Idea: Get a relaxed class with a dog
School dog Buddy has been 'working' at primary school de Parelburcht in Oost-Souburg for almost two years. She gives the children a lot of peace and support there, according to teacher and owner Jolanda Goedbloed.
Image: Rob Niemantsverdriet
Every morning when Jolanda Goedbloed is working, she welcomes the children in the hall of the school together with a cheerfully wagging Buddy. “It is a warm welcome for the children, you can see that it makes them happy”, says the teacher. The young dog spends most of the time with her owner in group 8, on a rug in the front of the class. Sometimes she 'stays' with group 7, where Buddy is now also familiar. "The intention is that she will be used to all groups in the future and that she can also play outside with them during the break."
Busy Kickers
The mere presence of Buddy in the classroom gives peace of mind. “You would think that a dog might be distracting, but the opposite is true. We often start in the morning with reading for half an hour and a few children are allowed to sit on a cushion with Buddy. With one hand on Buddy and in the other a book, they read very concentrated and calmly. Recently, Buddy has also regularly been on the feet of one of the crowds in the class. It calms him down completely. Buddy knows exactly who needs her," said Goedbloed.
Buddy is not the first dog of the Pearl Fortress. It started in 2015 with labradoodle Tibbe. Goedbloed: “My colleague Guy had read about a school dog at a secondary special education school and suggested working with a school dog as well. He was extensively informed and came up with numerous arguments. This is how children get a lot of support from a dog. A dog invites contact and activity, gives a sense of companionship and trust. He does not judge, helps to overcome fears and deal with emotions. Having fun with a dog has a stress-reducing effect and I can list many benefits.” The school team was convinced and so were the parents - after a parents' evening.
Allergy Friendly
Dog Tibbe indeed proved to offer the school so many advantages that the director was eager to have a dog again when Guy and Tibbe left the Pearl Castle two years ago. Good-blooded family had wanted a dog for some time, but that could not be combined with work. She wanted to become the owner of the new school dog. It was quickly clear that it would be an Australian labradoodle again, because it is allergy-friendly and has a pleasant character. The teacher asked a recognized breeder for a puppy that is calm, playful, social and can sense emotions well. “I think those character traits are important for a school dog.”
For example, dealing with a sensitive conversation with a child or an argument is easier and feels safer when Buddy is there
Good guidance in raising the dog is also essential, according to Goedbloed. She therefore works twice a month with an assistance dog trainer. “I come with a question and she with fantastic ideas: For a boy in my class with disruptive behavior she decided that he teaches Buddy step by step to jump through multiple hoops. In doing so, I always link Buddy's behavior back to that of the student. For example, if the boy is restless or speaks unclearly, Buddy will not listen.” Goedbloed does the expensive training in her spare time and is paid for by school. She pays all other costs for the dog herself. “I like that, because it keeps it my dog.”
conduct disorder
The teacher uses the labradoodle for many different things. For example, a sensitive conversation with a child or a fight is easier and feels safer when Buddy is there. She lets insecure children teach Buddy a trick under her guidance, which gives them more confidence. “If they get applause for this in the schoolyard, that's a huge boost. At the same time, they see that Buddy, like themselves, has to work hard to learn something.”
She also uses the labradoodle for small jobs. For example, the dog can throw a wad of paper in the trash, bring the keys to her, pick up a pen and close the door. “Of course it should not become a circus dog, but it is very nice to see how involved the students are in teaching and raising them.” In addition, teaching assistant Willy regularly comes to pick up the dog from the classroom to supervise a student with a behavioral disorder. “The boy gives the dog commands and Buddy mirrors his behavior. This is very educational. Buddy also makes sure he relaxes. Recently he had an angry mood for an hour and when Buddy entered the angry mood immediately disappeared.”
clothespins
At home Goedbloed also has a lot of comfort from her well-trained dog. “For example, she clears the clothespins off the floor when I pick up the laundry, haha.” She does not see any disadvantages of a school dog. “At the most she is still a little vigilant: when parents come into the classroom during a ten-minute conversation, she barks loudly.” Furthermore, Goedbloed sees only advantages. “I would give every school a dog. Make sure that you as a school team clearly know how you want to use the dog and keep talking about it. And of course think of the well-being of the dog. The kids know not to disturb Buddy when she's on her rug. She also wears a cover with the text 'Ask first, then pet', so that she is not overstimulated by constant petting.”
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