A Dog in the Classroom is Fun

The presence of a four-legged-friend in the classroom promotes the development of children. This is the result of a survey of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of the man-animal relationship (IEMT) in Zurich. Thirty Kindergarten- and Primary-School teachers were involved. They bring their dogs or cats regularly to the classroom. All the teachers questioned consider the effect on the children and their teaching extremely positive. The responsibility and respect among the children improved considerably. The involvement of a pet promotes also communication and influences the climate among them in a positive way. Inhibited children can reduce their fears, and the presence of a dog or a cat furthers the inner harmony in latently aggressive children. The animal acts like an 'icebreaker' and helps to build up a relationship of confidence with difficult children. Within the class the reciprocal acceptance is on the increase. But dogs should have a good and balanced character, be well trained and obedient and too much should not be asked of them. From St. Galler Tagblatt, 30.11.98 Who does not come to know nature through love will never come to know it. Friedrich Schlegel © European Vegetarian Union - http://www.ivu.org/evu