A - Z Parent Guide
Our BNPS Therapy Dogs
What are Animal Assisted Interventions?
Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are goal-oriented and structured interventions that intentionally incorporate animals in health, education, and human service for the purpose of therapeutic gains and improved health and wellness.
A therapy dog falls under the umbrella of Animal-assisted interventions. Any working Animal-assisted intervention dog is therefore trained and assessed for a specific role.
What is a Therapy Dog?
Trained Therapy Dogs form part of our wellbeing and engagement approach at BNPS. In 2022, we have welcomed two newly qualified therapy dogs to our school. In previous years, we had Archie and Sid as Therapy Dogs, whom together with their handlers, formed a valued part of our school community.
Research shows that therapy dog programs provide significant benefits for students as the dogs are trained to use their social instincts and learned social skills to provide health, social-emotional and cognitive benefits. Being in contact with a therapy dog calms children, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress and promoting a sense of belonging in school. Our BNPS Therapy Dogs will also provide social-emotional support to staff and the wider school community, when and where appropriate.
In 2022, we welcome our trained Therapy Dogs, Wally and Frankie.
Frankie
Wally
Wally and Frankie (and their handlers Jessi Maddison and Georgie Tilley) have been trained by K9 Support and Lead the Way Institute to become Therapy Dogs.
Wally is a Groodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle) and Frankie is a Toy Cavoodle F1B (Toy Cavoodle x Toy Poodle).
A therapy dog is different to a service dog, facility dog or visiting dog, however these dogs are also trained and assessed for AAI. Wally and Frankie passed an intensive assessment and have proven their natural ability to refocus students who may be feeling upset for a variety of reasons. Frankie will be working in Year 1 with her certified handler and Wally in Year 4 with his certified handler. Both dogs will also work more broadly around the school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that there may be some families who do not want Wally and Frankie to work directly with their child, therefore, there is the ability to opt out of this opportunity.
