Hunde und Kinder: das musst du für ein harmonisches Zusammenleben wissen

Dogs and Children: What You Need to Know for a Harmonious Coexistence

Here you will find great tips on the topic of dogs and children, using the example of school dog Liko. How does working with children in school work? What should you consider when introducing children to a dog for the first time? Plus: top 10 rules for children interacting with dogs.

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By Lara LuckertMay 23, 2024

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Tips for Dogs & Children, Using the Example of Liko the School Dog

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of new dog owners has significantly increased. Many of these are families with children, as almost all little ones want a dog, and it's wonderful for children to grow up with animals.

However, when living with a "predator" like a dog, there should be important rules that children must learn from the beginning. Unfortunately, unpleasant incidents and even bites can occur more frequently if these rules are not followed.

The dog is usually not to blame in these situations, but rather its owners. Children should also not be left unsupervised with dogs; adults should always keep an eye on them.

Here, we'll tell you what you should consider if a dog is to become part of your family and how to prepare children for it.

Included as a practical example: Liko, a school dog in training, an Aussie-Labbie mix, who works with children in the classroom alongside aspiring special education teacher Sabrina.

What is a School Dog?

Let's ask Sabrina directly: "The use of a dog in school falls under the concept of animal-assisted pedagogy. This is a targeted, planned, and structured intervention carried out by professional educators. The focus of the activity is on academic goals, prosocial skills, and cognitive functions. The school dog regularly spends a certain amount of time in the classroom and during lessons. It is led by a teacher trained for pedagogical dog use, in this case, by me. The dog is specifically socialized and trained for working with people."

What does a school dog do?

Sabrina also has an answer to this: "Experience shows that social behavior, motivation, concentration, classroom climate, and the enjoyment of school are positively influenced by the presence of a school dog in lessons. The presence of and contact with the dog increases the release of the 'happiness hormone' oxytocin and reduces stress levels (hormone: cortisol). This allows students to concentrate better and learn more relaxed. The well-being of the students is enhanced, it influences the mood and the learning atmosphere, and thus the classroom climate.

The school dog helps students to start conversations: the threshold for making contact is lower, and the dog immediately provides a topic for discussion. Children who are on the fringes of the class community are also integrated in this way, as the dog unconditionally accepts all children without reservation, leading to a more positive self-perception.

Students who are more distrustful of other people transfer their relationship patterns and experiences to teachers, but not to the dog and its accompanying teacher. This facilitates the development of a good teacher-student relationship and lays the groundwork for successful teaching and education."

Children & Dogs: This is Liko's daily life at school

"Liko is used at a special education and counseling center with a focus on emotional and social development. He comes to my class once a week. In the mornings, he is used in lessons, and after the break, a dog club takes place. On this day, the students take on responsibility through various dog duties (sweeping duty, water bowl duty, etc.).

During working phases, Liko ensures a calm learning atmosphere and increases concentration and attention. He also promotes social interaction within the class and boosts the self-confidence of some students. Another goal of using Liko is to train understanding of rules. In the dog club, students learn how to interact correctly with the animal dog. Proper handling of dogs minimizes the risk of accidents with dogs in everyday life.

Another goal of the dog club is the intensive engagement with one's own body language and the dog's body language. Furthermore, emotional and social competencies are promoted in the dog club. Children with difficulties in the emotional and social area learn consideration, sensitivity, and socially appropriate forms of self-assertion through interaction with Liko. Through the dog's direct and immediate reaction, students receive direct feedback on their own behavior; for example, if they act aggressively, Liko immediately withdraws. Nevertheless, Liko does not hold grudges. With adequate, non-aggressive behavior, students receive direct positive feedback.

Through the dog, students learn and experience empathetic interaction. The rules of conduct learned in this setting can also be transferred to other situations. Liko's deployment is recorded in the class register and documented in an operational diary. I quickly noticed that my class is more relaxed and calmer when Liko is present. He always puts a smile on the students' faces, so they look forward to Liko Day on Friday all week."

What needs to be considered if a dog is to come to school?

Sabrina: "Liko and I are undergoing training that consists of theory on various dog-related topics, practical dog training, and its connection to the school, lasting a year and a half. Liko was chosen for his role as a school dog because he has a friendly nature and is not aggressive. He is growing up in my family. The keeping and use of Liko naturally comply with all animal welfare regulations. Before Liko came to school, he was allowed to get to know all the rooms without children, and the children had to learn a few rules."

It is also important that the dog has suitable accessories with him even outside his home. For example, a rollable dog mat is wonderfully suited to ensure a good resting place on the go. Equally indispensable: a dog toy or cuddly toy that gives the dog the feeling of having a piece of home with him, which he can playfully share with the children (but only if the dog signals this).

Important: Children should definitely learn these Top 10 Dog Rules

Children who sit in the classroom with a school dog must first learn a few school dog rules. These can also be applied to all other dogs and children. This is because children are often too careless in their interactions with dogs, as they are more accustomed to a cooperative approach from other people. Dogs, however, react unusually and differently. And if you take away their toy, they can become nippy. The same applies to rough disturbances, such as while they are sleeping. Children who like to startle their mom or dad will be confronted with a completely different situation when it comes to dogs. Therefore, they should be well prepared, and you should take the time to explain what they are allowed to do with the dog and what the dog dislikes. The schoolchildren of school dog Liko have a list of rules that we have adapted here for all children and dogs. Whether as a list of commandments for the refrigerator magnet or using examples that children can understand ("You wouldn't want someone to take away your toy, would you...") – be sure to prepare your child for a dog moving into their life. This is the only way to avoid unwanted and unpleasant surprises.