Support for School Dogs
If you're thinking about introducing a dog to your school team (or already have one and need help), I am uniquely placed to support you with making this a success. As a former Deputy Headteacher, I understand the demands of school life; as a qualified and experienced dog trainer and behaviourist, I understand the needs and challenges of dogs.... a winning combination!
What can I offer?
Here are a few examples of the types of support that I have provided for schools in the past. If you need something different, just ask.
- Meeting with Governors or school staff to discuss how a dog in school might (or might not!) work for you
- Help in selecting a new puppy for your school through our Puppy Match services
- Support for the primary caregiver/ owner and advice on problem prevention with individual puppy sessions
- School visits (within local area or conducted virtually) to tackle everything from how to get started to trouble-shooting any issues
- Assemblies or small group sessions with children, tailored to your needs (also see Dog's Trust info below)
- Insurance assessments specific to dogs working in school environments (I am a qualified and accredited CCAB)
Why choose me?
I have a unique skillset, which makes me particularly suitable to support you with your school dog. Here's what makes me special :
- Former Deputy Headteacher with experience across the 4 - 18 age range
- Highly qualified, accredited, recommended by vets and with excellent reviews from clients
- Experience of working with many School Dogs in a range of different settings
- Whilst seeking to enhance the lives of pupils and staff, I never forget my priorities: the safety of everyone involved and the dog's welfare
- I understand the needs of your dog's dual role - as a family pet and as a school dog
- I can support the school Leadership Team, with regard to Governors and other stakeholders
- Happy to share best practice, successes and struggles from other schools I have worked with
- Always strive to offer pragmatic, practical solutions to any issues and will always be honest with you
- Can provide a range of services suitable for school dogs
Praise for School Dog Support
Gretta has supported us to successfully introduce our school dog Milo to Westfield. Initially we were given valuable support and advice which then led us to use the Puppy Match service, to ensure that we were clear of the commitment we were making, had thought about the dog's well being first and foremost and that the dog was the right breed and temperament to be in a busy Primary school environment. This then led us to successfully introducing Milo, our cockapoo, to our school. Introducing a school dog is a huge commitment, hard work and not to be considered lightly. However, if well thought out and with advice at hand from Gretta, we would thoroughly recommend having one if it fits in with your school's culture and ethos. We would certainly recommend talking to Gretta and accessing her services if you decide to take on this journey of introducing a school dog. |
Gretta has been working with Truffle and me since Truffle was a tiny puppy. She has guided us both through the minefield of puppyhood and adolescence - when Truffle ‘forgot’ every cue he’d ever learnt, barked when people came to my office door and perfected pretty much every teenage behaviour going – all the way through to adulthood. Having a school dog is wonderful but it isn’t without its challenges along the way. Training a puppy and running a school at the same time is demanding but Gretta has been on hand through the rough and the smooth. She has helped Truffle grow into a calm school dog with a love for his work. |
Gretta has been a fantastic support from the minute we got our school dog. We have used a variety of her services and Gretta has always been on the end of the phone or an email as any issues have arisen. She has been a fantastic source of information and advice with practical solutions at the ready. Thanks to Gretta, we have a superb school dog that is having a positive impact on our whole school community! |
Gretta is friendly and extremely knowledgeable - she was invaluable in providing advice about integrating our dog into school life. She also gave excellent general advice about managing a lively puppy! She was quick to respond to emails with requests and concerns. Highly recommended. |
What else should I know?
My standard chargeable rate is £100/hr . Bookings can be made for 60, 90 or 120 minute sessions.
Insurance Assessments are £225 + travel to include the assessment itself (45-60 minutes) and the written report for the insurer.
Most School Dog support can be conducted in-person (within most of North Yorkshire area) or virtually (via Zoom) across the UK. Insurance assessments can only be carried out in-person.
Travel charges apply for in-person sessions. These are agreed at the time of booking but, to give you an idea, please see the list below:
Insurance Assessments are £225 + travel to include the assessment itself (45-60 minutes) and the written report for the insurer.
Most School Dog support can be conducted in-person (within most of North Yorkshire area) or virtually (via Zoom) across the UK. Insurance assessments can only be carried out in-person.
Travel charges apply for in-person sessions. These are agreed at the time of booking but, to give you an idea, please see the list below:
- Easingwold, Boroughbridge - £5
- Knaresborough, N/ NW of York (Rawcliffe, Haxby, Strensall), Topcliffe, Coxwold - £10
- Harrogate, Rest of York, Wetherby, Ripon, Thirsk, Helmsley, Tadcaster, Sand Hutton, Hovingham - £20
- Stamford Bridge, Garforth (NE Leeds), Helmsley, Malton - £30
I also recommend the Dogs Trust's excellent free assemblies and workshops (which can be tailored to cover curriculum content, as well as providing essential dog-related education) to all schools, but especially those with a school dog! You can find out more about what the Dogs Trust can offer your school here.
Accreditations & Memberships
