Why have a school dog?

As part of their Exhibition of Learning at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, some of our inquiring Grade 5 learners suggested the possibility of a therapy school dog to our Director, Board and Don Bosco.

Having discussed this at length, we are pleased to share that with full support from children, staff and Board, Nikau joined our Zug Campus in August 2024.

There is a significant amount of research around the benefits to having a school dog, alongside the policies and processes to support this.  Some benefits include but are not limited to:

• having a calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties;
• improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem;
• encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children;
• fostering a sense of responsibility;
• motivating pupils to think and to learn, as children have a high level of natural interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals;
• encouraging respect and improving relationships with each other;
• teaching children to nurture and respect life;
• helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children, and educational support systems for those who may need it;
• helping children build confidence in reading.

Mel has had a therapy dog in school since 2014.  She did extensive work in this field including running programmes in NZ where dogs visit schools, hospitals and aged care facilities.  Mel also underwent training for temperament assessment of canines and spent her weekends assessing dogs for the Outreach Therapy Pets Auckland based programme.

Nikau is a Labrador Retriever which makes him an appropriate breed of dog for the school, because of his ideal temperament and his previous training as a guide dog. Labradors are used successfully in many schools. Labradors are by nature gentle and friendly. They are also superb working dogs. Nikau has been working full-time in a primary school since 2019.  We are sure the children will gain a great deal of enjoyment from having their own school dog and that Nikau becomes an established part of life at ISZL.

We also understand that it is not possible for all families to have a family dog while based overseas and therefore we hope that this is an opportunity for children to have a ‘share’ in a dog and gain much from a relationship and contact with Nikau on a regular basis.

Nikau is available to work with any children who need him, including those who have additional and emotional needs, suffer bereavement or who are upset in any way and in need of calm, comfort and space before being able to tell an adult what has upset them.

Nikau is also available to work with children and adults who have had bad experiences with dogs or other animals. Over a period of time children who react fearfully to dogs will be supported in approaching, handling and gaining confidence in managing their fear. Please approach us if this is support you would like for your child.

Nikau’s main place of residence will be the Principal’s office, which is secure and separate from the classrooms.  Children will be able to interact with him, under supervision, at certain times of the week. Nikau will not be given access to other visitors without supervision and mutual consent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q Who is the legal owner of the dog and who pays for its costs?
The legal owner of the dog is the nominated member of staff [Mel] who adopted Nikau in 2018.  She will care for Nikau outside of school hours.

Q Is the dog from a reputable breeder?
Yes. Nikau is a purebred Labrador Retriever who was ‘born’ into the breeding programme for Blind Low Vision NZ. He and two of his siblings were withdrawn from the programme due to suspected elbow dysplasia and rehomed in new careers.  He is very well mannered, has a gentle disposition and adores children. 

Q Will the dog be a distraction?
Nikau will be kept in the Principal’s office. This area is separate from the classrooms. We will be careful to ensure that time spent with the school dog is shared among the children fairly.

Q Has a risk assessment been undertaken?
Yes, we have carefully considered having a dog in school and sought advice from many sources, including other schools that have a school dog.

Q Who is responsible for training?
The nominated member of staff will be the legal owner of the dog and as a result, will be responsible for its training.

Q How will the dog be toileted to ensure hygiene for all?
In the interest of health and hygiene our school dog is toileted in an area of the school site where children have no access. Thus there will be no chance of the children coming into contact with faeces.

Q How will the dog’s welfare be considered?
Nikau will be walked and allowed out several times each day.  He will have access to water all day and have a quiet zone to rest.

Q How will this be managed where children have allergies?
We already manage a number of allergies at school and this will be no different for children and adults that are allergic to dogs. Individual needs will always be met and we are happy to work with parents to put additional control measures in place for individual allergies.

Q My child is frightened of dogs; how will you manage this?
Access to Nikau is carefully managed and supervised and children do not need to have close contact if they prefer not to.