Baxter – Our School Dog
Meet Baxter: Our School Dog & Mentor
Breed: Cavapoo
Role: School Dog Mentor
Qualified via: The Dog Mentor Programme
School Policy: VPA School Dog Policy
Hello from Baxter!
Baxter is a very special member of our school team. As a Cavapoo, he was chosen for his gentle temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat (which means he doesn’t shed hair, making him friendly for those with allergies).
Baxter isn’t just a pet; he is a trained professional. He has successfully completed his assessment with The Dog Mentor, a nationally recognised programme proven to help children educationally, developmentally, and emotionally.
Why do we have a School Dog?
Research shows that the bond between a child and a dog can have a profound impact on school life. Baxter works alongside our staff to support our pupils in several key areas:
- Emotional Support: Baxter helps reduce anxiety and provides a calming presence for children who might be feeling overwhelmed or upset.
- Building Confidence: Whether it’s “Reading to Baxter” (where he is a non-judgmental listener) or learning how to lead him, Baxter helps children grow in self-esteem.
- Social Skills: He encourages empathy, respect for others, and helps improve peer relationships through shared positive experiences.
- Attendance & Engagement: Having Baxter in school gives many children an extra reason to feel excited about coming to school every day!
The Dog Mentor Programme
We are proud to be an affiliated Dog Mentor School. This programme is a structured intervention grounded in evidence and measurable outcomes.
How it works:
- Accreditation: Baxter and his handlers have undergone rigorous training and assessments to ensure they work safely and effectively with young people.
- Focus Areas: The programme focuses on 6 core pillars: Communication, Self-Control, Resilience, Empathy, Focus, and Stress Management.
- Impact: By learning to “read” Baxter’s body language and training him using positive reinforcement, our students develop life skills that they carry back into the classroom.
Safety and Welfare (FAQs)
Is it safe? Yes. Baxter has been fully risk-assessed. Interaction is always supervised by a trained adult handler. We have a dedicated “School Dog Policy” and “Risk Register” available for parents to view in the office.
What about allergies? Baxter is a Cavapoo, a breed known for being hypoallergenic. Furthermore, he is groomed regularly to ensure a high standard of hygiene. Students with known allergies will not be required to have direct contact with him.
What if my child is scared of dogs? We respect every child’s boundaries. No student is ever forced to interact with Baxter. In fact, many children who were initially fearful have used Baxter’s gentle nature to slowly and safely build their confidence around animals.
Does Baxter like being in school? Absolutely! The welfare of the dog is a priority of The Dog Mentor programme. Baxter has his own quiet “den” where he rests, and he follows a strict schedule to ensure he doesn’t get tired. When he isn’t “working,” he’s a much-loved family pet at home.
Baxter’s Gallery
“The Dog Mentor programme has been proven to have a positive impact on children in all areas including self-esteem, behaviour, and better engagement skills.” > — The Dog Mentor Team
