Welcome Franklin!
Starting after February vacation we will have a wonderful addition to the Wheelock Elementary school, Franklin the therapy dog. There is such extensive research about the positive effects of a therapy dog in schools, one major benefit being the improvement of social/emotional well being. On the Wheelock home page you will find a slideshow with a more extensive list of what the research shows, as well as more information about logistics: Wheelock Website
As exciting as this is, we realize there are many students who may be nervous or even fearful of dogs. I would like the community to know that I am here to help any students/classes who may need extra support if they are feeling nervous/anxious about dogs. We know that sometimes kids may develop a fear of dogs because of a lack of exposure or perhaps a parent has this same fear. Children often feel nervous or scared because of a lack of control around dogs. Luckily, Franklin is highly trained and will be in a very controlled setting at school. This may be an ideal place to help a child learn to work through their dog fears.
Here are some GENERAL tips to help support kids who may be afraid of DOGS
- As we would encourage with any type of anxiety, it's best to acknowledge their feeling without reacting too strongly: "I understand that you are scared of dogs". We want to steer clear from reacting too strongly and inadvertently reinforcing their their fear.
- Offer reassurance with a calm and confident tone of voice: "I understand and I am right here with you"
- Model confidence around dogs and be mindful of NOT asking 'loaded' questions like: "is it safe to pet your dog" or "does your dog bite?" Try this instead: "Can we meet your dog".
Tips for first Interactions:
- Systematic Exposure (slow introductions that start out small) can be a helpful way to eliminate fears. This may look like watching a video of a dog, looking at dogs from across the park and then a trip to the pet store where kids can safely view animals behind an enclosement or gate.
- Having a dog on a leash or behind a gate will be a helpful way to introduce your child to a dog you know.
** Franklin will often be using a gentle leader, leash and always have a work vest on at Wheelock (so he knows he is working) **
- Role play is often a helpful method for teaching kids how to handle a tricky situation. For example, they could act out with a stuffed animal dog how they would handle different scenarios.
- Also previewing with the child ahead of time what might happen in an effort to take away some of the unpredictability. Letting them know that some dogs like to lick people as a way of meeting them.
** This will not happen with Franklin as he is highly trained to wait until commanded to do anything** However kids may earn the chance to earn 'kisses' from Franklin- as this will be one of his commands.
- When a child does first meet a dog, it's helpful for the adult to narrate their experiences so they know what is going on. For example, "the dog is moving his bottom quickly because he is excited to meet you".
Please feel free to email me if you have any concerns regarding your child: jennajohnson@email.medfield.net
** Tips summarized from a couple helpful websites:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-stiffelman/8-tips-for-helping-kids-g_b_6102352.html
http://www.positiveparentingconnection.net/fear-of-dogs/
http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug05/fighting.aspx
