The Dog Mentor Conference

We were so pleased to welcome a fantastic group of Dog Mentor teams to the first National Dog Mentor Conference!

Check back soon for updates on our next conference!

The Power of the Dog Mentor

Our theme for the day is "The Power of the Dog Mentor". We want to help you utilise the magic of your Dog Mentor in your school or other educational setting.

Experience an exclusive opportunity to gain valuable insights and expert guidance from our carefully selected speakers. Our speakers will be sharing their extensive experience of working with dogs and provide guidance to support both the young people and Dog Mentors you are working with.

Highlights include:

An innovative program that combines physical activity with teaching skills
Ideas to develop emotional intelligence in young people
Discussions around the significance of embedding Dog Mentors into the curriculum including advice on curriculum timetabling
The sharing of sample lesson plans
Advice on dog nutrition
Dog physiotherapy guidance

Download the letter of value

The Dog Mentor Awards

We are also excited to announce that the conference will end with our very first award ceremony to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Dog Mentors.

Creating Dog Mentor Networks

Here at The Dog Mentor we believe that networking is crucial to the development of successful educational institutions. The conference will provide you with an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues in similar settings and share best practice. During the course of the day you will have time to browse a variety of exhibitions from a range of suppliers.

We look forward to welcoming you!

What is therapeutic intervention in school?

The primary goal of therapeutic intervention in schools is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters emotional resilience, enhances academic success, and equips students with the tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges effectively.
What are therapeutic interventions in education?

These encompass various techniques and programs aimed at supporting students' emotional and psychological needs. These may include counselling, support groups, art therapy, animals as therapy, mindfulness programs, and the involvement of specialised professionals to ensure students receive the necessary care and support.
How do schools promote health and wellbeing?

Schools promote health and well-being through physical education, health education, nutritious meals, access to mental health support, creating safe and inclusive environments, and implementing programmes that focus on emotional and social development, such as the Dog Mentor programme.
How can you build communication skills in school?

Communication skills can be developed in schools through activities that encourage speaking and listening, group discussions, presentations, debates, and projects that require effective written and verbal communication.
Why are communication skills important in school?

Communication skills are essential in school because they facilitate effective learning, collaboration, and problem-solving for life. Strong communication skills enable students to express their thoughts and ideas clearly, engage in productive discussions, and excel academically. School dogs can help encourage expression in more withdrawn children and children who may not know how to express their feelings. Dogs provide a supportive and non-judgemental companion to us, whatever our age, and can provide a calm space for children to express their emotions without fear of judgement.
What can schools do to support mental health?

Schools can support mental health by offering counselling services, organising mental health awareness programs, providing access to trained professionals, creating a stigma-free environment, and implementing strategies to address stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues among students. A school dog improves mental health and wellbeing in children. When feeling sad, a simple stroke or cuddle can help improve mood and reduce stress.
How do you comfort a stressed student?

To comfort a stressed student, it's important to listen actively, offer emotional support, encourage open communication, provide relaxation techniques, and connect them with appropriate school resources or counselling services. “I find her comforting. I like her being here instead of people - she listens to me - Year Nine Boy”
How do you promote empathy?

Empathy can be promoted in schools through activities like role-playing, discussions on diverse perspectives, literature that explores empathy, and encouraging students to actively listen and understand the feelings and experiences of others. Through building an important human-animal bond, dogs can help children learn to care for others and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for both animals and humans.
How can the Dog Mentor be a good therapeutic intervention in school?

The Dog Mentor programme trains your dog to be an important asset to the school. They can help provide valuable emotional support, wellbeing, reducing stress and improve focus alongside other wellbeing interventions the school offers. Find out more here.