Hurstbridge Primary School Support Dog Program
Hurstbridge Primary School is very fortunate to have Chloe, a Morndew Labrador as our school support dog. Chloe has an amazing temperament which makes her perfect for the role.
Chloe has undergone her formal Therapy/Support Dog training with K9 Support in Benalla, they will also conduct her reassessments each year. From her first day at training we recognised Chloe’s abilities to bond well with people and provide a high level of care and attention.
Chloe attends school each day, she has a safe place in our school office where she can retreat to if she needs a break. Our Principal is her primary handler. Chloe loves to spend time in the school library, where children can read to her. She visits classrooms and is just there for everyone. We all know what the benefits of patting and spending time with an animal can be. We have found that this helps our students focus their attention on their work and calm down. The classroom is a quieter place with the dog visiting. We see less students with anxiety and school refusal since implementing the support dog program. Chloe also works with our wellbeing staff, spending time in individual and group sessions with students. Chloe has a varied and busy day, she loves to be with children!
Chloe attends school camps and excursions, she loves spending time with the children outside of school. In the evenings when some children become home sick and anxious Chloe sits with them and helps them settle and enjoy camp. We are very privileged to have Chloe at our school.
Morndew have been very supportive of our program, and it’s clear their Labradors are well suited to the role of a therapy or support dog. Their temperament and nature make them ideal to work with children in a school setting. Chloe has become part of our school, just like a member of staff! We would have no hesitations recommending their dogs to be trained as therapy or support dogs working with children.
More information can be found on our website, https://www.hbridgeps.vic.edu.au/page/204/Support- Dog-Program If you would like any additional information about our Support Dog Program or Chloe herself,please don’t hesitate to contact us.
