Dog-Assisted Therapy Incursions: Student Wellbeing and Academic Success

A growing body of research highlights the critical importance of meeting students’ emotional needs if we want them to reach their intellectual potential. In schools, dog-assisted incursions are emerging as an innovative, evidence-based way to support mental health and, by extension, academic achievement.

The Link Between Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Performance exists. Leading educational experts agree: emotional wellbeing is foundational for learning. Professor Marc Brackett of Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence argues that “children cannot learn unless they feel safe, supported, and valued” ([Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence](https://www.ycei.org/). The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework similarly emphasises that positive relationships and emotional safety underpin student engagement and achievement ([Australian Student Wellbeing Framework](https://www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/educators/framework/)).

A 2018 meta-analysis by Durlak et al. found that school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programs not only improve mental health but also lead to an average 11% gain in academic performance ([Durlak et al., 2011, Child Development](https://casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/meta-analysis-child-development-1.pdf).

When students’ emotional needs are unmet, their brains stay in a heightened state of stress, which inhibits memory, focus, and problem-solving (see work by Dr. Bruce Perry: [ChildTrauma Academy](https://www.childtrauma.org/)).

The Role of Dog-Assisted visits:

Dog-assisted learning brings together evidence-based SEL practice and the unique calming influence of animals. Studies show that interacting with therapy dogs can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), lower anxiety, and increase positive mood ([Beetz et al., 2012, Frontiers in Psychology](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00352/full). In the classroom, this means students are more likely to feel safe and ready to learn.

Our own experience at Canine Comprehension mirrors these findings. We see students who previously struggled with attendance or anxiety become more engaged and open when therapy dogs are present. Teachers frequently report calmer classrooms and improved social connections after our incursions.
This transformation didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of our evidence-based approach at Canine Comprehension, where therapy dogs are more than companions—they’re catalysts for connection, safety, and growth. Deng’s story is just one of many that demonstrates how dog-assisted learning can break down barriers to engagement and unlock a student’s academic potential.

A Case Example:
Not long ago, we met a young boy named Deng at a Victorian Special Development School, a child whose world felt heavy with worry and silence. When Deng first joined our dog-assisted learning program, he hovered on the edges, eyes downcast, too anxious to join in. But then, something magical began to happen. With each gentle greeting and every quiet moment spent alongside his mentor and our therapy dog, Deng’s walls started to crumble. The simple ritual of saying hello to the dog became his spark of courage. Week by week, Deng’s confidence blossomed, he smiled more, found his voice, and reached out to classmates. By the end of the program, both teachers and parents marvelled at the transformation: Deng was not just participating, but truly connecting, ready to take on new challenges with a greater sense of curiosity and confidence.

Dog-assisted incursions aren’t just a novelty, they’re a targeted, trauma-informed approach to supporting the whole student. By meeting emotional needs first, we create the conditions for intellectual growth and academic success. This approach is supported by the Australian Psychological Society, which advocates for whole-school wellbeing initiatives ([APS: School-based mental health](https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Mental-health-in-schools)).

Take Mia, a Year 6 student who once struggled with motivation and found schoolwork overwhelming. Mia often doubted her abilities, and her marks reflected a lack of confidence and engagement. When she joined our dog-assisted learning sessions, everything changed. Together with her mentor, Mia took on the challenge of teaching our therapy dog to navigate obstacle courses, setting goals, celebrating small wins, and learning from setbacks. As Mia patiently guided the dog through tunnels, over jumps, and around cones, she discovered the power of persistence, motivation and positive self-talk.

Through each session, Mia learned that mistakes weren’t failures, but stepping stones, both for her and her canine companion. She began applying those same lessons to her schoolwork: breaking tasks into manageable steps, practising self-care during stressful moments, and managing her expectations with kindness. By term’s end, Mia’s teachers noticed a remarkable shift. Her grades improved, but more importantly, Mia approached challenges with resilience and a newfound belief in her own potential.

When we nurture a student’s heart, we unlock their mind. The stories of Deng, Mia, and so many others show us that academic success is never just about grades; it’s about feeling safe, valued, and inspired to try. Dog-assisted learning incursions aren’t just an “extra”; they’re a proven pathway to helping young people believe in themselves and reach their full potential. Meet us at the Summit and discover how Canine Comprehension can help your school turn wellbeing into real, lasting achievement.