Landon middle school in Topeka Kansas is using therapy dogs to aid kids with anxiety during enrollment week. Some kids have experienced bullying first hand while other kids exhibit bullying behavior. The dogs are able to pick up on stress and seek out those in need. Their presence seems to make a difference and has the same calming effect that it has in courtrooms with witness called to testify.
School Psychologist Stephanie Avila says that dogs also have the ability to seek out the bullies themselves and help bring their issues to the surface so they are able to work on those.
The canines are helping create a safe environment for students and in addition to resolving conflict their little wiggly tails can teach empathy and compassion which can prevent bullying altogether.
