Meet Pickle – Our School Dog Mentor! 🐾

Hello everyone!

My name is Pickle, and I am the very proud Dog Mentor at Bilton Church of England Junior School! I am a Miniature Dachshund, and when I'm not busy carrying out my important school duties, I live with Mrs Smith (our Home School Support Worker) and her family.

I have been part of the BJS family for a little bit of time now, and I absolutely love my role! Before starting my adventures at school, I successfully completed my Dog Mentor Programme assessment with flying colours. Mrs Smith also completed specialist training to become my school handler, ensuring that I can carry out my role safely and confidently.

Since joining BJS, I have become a familiar face (and wagging tail!) around school. I love spending time with the children and staff, offering a friendly welcome, a listening ear and plenty of opportunities for smiles. Being a Dog Mentor is an important job, but I think I'm rather good at it!

Why Have a School Dog Mentor?

Research suggests that positive interactions with dogs can offer a range of benefits for children's learning, development and wellbeing. These may include:

• Cognitive Development: Spending time with a dog can encourage concentration, memory, problem-solving and communication skills. Reading to a dog can also help children develop confidence and enjoyment in reading.

• Emotional Development: Dogs can provide comfort, companionship and reassurance, helping children feel calmer, more confident and supported. They can also encourage kindness, empathy and respect for living things.

• Physical Development: Interacting with a dog can encourage movement, sensory experiences and an appreciation of the importance of physical activity and wellbeing.

• A Positive School Environment: Having a school dog can contribute to a welcoming, nurturing and supportive atmosphere, helping children feel a greater sense of belonging.

• Social Development: Dogs can provide a wonderful starting point for conversations, encourage positive interactions and help children develop responsibility, patience and social confidence.

What Do I Get Up To at BJS?

Well, no two days are quite the same when you're a school Dog Mentor!

You might find me spending time with Mrs Smith, enjoying a gentle walk around school, offering some reassurance to a child who needs a little extra support or simply brightening someone's day with a wag of my tail. You will always find me on the gate in the morning. 

One of my favourite jobs is spending time with children, whether individually or in small groups, helping them feel relaxed, confident and ready to learn. I also love listening to children read. I never interrupt, I don't mind if someone makes a mistake, and I'm always happy to listen to another story!

Sometimes I may join children for carefully planned activities or classroom visits, where my presence can support learning, emotional wellbeing or positive relationships.

Of course, I also need plenty of rest and quiet time between my important duties. Mrs Smith makes sure that my wellbeing is looked after, just as we care for everyone in our BJS family.

A Little Dog Making a Big Difference! 💚

At BJS, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, happy and valued. I am very proud to play my part in helping children develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships, reflecting our school values of Care, Honesty, Respect, Cooperation, Forgiveness and Resilience.

I hope to continue sharing some of my adventures, photographs and special moments here on the school website so that you can see what I've been getting up to!

If you have any questions about my role as Dog Mentor, please contact Mrs Smith or Mrs Brown through the school office.

Lots of love and wagging tails,

Pickle 🐾

Please see the link to The Dog Mentor website

https://www.thedogmentor.co.uk/about