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Calls Are Being Made For Every School In Britain To Have A Wellbeing Dog

Calls Are Being Made For Every School In Britain To Have A Wellbeing Dog

Studies have showed these four legged friends can be brilliant at reducing stress and anxiety.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

There's no denying that dogs are awesome. Not only are they great companions and incredible service animals, but studies have shown they're brilliant at relieving stress and anxiety.

Where do you think is a place full of stress and anxiety? Yep - you answered right: school. (Let's just assume you said school)

As a result, there have been calls made for at least one 'wellbeing dog' to be made available in every British school.

The University of Buckingham Vice-Chancellor Sir Anthony Seldon says the animals could make a world of difference to kids if they're having a down day at school.

While there are different emerging technologies aimed at preventing stress and anxiety in young people, dogs are relatively cheap and easy going.

Kids play with a therapy dog to calm their nerves and anxiety.
PA

Sir Anthony said: "The quickest and biggest hit that we can make to improve mental health in our schools and to make them feel safe for children, is to have at least one dog in every single school in the country.

"Because children can relate to animals when they are hurt and anxious and sad in a way that they can't always with human beings.

"It will be a powerfully cost-effective way of helping children feel more secure at schools.

"It's very easy to do, it's very cost-effective, the evidence is very clear that it works, and every single school - primary, secondary, special - should have dogs.

"It's hard to think of an easier, quicker benefit."

Imagine strolling through the hallways, having a tough day and all of a sudden a golden retriever or chocolate Labrador comes around the corner and you can just hang out with it until you feel better.

Now, already you're probably imagining the one big issue here: everyone, and we mean everyone, will want to do that.

PA

So it probably won't be like your own personal stress reliever; schools would have to work out how the dog would be incorporated into daily life.

It seems as though the idea has got the support of Education Secretary Damian Hinds.

He's told the BBC: "This is one of those things that wasn't around when I was at school," said Mr Hinds.

"I hadn't really realised the incidence of it until I was Education Secretary. First I was a bit surprised, but actually it's a great thing.

"For the kids it can be really uplifting, particularly those that have different ways of expressing themselves and coming out of themselves - and the dog or the pets can really help."

Interesting, very interesting.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: School, Mental Health, Interesting, Community, Animals