A school therapy dog has come through his first year with flying colours.

Duke, a fox red labrador, joined The Wellington Academy, Tidworth, last July.

He was bought for the school by Wellington College, and was just 16 weeks old when he started training to become a therapy dog.

Salisbury Journal:

Named after the Duke of Wellington, Duke has been trained by charity Dogs for Health, who work with schools, ambulance services and residential homes.

Duke has learned to become a working dog, and not become excited or jump up at people but sit beside them calmly as a soothing influence.

Staff have also learned how to treat Duke as a working dog, rather than a pet.

Senior deputy headteacher Rob Wood said that there is much research on the benefits of having a dog in certain environments, including schools.

 

“Duke is proving a great support for any young people who may need some comforting or companionship during the school day,” he said.

“Having Duke around does create a family feel for all the students and staff in the school, but he also works with the special educational needs team to offer reassurance to any students who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed or upset.

“Students can have him there next to them, perhaps to read to him, or just for companionship if they are not having a good day.

“At The Wellington Academy we are very conscious that any student may need some additional support at some point in their school career, and Duke has become a significant part of our extensive range of pastoral care activities for students.”

Get more Salisbury news

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.