1st Edition
Dogs in Schools Pedagogy and Practice for Happy, Healthy, and Humane Interventions
Using a wealth of infographics and classroom examples, Dogs in Schools sets out the pedagogical principles that schools can employ to work with school dogs in a way that promotes the well-being of all participants and creates a safe environment for all.
This is the first book to combine theory and research with the views of experienced teachers and professionals working around the world, from the United Kingdom to India, from Australia to mainland Europe. Their perspectives illustrate the wide-ranging interest in school dogs but also highlight common concerns. For policymakers, this is a book not to ignore because it shows how dogs have the potential to make a significant contribution to children's well-being at a time of growing concern in this area. Simultaneously, the authors endorse the views of contributors who call for the introduction of humane regulations and fulsome guidance so that school dogs are viewed as sentient companions and not relegated to the latest educational fad.
This is a must-read book for all those who are serious about humane education and ensuring the well-being and happiness of both children and dogs.
Introduction Part One: Background and Rationale 1. The Human-Dog Bond in Historical Context 2. School Dogs: What Does the Research Tell Us? 3. Towards a Pedagogy for Effective Practice Part Two: Challenges and Achievements Around the World 4. The UK and Mainland Europe 5. Africa 6. The United States of America 7. Asia and Australia Part Three: Making the Most of Relationships 8. Planning and Preparing for a School Dog 9. Implementation 10. Researching and Evaluating Impact
Biography
Helen Lewis is an associate professor of education at Swansea University. Her research interests include animal-assisted interventions, the well-being of school dogs, and creative thinking.
Russell Grigg is Director of Initial Teacher Education at Swansea University. His research interests include teacher education and innovative pedagogy.
"Dogs in Schools fills a huge gap in the literature about involving dogs responsibly and humanely in school settings, a practice that has become much more popular in recent years. This well-written, interesting, and timely volume considers the well-being of both students and dogs and gives voice to the dogs as sentient beings. Lewis and Grigg offer a comprehensive look at the complexities of human-canine relationships in general and in educational settings specifically. Potential benefits such as enhancing students' motivation, empathy, and learning are balanced with potential risks and challenges, offering vital, research-based information on the topic. Highly recommended."
Risë VanFleet, PhD, CDBC, president and founder of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®, Pennsylvania, USA, and co-author of Animal Assisted Play Therapy
"In these pages there is a deep understanding and compassion for dogs in the school environment, which if considered properly, as this book does, can be extremely beneficial to all parties involved. The authors touch on the most essential aspects of canine-assisted education in a comprehensive yet intelligible manner."
Debby Lucken, Dip., Canin. Prac., International School of Canine Psychology, dog behaviorist and trainer and founder of Kids Around Dogs (KAD)
"Dogs in Schools shares insights into school-based dog interventions from around the world before imparting critically important information to help ensure these programs are created, managed, and evaluated in ways that ensure the welfare of all those involved. Anyone interested in implementing a dog intervention program will find value in this unique blend of foundational information and practical tips for success."
Lori Kogan, professor of clinical sciences at Colorado State University, editor-in-chief for the Human-Animal Interaction Journal, and chair of the American Psychological Association's Human Animal Interaction Section
