Wagging tail tames troubled teenagers

A scheme aimed at engaging children with behavioural problems has
given a whole new meaning to the term “in the dog house”.

Teachers of 30 teenagers suffering from attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder at the Dronfield School in Derbyshire
brought in a four-month-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel after
reading about the therapeutic affect dogs can have on children.

Behavioural support manager at Dronfield, Wendy Brown, said that in
just three months the spaniel, named Henry Fanshawe Smart after the
school’s founder, had helped calm the children down and reduce bad
behaviour in the classroom.

“It has taught the children about taking responsibility as they
have to feed, walk and clear up after Henry and have become very
protective of him,” said Brown.