Wellbeing

Wellbeing Dog

PVNPS is proud to announce our newest member of staff - FRANKIE

Breed: Springer Spaniel

DOB: 11 October 2025 

She has been a hit with many students, staff and parents. She is still learning, she is currently attending Puppy School and will in time participate in further training as a wellbeing dog.

Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

1. Red note → green zone regulator

• Patting a dog lowers stress hormones (cortisol)
• Increases oxytocin (calming, connection hormone)

• Helps kids who are anxious, dysregulated, or overwhelmed return to a learning state

   

2. Safe emotional bridge

• Some children talk to a dog before they can talk to an adult

• Especially powerful for:
• anxious students
• trauma backgrounds
• selective mutism
• school refusal

• kids who struggle with trust

   

3. Non-judgmental presence

The dog:

• Doesn’t correct
• Doesn’t evaluate

• Doesn’t rush

  That makes it emotionally safe for vulnerable students.

Learning & Engagement Benefits

4. Improves readiness to learn

After time with a wellbeing dog, students often show:

• Better attention
• Reduced agitation
• Improved persistence with tasks
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5. Reading confidence booster

Children who are reluctant readers often:

• Read aloud more willingly to a dog
• Feel less embarrassed about mistakes
• Build fluency through relaxed practice

Social & Behavioural Benefits

6. Builds empathy and kindness

Students learn:

• Gentle touch
• Reading body language
• Respecting boundaries

• These skills transfer to peer relationships.

   

7. De-escalation tool

A dog can help:

• Interrupt escalation cycles
• Support regulation before behaviour peaks

• Provide a proactive break option (“dog visit” instead of crisis response)

   

8. Social connector

Dogs:

• Spark conversations
• Help isolated kids join group interactions
• Create shared positive experiences

Whole-School Culture Impact

9. Supports a calm school climate

Staff and students both benefit. Dogs:

• Lower overall tension
• Add warmth and positivity to the environment

• Contribute to a sense of psychological safety

   

10. Strengthens wellbeing identity

A wellbeing dog makes wellbeing:

• Visible
• proactive (not just reactive)
• part of school culture, not just programs

Staff Benefits (often overlooked)

• Staff stress reduction
• Break-time regulation
• Boosts morale and connection

A calm adult = calmer classrooms.

Especially helpful for students who:

• Have anxiety or school refusal
• Struggle with emotional regulation
• Have ASD or sensory needs
• Have experienced trauma
• Find adult interaction threatening
• Have low confidence or social difficulties