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BarklEy Graduated!
BarklEy Graduated!
Barkley is our very much loved and adored Education Support Dog. He is a valuable member of the Wellbeing staff and interacts with students throughout the day at Wodonga Primary School. Barkley was born in December 2019, so he is still very much a puppy!
Just like all the students at Wodonga Primary School come to learn at school, Barkley is learning about how to be the very best support dog that he can be! He has daily training with the Wellbeing staff, as well as regular training with the support of a specialist dog educator.... (More training the staff than Barkley!)
Barkley LOVES to run around, dig holes, chew sticks and have fun...just like any other dog, but whilst Barkly is at school he is in 'work mode'.
He wears his 'work' coat to help him understand the difference in his role whilst at school, and it also visually supports the students to remember that Barkley is 'on duty'.
You might see Barkley walking around the school grounds, in the classrooms, in specialist classes - such as the gym, and in the front offices. Barkly's role at school is to help students and staff engage in the school environment, boost wellbeing and positive mental health, as well as helping to calm people when they are feeling overwhelmed. HE DOES AN AMAZING JOB!!
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to remember that Barkley is just like other dogs who can become easily tired, overwhelmed if surrounded by too many people and like us....can have days where he just can't be bothered!
To help Barkley to feel HAPPY and LOVED in our school it is important to ALWAYS remember:
APPROACH BARKLEY CALMLY
ASK BARKLEY and HIS HANDLER (staff member) if you would like to have a pat.
Sometimes Barkley is doing an important job and can't stop for a pat.
BARKLEY CAN ONLY BE PATTED BY 2 PEOPLE AT ANY ONE TIME.
Please line up and be patient if you are wanting to pat him.
PLEASE PAT BARKLEY ON HIS BACK.
BARKLEY WILL NEED SLEEP AND QUIET TIME.
During these times Barkley is 'off duty' and resting.
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