Styria calls for more therapy dogs in classrooms

A platform for animal-assisted education is calling for more animals in classrooms to help address school suspensions, exam anxiety and bullying. Styria’s education directorate supports the approach, ORF reports.

At a symposium in Graz, participants presented practical examples of animal-assisted education. Research also shows that dogs in classrooms can help reduce anxiety and aggression. Behavioral biologist Kurt Kotrschal said animals can build trust and motivate pupils, and that children often find it easier to read aloud to a dog than to a person. Dogs also helped pupils process their experiences after a school shooting at BORG Dreierschützengasse in Graz.

The platform’s initiator, longtime school psychologist Josef Zollneritsch, said suspensions in Styria had risen significantly year on year, with more than 200 recorded last year. He described the figure as an alarm signal and said animals could help reach young people who adults sometimes struggle to connect with. He said animals should ideally be regularly available in schools.

Education Director Elisabeth Meixner backs the approach. A course in animal-assisted education began this year at the Augustinum teacher-training college and is fully booked, with 26 participants. Meixner said contact with animals can help children and teenagers develop social and emotional skills.

Schools using therapy dogs need a qualified dog, a hygiene plan and parental consent. Animal-assisted therapy is also offered outside schools, including at Green Care farms.