The School Dog - Joey
Joey does have a Youtube page where he uploads all of his videos and other significant video's to share with the Downsview Community. Make sure you subscribe so that you are alerted when Joey makes a post!
My name is Joey and I am Downsview’s school dog! My breed is a Cockapoo and my owner is Ms Pugh. She is the Headteacher but I call her mummy. I was born on May 4th 2019 and have been coming to school since I was 9 weeks old. At first I was shy but now, after lots of training, I spend every day with the children (my fwiends) and grown ups who teach me lots of tricks, give me lots of cuddles and treats!🐾. Some of my favourite subjects are Reading (including to listening stories my fwiends write), Maths (especially Mathletics), PE and Forest School!
Not only do I enjoy time outside playing with my friends on our amazing playing field and Forest but I also visit the children in their classrooms. It is always nice to spend time learning with my friends either individually or in small groups. This all depends on how I can best help and support them! I really like it when I can make all my friends and family smile!
On this page I will post pictures of our adventures, so be sure to visit regularly to see what we've been up to.
Here is some more information about me...
How does Joey help the children?
The value of pet therapy is widely accepted as a powerful aid to communication and motivation. Research has shown that companion dogs can improve the well-being of children reducing their anxiety levels by making the school environment happier and a more enjoyable place to be. Children can benefit educationally and emotionally; a dog can motivate and encourage their participation, increase their understanding of responsibility, develop empathy and nurturing skills and improve their behaviour and self-esteem. Children cannot fail in any way in their relationship with a dog; they do not judge or condemn and offer unconditional affection. Children will learn the principles of good pet ownership and be taught how to handle dogs safely and responsibly; they will take great enjoyment from interaction with the dog.
The rationale to make the decision to have a school dog was as follows: to have a dog that the children could learn how to care for, interact safely around and also benefit their social and emotional development. Joey is the Headteacher’s dog. He lives with Ms Pugh in her home, at her own expense, and he is kept up-to-date with his immunisations. Joey is a Cockapoo a mixed-breed dog that is the cross between Cocker Spaniel and a poodle, which makes him hypoallergenic. It also makes him very sociable, well-tempered and clever.
Benefits of having a School Dog
Some of the benefits of having a school dog include:
- a calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
- encouraging expression and participation in quieter children
- teaching children to nurture and respect life
- motivating children to think and to learn, as most children have a high level of natural interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals
- fostering a sense of responsibility
The school has carried out a detailed risk assessment which will be reviewed annually and the impact of a school dog will be evaluated by the Senior Leadership Team and reported to the Governing Board.