As more schools explore the effects of having a school dog on supporting pupil wellbeing and engagement, Dave Abbiss, business manager at Brandhall Primary School, reflects on the extraordinary impact that school dog Lolley has had on pupils, staff and families  

With my five-year-old son, Jack, pining for a canine companion and my head teacher desperate to have a school dog, I did what all school business leaders do and tried to kill several birds with one innocent stone.  I had it all mapped out.  The benefits for our children would be numerous, and I would be branded a hero both at home and at school.   

A few months later, hosing her down in the school playground after she had playfully rolled in fox excrement again, and the whole thing didn’t seem like such a good idea! 

A Positive Start to Every Day 

Lolley – a five-year-old cockerpoo – has been the school dog at Brandhall Primary School since joining as a twelve-week-old puppy in April 2021.  Despite the regular rolling, occasional unscheduled cameo appearances in assemblies (much to the hilarity of the children) and the time that she ate an unsupervised lemon drizzle cake, it is pretty much universally agreed that Lolley is one of the best things to ever happen to the school.   

She is an indispensable part of the team. 

The head teacher and Lolley greet families every morning at the school gate, which provides a calm and positive start to the day for our children.  Lolley helps those children who find the start of the school day challenging to regulate their emotions and reduce anxieties about the day ahead.  Furthermore, Lolley growls at the very concept of tardiness, strutting away from the gate like the diva that she is, as soon as the school bell chimes.  You had better get to school on time if you want to see her. 

Improving Attendance, Literacy and Confidence 

We have seen marked improvement in attendance and punctuality since Lolley’s arrival, although the benefit of a school dog goes far beyond simply encouraging our pupils to get to school and to be on time.   

All our children get the opportunity to read to Lolley, which encourages reluctant readers and improves skills in reading and literacy across all key stages.  In addition to this, Lolley has helped to boost confidence and self-esteem amongst many of our pupils, as well as acting as a great incentive for good behaviour and effort.  The reward of getting to walk Lolley around the school field or learning tricks with her in the school hall still excites and inspires the pupils, even after five years.   

Supporting Children Through Difficult Times 

Dogs have a unique ability to know when a person is sad; they pick up on cues and immediately try to comfort.  Some of Lolley’s most important work has been with children trying to cope with bereavements or trauma; she is the most skilled member of our team when it comes to identifying children who are struggling and she has the skills to help them too.   

Whilst every single child has access to our popular cockerpoo, some children develop a particularly special relationship.  Lolley has helped reluctant speakers to find their voice, children with pet phobias to conquer their fears and she has been there for our children at the most difficult times.  (I won’t even get started on the staff therapy sessions!). 

Things to Consider Before Getting a School Dog 

For anyone thinking of getting a school dog, there are a few important things to consider.  Lolley is hypoallergenic with a mild temperament and all the attributes perfect for the position of school dog.  When selecting your school dog, a great deal of thought needs to be put in to ensure the dog is right for school and that school is right for the dog.   

We have also regularly tweaked Lolley’s timetable so that she has adequate rest time and doesn’t get over stimulated or stressed.  Walks and play time need to be factored in; luckily, you’ll have lots of little volunteers to help with this.   

An Extraordinary Impact 

My motivation for taking responsibility for the school dog in 2021 was largely about making my son happy.  Five years later, I am overwhelmed by the profound impact that Lolley has had on our whole school community.   

She gets more presents than any other staff member at Christmas, which shows how deeply the parents, staff and children adore her.  Although she will never get the present she really wants – Calvin Klein’s Essence of Fox – Lolley is one very happy school dog.  She bounds joyfully from the bottom of the garden when the words ‘Lolley … school’ are bellowed each morning, much to the amusement of our next-door neighbours.   

This clever, charismatic and cheeky cockerpoo has had an extraordinary impact on the lives of our children.