Leading with four paws: The real impact of school dogs

Schools are facing increasing pressures around wellbeing, behaviour and belonging; with leaders seeking interventions that feel human, relational and authentic. One unexpected approach has gained momentum: introducing a school dog. While headlines often highlight heart-warming stories, my research revealed a more complex reality. Behind every wagging tail sits a leader navigating ethical decisions, competing priorities and a surprising lack of national guidance. In the junior school I studied, Elsa, became far more than a pastoral novelty - she reshaped relationships, calmed anxious pupils and encouraged reluctant readers. Yet her impact, and the challenges surrounding it, revealed something deeper about leadership itself.