Buddy is our school dog! 

At North Baddesley, we are excited to introduce you to Buddy, our Dog Mentor.

Buddy has passed his Dog Mentor training and you will find him around school wearing his orange coat when he is working. He works to support children with being calm and ready for the day. On this page, you can find out more about how to interact with Buddy and his role in school.

How should you interact with Buddy?

Rules – How do we look after Buddy?

How should you interact with Buddy?

Rules – How do we look after Buddy?

If Buddy isn’t wearing his coat, he is having a break so don’t disturb him.

If you want to stroke him, you must ask the adult who is in charge of him. There can be a maximum of two hands on Buddy at any one time (two hands from one person or one hand each from two people). Stroke backwards, from his back to his tail. Do not stroke his head or reach across his face.

You must approach calmly – waving your arms could frighten Buddy.

If you see Buddy in the corridor, do not shout out his name – it will confuse him and may cause him to worry. Instead, focus on Buddy breathing – take long, deep breaths.

Keep the school tidy – Buddy will eat anything. Some things like pencils, will get destroyed. Human food, such as grapes and chocolate will make Buddy incredibly poorly as they are poisonous to dogs. Buddy is only allowed to eat food/treats that are designed for him.

Keep gates closed and doors closed unless his handler says otherwise. As Buddy develops in his mentoring role, he will have more time off-lead. We want to make sure Buddy is kept safe by only letting him into areas that he is allowed in. 

Keep chair legs on the floor – he won’t be happy if a chair leg squashes him.

Getting ready for Buddy.

• Check floor around you – pick up anything you can reach without getting off your seat (or the floor). Point to anything you can’t reach.
• Tidy desk – tuck chairs under and feet on the floor
• Remain quiet – when we are excited, our shoulders go up which will make him think that you are worried.
• Calm – focus on Buddy breathing (deep, slow breathes without making a noise).
• No shouting / calling out / reaching out.
• Hands on tables (or laps), sitting nicely on the chair (floor).
• If you are asked to stroke Buddy use slow movements.
• Buddy needs to know that everyone is doing the same thing.

Why is Buddy in our school?

To work with children and staff within the school to create a positive impact. By working alongside the dog and learning how to become a good trainer, both staff and children experience the values and techniques that help develop:

• Communication,
• Self Control and Confidence,
• Discipline and Resilience,
• Empathy and Relationships,
• Focus and Concentration,
• Stress Coping Strategies.