The rise of wellbeing dogs in Independent schools

Independent Schools Victoria’s latest video series explores the special skills of wellbeing dogs to enhance student learning, engagement and wellbeing.

We visited Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, Girton Grammar School and The King David School to find out how dogs are supporting their school communities.

Stay tuned for the final instalment on ‘Supporting your dog’s wellbeing’, which will be released on Wednesday 21 August.

Meet Murphy the Wonderdog – one of several wellbeing pups supporting student engagement at Girton Grammar School. ‘It’s been absolutely wonderful to see the work that he’s doing with all kids, but particularly those who are finding it hard to get to school,’ says Donald Thompson, Head of Junior School at Girton.

‘When I went about looking at getting Ivy (our wellbeing dog) at school, I was so focused on the students and I really underestimated the positive impact on parents and staff,’ says Shannon Whithouse, Head of Learning Support at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School.

Getting a pet dog is a big commitment. So too is the decision to bring on a school wellbeing dog. It’s not a decision that schools take lightly, but the rewards are many.