Mount View High School introduces dogs into counselling and support programs

School counsellor Lincoln Comans brings his border collie Brando in one day a week, fellow counsellor Zea Buckley brings in her kelpie Molly, while learning and support teacher Rowena Zakrzewski tags her miniature dachshunds Peta and Marble along with her as well.

But it’s not just for the cuteness factor – the dogs assist in both therapy and educational intervention.

The idea came about as Mr Comans was discussing dogs with Mount View principal Desley Pfeffer and raised the question of utilising dogs in the school after seeing it in other areas, such as Telarah Public School.

Mr Comans said Ms Pfeffer got right behind the idea and after “crossing all the t’s and dotting all the i’s” the dogs were given the tick to be a part of the school.

Brando received formal behavioural training, while Marble, Peta and Ms Zakrzewski completed Delta accreditation.

Although worried about the reaction from students and the wider community, Mr Comans and Ms Zakrzewski said feedback so far has been positive.

On the counselling side, Brando assists with building rapport and reducing stigma around “going to see the counsellor” as well as creates a physical connection with the students through hugging or patting and de-escalation of emotions.

In the classroom, the mini sausage dogs are utilised in literacy support classes for students in year seven and eight.

The Delta program aims to improve students’ confidence, health and wellbeing by providing an additional learning tool to encourage the overall development of a student.

Marble and Peta have also been written into learning programs, which Ms Zakrzewski said gives students a tangible subject matter.

As the concept is only fresh, both Mr Comans and Ms Zakrzewski said they understand there are going to be difficulties and the approach is not going to work for every student, but that it fits in well with what the school is already doing and has been received well so far.

Both teachers have been liaising with Dr Paula Robinson of the Psychology Institute, and hope to be able to measure outcomes of the program within the next six-12 months.