Join 1900+ education professionals and 700+ schools in the UK's leading school therapy dog training programme
Training School Therapy Dogs Since 2013
If you are thinking about taking your dog into your working environment and achieving greater outcomes for all of your pupils, you have come to the right place!
The Dog Mentor Programme has been implemented in over 600 schools all over the UK with over 1500 education professionals having been trained. More importantly, there are now more than 700 Dog Mentor dogs working in school every day.
The Dog Mentor Programme has built upon the benefits of the human-animal bond by providing children positive experiences with dogs that can help them educationally, developmentally, emotionally and socially. The aim of The Dog Mentor is to create a completely universal offering in your environment for not only social, emotional and mental health well being but also covers all aspects of curriculum based education in order to improve educational outcomes.
We have worked with:
1900+
Education Professionals
The Dog Mentor Programme has been implemented in:
700+
Schools
We have trained
900+
Dog Mentor Dogs
Dog Welfare: Our Top Priority
"While the mental health benefits for students is clear, it's imperative the dogs benefit from the relationship too, which is why the Dog Mentor Programme prioritises the wellbeing of the dogs and how they should be treated, which ultimately improves empathy and understanding."
Bringing a dog into your school is a big decision and takes commitment which should be carefully understood and planned. At the heart is the safety and wellbeing of the dog. We prioritise a mutually beneficial dynamic for both the dogs and pupils. When pupils understand the importance of caring for the school dog and are engaged in the dog's happiness and welfare, we have seen immense benefits for all parties.
As part of our programme, we carry out thorough assessments to gain insight into each dog’s personality. This helps us determine the best ways to support their well-being in dynamic, often unpredictable environments. These insights feed into a tailored risk assessment, complete with clear controls and mitigation strategies, created specifically for each Dog Mentor team.
With years of experience behind us, we’ve built a deep understanding of how to protect and promote dog welfare and we’re here to help you do the same.
What’s Included in The Dog Mentor Programme?
Everything you need to introduce a school dog safely, confidently, and with the dog’s welfare at the heart of it.
What we provide
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Full 1-day training course for your school team
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Thorough dog assessment to understand your dog’s personality and suitability
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Tailored school risk assessment built specifically for your Dog Mentor team
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Clear controls + mitigation strategies to support safety, structure and wellbeing
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Teacher guidance and resources to embed the programme smoothly into school life
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Dog Mentor pupil booklets to help children learn routines, empathy and responsibility
Everything your Dog Mentor dog needs
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Dog Mentor coat (printed) so they’re clearly recognised around school
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Collar + lead included
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Practical tools and guidance for calm behaviour, routine building and confidence
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Dog Mentor Licence to prove assessment and affiliation status
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Once training is complete, you’ll get access to our Padlet Resources site, including more than 700 individual, targeted resources:
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Parental consent letter templates
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Pupil exercises and wellbeing activities
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Dog training tools and guidance
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Resources for staff, students and parents
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Everything to help you keep the programme consistent and effective
Access to our full Resource Hub
Ongoing support for 12 months
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You won’t be left to figure it out alone. You’ll have:
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1 full year of support from a member of The Dog Mentor team
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Guidance for challenges, questions, routines, and best practice
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Support to keep things working well for both pupils and your dog
The Latest From The Dog Mentor
WHAT'S ON
The 2026 Dog Mentor Conference - 18th June 2026
The Dog Mentor Conference 2026 is set to be an inspiring and meaningful day, bringing together Dog Mentor teams from across the UK. Created exclusively for schools already working with the programme, the conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, share practice and learn alongside others who truly understand the impact of dogs in education. The day will feature targeted CPD delivered by experienced professionals and experts in their field, with every session designed to be practical, relevant and rooted in real school experience.
RESEARCH
Our Collaboration with the University of Lincoln
The Dog Mentor is embarking on an exciting new research project with the University of Lincoln to explore how school dogs enhance educational, social, emotional, and therapeutic outcomes for children. The study is aiming to provide evidence-based insights into how canine companions can support student well-being and development.
Some of Our Dogs in Schools
We've been busy implementing the Dog Mentor Programme in new schools, as well as visiting over 700+ Dog Mentor Programme Schools who are already seeing the benefits from having a school dog. Have a look at some of the exciting work we've been doing!
CONTACT US
Jenny Duckworth
9 Ruggles Close
High Halstow
Rochester
Kent ME3 8RU
07970 255697
