From The Chalkface recently published an article about using dogs as “Stress Busters” in schools. This article on the BBC website now reports five dogs have joined the staff of Middlesex University to help students with exam stress or whose anxiety puts them at risk of dropping out.
The five Labradors have become "canine teaching assistants" and will work on improving students' wellbeing.
F.Suthers, head of clinical skills at the university said "When we initially introduced the scheme, I don't think any of us thought it would be so successful.” Ms Suthers added all the dogs were specially trained and a "stringent assessment" had ensured they had the right temperament.
This view is supported by the UK Education Secretary Damian Hinds, saying more schools seemed to have "wellbeing dogs" and "the pets can really help".
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