Research
The Dog Mentor is collaborating with the University of Lincoln’s academic research team to explore the benefits of school dogs in educational settings. By combining practical experience with scientific research, the partnership aims to capture how school dogs positively impact students’ emotional well-being, learning, and behaviour. Through this collaboration, the initiative seeks to provide evidence-based insights into how canine companionship can enhance the school environment and support the holistic development of children.
The LEAD team at the University of Lincoln focuses on understanding the benefits of dogs in educational settings. Their research explores how canine-assisted interventions improve children’s well-being, development, and learning outcomes. The team collaborates with schools to evaluate the emotional and behavioural impacts of school dogs. By combining developmental psychology with practical animal interaction research, they aim to provide evidence-based insights into enhancing student experiences through human-animal bonds.
​For further details, visit LEAD’s team page.
International Society for Anthrozoology
The link with ISAZ
The International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) is dedicated to advancing the scientific study of human-animal interactions. ISAZ supports research, fosters scholarly exchange, and promotes interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of anthrozoology. Their annual conference, which gathers global experts, offers a platform for presenting new research, discussing emerging topics, and networking within this multidisciplinary community.
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At ISAZ 2024, Jenny presented her emerging trend abstract, “The Dog Mentor: School Dogs Improving Educational, Social, Emotional, and Therapeutic Outcomes Through Targeted Interventions.” Her presentation highlighted how school dogs positively impact students. The University of Lincoln’s team supported her submission by offering expertise in developmental psychology, human-animal interactions, and educational interventions, ensuring a strong, evidence-based presentation. This collaboration emphasised the growing role of canine interventions in enhancing children’s learning and emotional well-being.
