Games and Activities for School Dogs

Objective

To provide a structured program that promotes student engagement, emotional well-being, and social skills through interactive games and activities with therapy dogs.

Week 1: Introduction to Therapy Dogs and Safety

• Objective: Build familiarity and trust between students and the therapy dog, and establish safety guidelines.
• Activities:
  1. Meet & Greet: Introduce the dog and its handler to the group.
  2. Dog Safety 101: Teach students how to approach, pet, and interact safely.
  3. Name Game: Students take turns introducing themselves to the dog and observing its reactions.
  4. Simple Commands: Learn basic commands (sit, stay) with the handler’s guidance.

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Week 2: Building Trust and Connection

• Objective: Encourage bonding and understanding of the dog’s behavior.
• Activities:
  1. Follow the Leader: Students lead the dog through a small obstacle course with the handler’s help.
  2. Treat and Greet: Practice giving the dog treats as a reward for positive interactions.
  3. Paw Painting: Use washable, non-toxic paint to create paw prints on paper as keepsakes.
  4. Dog Observation Journal: Students write or draw what they notice about the dog’s body language.

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Week 3: Cooperative Games

• Objective: Foster teamwork and social interaction among students.
• Activities:
  1. Fetch Relay: Students take turns throwing a ball or toy for the dog to fetch.
  2. Tunnel Time: Guide the dog through a pop-up tunnel while students cheer it on.
  3. Group Sit Command: Collaboratively give the dog commands, focusing on teamwork.
  4. Emotion Cards: Students show cards with different emotions (happy, sad, etc.), and discuss how the dog might react to each.

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Week 4: Mindfulness and Calming Exercises

• Objective: Use therapy dog interactions to promote relaxation and mindfulness.
• Activities:
  1. Quiet Petting Circle: Students take turns calmly petting the dog in a serene environment.
  2. Guided Breathing with the Dog: Practice deep breathing while observing the dog’s calm behavior.
  3. Read to the Dog: Students read aloud to the dog in a judgment-free zone.
  4. Sensory Awareness Walk: Take the dog on a short walk while discussing what they hear, see, and feel.

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Week 5: Problem-Solving and Creativity

• Objective: Encourage creative thinking and collaboration through games with the dog.
• Activities:
  1. Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys for the dog to find with the students’ help.
  2. Create a Trick: Students brainstorm and practice teaching the dog a new trick.
  3. Story Time Creation: Write or draw a story featuring the dog as the main character.
  4. Puzzle Time: Use interactive dog puzzles while students cheer the dog on.

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Week 6: Celebration and Reflection

• Objective: Celebrate achievements, strengthen bonds, and reflect on the experience.
• Activities:
  1. Talent Show: Students showcase the tricks or games they practiced with the dog.
  2. Thank You Cards: Create cards or artwork to thank the therapy dog and handler.
  3. Memory Collage: Compile photos, paw prints, or stories from the course into a group project.
  4. Reflection Circle: Share how working with the therapy dog has impacted them emotionally and socially.

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Materials Needed

• Dog treats and toys (balls, ropes, etc.)
• Obstacle course equipment (cones, tunnels, etc.)
• Art supplies (paper, markers, non-toxic paint)
• Emotion cards or flashcards
• Dog-safe puzzles

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Key Considerations

Maintain a calm, supportive environment for both the dog and participants.

Ensure all activities are supervised by a certified therapy dog handler.

Tailor activities to accommodate the dog’s temperament and the students’ needs.