Canine Therapy

Canine works as a therapeutic intervention works in conjunction with teachers and therapists at Muntham House School with the aim of delivering a bespoke programme suited for each pupil’s individual needs. This pupil-centred approach will focus on personal and social skills in many ways, plus teaching pupils how to appropriately behave around dogs and basic dog’s safety; aiding future dog owners to be more responsible.

The overall aims of canine support are:

1. (For the adult) provide opportunities for learning through play, acceptance, curiosity and empathy

2. Increase pupils’ self-esteem through developing their confidence with dog handling skills

3. Develop pupil empathy and compassion through the relationship built between them the canine and the practitioner

4. Provide the pupils with valuable tools and strategies to decrease anxiety and manage stress in a range of settings e.g. breath work to lower psychological impact of stress

5. Increase positive peer relationships using the relationship between the handler and the dog, and the pupil and the dog as metaphors for peer-relationship

We have two working dogs who are the stars of Canine. Buzz is a Terrier cross and Doug is a Show Cocker Spaniel, both have relevant insurance and have been temperament assessed and deemed suitable for working by professionals.