German Shepherd Wilson providing support to Park Avenue State School students

A pat, a paw or just being there are all ways one four-legged staff member at a local school is changing the lives and learning of students. Here’s how.

They say don’t work with animals or children, but at one local school they’re doing both.

Students at Park Avenue State School have had a four-legged friend join the staffing team to help encourage a positive learning environment.

Wilson, a German Shepherd with K9 Assistance Australia, has been at the school since he was eight weeks old and since he’s been around, his presence has helped increase the learning engagement and productivity of students.

He’s also helped students gain confidence to step out of their comfort zones, as well as providing emotional support for staff and students.

Wilson’s owner and handler Michelle Stokes is a teacher at the school and said Wilson was pivotal in creating an atmosphere that was safe, calm and where students wanted to learn.

“By simply being present, Wilson provides unconditional love and joy,” she said.

“A simple pat on the way past, a paw resting on a lap, a look of encouragement or the non-judgemental someone to just be with, turns a students’ day around.

“It is the little things that dogs do naturally that end up making a big difference in students’ lives. The dog can provide a bridge between the student and teacher and creates a trusted connection.”

Wilson has been pivotal in creating an atmosphere where the students want to learn.

Ms Stokes said Wilson also provided a friendship for the students.

“When someone is sad, or when someone is having problems with their friends Wilson is always here for us,” she said.

K9AA dogs are trained to help regulate their emotions and also help absorb some of their emotional intensity by simply going to the student or with the student being by the dog’s side.

One of Ms Stokes’ students in her year 5/6 class, Dakota, said Wilson helped her self regulate.

Other students in her class also said how much they liked the way Wilson would help calm other students down when they felt angry or sad.

Wilson helps students regulate their emotions and also provides emotional support to staff.

“We’re very lucky because he’s the best puppy in the world...I love to cuddle with him,” said student Ariana.

“Wilson’s very good because he senses things,” said Dakota.

“If someone is crying Wilson comes straight to them,” said Kora.

Wilson isn’t the only furry friend offering a paw of support in Rockhampton.

Last year Carinity Education Rockhampton welcomed their own therapy dog called Maverick to help reduce anxiety and stress in students.