Service Dogs Help Michigan Students Overcome Emotional Struggles

To help reduce anxiety—and open the way for learning—several elementary schools in Michigan have enrolled service dogs as full-time happiness ambassadors—and it is paw-sitively working. These therapy dogs have become an integral part of the educational environment, enhancing both the emotional well-being of students and their academic progress.

Students are “already seeing a big difference in their academics,” according to a news report from WXMI-TV 17. The success of this initiative is seen in the improvement of both student engagement and their overall happiness, which directly impacts their ability to focus and perform better in class.

Priority Health, a Michigan health insurance provider, launched Priority Pups in September, with goldendoodles placed in two of the state’s school districts, “with more to come.” The initiative is rapidly growing, with plans to expand to more schools, providing much-needed support for students’ mental health and well-being. The addition of service dogs like Meeka is not just an emotional comfort; it also plays a pivotal role in improving the academic outcomes of students.

“I love you, Meeka,” said Shelby, a student at North Godwin Elementary School, who was snuggled up with the pup, which serves in a different classroom every day. This interaction highlights the comfort and support these dogs offer students, helping them manage their emotions and stay focused on their studies.

Research shows that the presence of a trained dog lowers children’s stress, fosters a positive attitude toward learning, and smooths interactions between classmates. This is particularly important in a classroom setting, where emotional well-being can directly influence students’ ability to concentrate and participate in their lessons. By providing a calming presence, service dogs have become valuable tools for improving students’ mental health.

A 2023 report from Mental Health America found that many youth in Michigan with clinical depression did not receive any mental health treatment. This gap in mental health care emphasizes the importance of finding alternative, accessible methods for supporting students’ emotional needs. Priority Pups is one such method, providing a unique and highly effective way to address both the academic and mental health needs of students.

Shelby’s mom, Laurie Uhl, described the difference Meeka is making in her daughter’s life. “Shelby was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Fragile X Syndrome, along with autism and ADHD. Here at school, she really struggles with a range of emotions. She gets angry and will cry or scream uncontrollably.” These emotional challenges are common among children with special needs, and finding effective strategies to help them manage their feelings is crucial for their overall development.

But since Meeka the goldendoodle arrived at school, there is a guaranteed way to bring calm to the situation. “I’ve seen Shelby having a meltdown and when Meeka is brought into the room, I can see a breath of fresh air wash over her and she finds comfort.” Meeka’s calming presence helps Shelby regain control of her emotions, making it easier for her to focus on her studies and interact with others.

It’s not only the stressed-out students that benefit from sitting with the pup during the day. Research shows that literacy scores went up for children after they read to dogs. This aspect of the program is particularly impactful in addressing the academic challenges students face. The act of reading to a dog has been shown to boost confidence and literacy skills, creating a positive feedback loop where students feel more empowered to learn.

“My math was super hard,” one fifth-grader told WXMI-TV. “But then Meeka came in and when I take a break with her for a few minutes. Then math became really easy.” This example showcases how taking a moment to connect with a dog can help reduce stress, leading to greater focus and success in challenging subjects. The presence of service dogs fosters a more positive relationship between students and their academics, making learning a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

The program was made possible by Canines for Change, founded in 2005 by Dr. Nikki Brown, a school psychologist for the Lansing School District in Michigan. Dr. Brown began taking her Corgi to school, to work with special education students, and noticed a drastic improvement in their skills and behavior with the addition of a dog. This initial success inspired her to expand the program and help more students through the therapeutic presence of dogs.

So she teamed up with another trainer to be able to offer service dogs for children with special needs. Their collaboration led to the creation of Canines for Change, which continues to make a profound impact on students’ academic and emotional development. The program’s success highlights the critical intersection between academics and mental health, demonstrating how addressing both can lead to stronger, more resilient learners.

Three years ago, Canines for Change was approached by their local Grand Ledge School District to place a Facility Dog in each of their nine school buildings. When Priority Health heard about it, they began funding their own program for schools, Priority Pups. With funding from Priority Health, more schools have been able to benefit from the program, expanding its reach and ensuring that more students can experience the positive impact of service dogs on their mental health and academic progress.

In conclusion, the implementation of service dogs in Michigan schools represents a growing movement that recognizes the importance of addressing both mental health and academic performance. The success of programs like Priority Pups shows that when students’ emotional well-being is prioritized, their academic success follows. With more schools likely to adopt this innovative approach, the future looks bright for students benefiting from the calming and supportive presence of service dogs.