The school’s canine companions have been a part of the program since 2001, and they have been a huge success. The dogs are trained to assist students with various needs, including those with autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities.
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The Origins of the Program
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog program at H. Ashton Marsh Elementary began in 2001, when the school’s principal, Dr. Ashton Marsh, decided to introduce therapy dogs into the classroom.
“They’re usually so focused on their grades and their future, but Skye helps them focus on the present moment.”
The Canine Companion: How Skye the Dog is Revolutionizing Special Education
A New Approach to Learning
In a world where technology and standardized testing dominate the educational landscape, it’s refreshing to see a new approach to learning emerge. Skye, a talented canine companion, is revolutionizing special education by helping students with special needs focus on the present moment. This innovative approach is not only effective but also provides a unique opportunity for students to form a deeper bond with their peers and teachers.
The Power of Canine Companionship
Research has shown that canine companionship can have a profound impact on mental health and well-being. Studies have demonstrated that simply petting a dog can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and increase oxytocin levels – the “feel-good” hormone. Skye’s presence in the classroom is no exception. Her calm and gentle nature creates a sense of security and comfort, allowing students to feel more at ease and focused. Key benefits of canine companionship in the classroom: + Reduced stress and anxiety + Improved focus and concentration + Enhanced social skills and relationships + Increased oxytocin levels
Skye’s Role in Special Education
Skye’s role in special education is multifaceted. She serves as a therapy dog, providing emotional support and comfort to students with special needs. Her presence in the classroom helps to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, where students feel valued and respected.
The program has since grown to include multiple therapy animals and a team of trained volunteers.
The Origins of the Pet Therapy Program
The Commercial Township School District’s pet therapy program was initiated by Superintendent Daniel Dooley, who recognized the benefits of animal-assisted therapy in the classroom. Dooley, a teacher himself, had seen firsthand the positive impact of therapy animals on his students’ behavior and academic performance. He began the program with Skye, a therapy dog, a decade ago and has since expanded it to include multiple therapy animals and a team of trained volunteers.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy in the Classroom
The presence of therapy animals in the classroom has been shown to have a positive impact on students’ behavior and academic performance. Studies have consistently demonstrated that students who interact with therapy animals exhibit improved focus and attention, as well as enhanced academic performance. Additionally, therapy animals have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in students, while also increasing social skills and empathy.
The Role of Trained Volunteers
The success of the pet therapy program relies heavily on the efforts of trained volunteers. These volunteers undergo extensive training to learn how to interact with therapy animals and ensure their safety and well-being. They also receive training on how to integrate the therapy animals into the classroom, taking into account the needs and abilities of students with special needs.
The Expansion of the Program
The Commercial Township School District’s pet therapy program has expanded significantly since its inception. The program now includes multiple therapy animals, including dogs, cats, and even a miniature horse.
Therapy dogs bring comfort and companionship to patients in need.
Skye was trained to assist Dooley in his work with the therapy dogs.
The Origins of Therapy Dogs
In 2005, Dooley’s father was admitted to a rehabilitation facility in Pennsylvania. During his stay, Dooley visited his father regularly, but he noticed that the other patients were not receiving the same level of interaction and companionship that he was providing. This experience sparked an idea in Dooley to use pets for therapy.
The First Therapy Dog
Dooley obtained Skye, a 6-month-old Swiss Mountain Dog puppy, from Kismet Swissies, a breeder in Birdsboro, Pa. The breeder, who was also a volunteer at the rehabilitation facility, donated the dog to the district.
Training and Certification
To ensure that Skye was properly trained and certified, Dooley worked with a professional dog trainer. The trainer taught Skye to walk on a leash, respond to commands, and interact with patients in a gentle and calm manner. Skye was also certified as a therapy dog through the Pet Partners program.
The Impact of Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs like Skye have a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of patients. Studies have shown that simply petting a therapy dog can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation.
Skye was the first dog to be certified as a therapy dog by FURever as Friends in the state of New York.
Skye’s Journey to Becoming a Therapy Dog
Skye’s journey to becoming a therapy dog began several years ago, when he was just a puppy. His owner, Sarah, had always known that Skye had a special gift – he had a calm and gentle nature that made him perfect for interacting with people.
Hope is a therapy dog trained to assist students with anxiety and other mental health issues.
The Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Schools
Therapy dogs have become increasingly popular in schools across the United States, and for good reason. These specially trained canines provide a unique and effective way to support students’ mental health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of therapy dogs in schools and how they’re making a positive impact on students’ lives.
The Science Behind Therapy Dogs
Research has shown that simply petting a therapy dog can reduce stress and anxiety levels in students. The calming presence of a dog can help students relax and focus, making it easier for them to learn and engage in class. But what’s behind this phenomenon? Studies have found that the physical touch and affection from a dog can stimulate the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. This hormone helps to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
The Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Schools
So, what are the benefits of having therapy dogs in schools? Here are just a few:
The Canine Companion Program
The Canine Companion Program is a unique initiative that has been implemented in several schools across the United States. The program’s primary goal is to improve academic performance and reduce behavioral issues among students. By incorporating dogs into the classroom, the program aims to create a more engaging and interactive learning environment.
How it Works
The program is based on a simple yet effective concept: students earn points for good behavior, which can be redeemed for time spent with the dogs. This approach encourages students to exhibit positive behavior, such as following classroom rules and participating in lessons. The points system is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of each school. The points can be earned in various ways, including:
- Completing homework assignments on time
- Participating in class discussions and activities
- Showing respect to teachers and peers
- Demonstrating good sportsmanship during extracurricular activities
- One-on-one time with the dogs
- Group playtime with the dogs
- Special privileges, such as being the “line leader” or “class helper”
Benefits for Students
The Canine Companion Program has been shown to have a positive impact on students’ academic performance and behavior. Some of the benefits include:
The bill would also provide funding for schools to implement animal-assisted therapy programs.
The Rise of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Education
The use of animal-assisted therapy in education has gained significant attention in recent years, with many schools and educators embracing the benefits of incorporating animals into the classroom.
Animal-assisted therapy is a form of therapy that involves the interaction of humans and animals to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy are numerous and well-documented, making it a valuable tool for schools and educators.
The Science Behind Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy is based on the idea that the bond between humans and animals can have a profound impact on our emotional and psychological well-being.
The family is happy and content, but they are also aware of the challenges that come with raising a dog. The family has to deal with the dog’s shedding, slobbering, and accidents in the house. The family is patient and understanding, but they also set boundaries and rules for the dog’s behavior.
The Challenges of Raising a Dog
Raising a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. The dog’s shedding can be a problem, as it can cause allergies and make a mess in the house. The slobbering can be a challenge, as it can be messy and require frequent cleaning.