needs.