Five more schools in Bendigo have welcomed Dogs Connect well-being dogs to their staff in the past two weeks.
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Epsom, Camp Hill, Quarry Hill and St Therese's primary schools along with Catherine McAuley College have joined the program that helps reduce anxiety in students and teach social and emotional interaction.
St Therese's classroom teacher Meg Woods said well-being dog Winnie fit in at school right away.
"Winnie started a couple of weeks ago and has settled in really well," she said. "The kids have been fabulous in knowing the expectations to give Winnie space and help her relax.
"She has a spot in the administration area for down time but spends a lot of time in classrooms.
Ms Woods said Winnie was already helping students learning about social and emotional interaction
"We already do a lot of good programs teaching social and emotional learning but we thought this was another tool for our curriculum," Ms Woods said.
"The energy in classroom seems to be taken down when they realise Winnie picks up on that energy, so students are relaxed and continue their work.
"There's been a few teaching moments where students had a disagreement and I asked if they would use that tone with Winnie. Those moments that you can bring her in are really powerful."
Bendigo Community Health Services school focused youth service co-ordinator Paul Taylor said the health organisation partnered with Dogs Connect last year after a successful trial.
"We had four dogs last year and 6 have been funded this year," he said.
"Once teachers heard about the initial successes, (founder) Grant Shannon had schools contacting him all the time.
"We look for projects that can be funded between community groups and schools."
Mr Taylor said last year BCHS helped fund four dogs and this year funded a further six.
"My program provided some of the funding but also the health promotions team provide separate BCHS funding," he said. "Last year was a trial but that great work made us keen to be involved again."
Dogs Connect founder Grant Shannon said it was unfortunate so many students were affected by anxiety or trauma but that well-being dogs were being identified more and more as a good solution.
"The dogs are there to connect and provide a bit of happiness," he said. "But in a structured way, it helps to safely practice social engagement and interaction.
"The difference these dogs can make is endless."