Expert-Led School Therapy Dog Training
Combining deep expertise in dog behavior, child development, and educational environments. We're the UK's trusted specialists in professional school therapy dog programmes.
Work With UsHelping Schools Bring the Joy of a School Therapy Dog
At The School Dog Company, we're passionate about helping schools bring the joy and support of a well-trained School Therapy Dog into their community. Our team specialises in training dogs to provide emotional comfort, encouragement and gentle companionship to students who need it most.
Alongside our training programmes, we also offer visits from fully trained School Therapy Dogs, giving students the chance to enjoy calming interactions and build confidence through positive, nurturing experiences.
We've seen firsthand the incredible difference these dogs can make in a school environment, and we're dedicated to supporting their wellbeing and success every step of the way.
Our Mission
To help create happier, more supportive school communities through the power of these remarkable animals.
What We Stand For
Dog Welfare First
Every decision prioritises the dog's wellbeing
Child-Centred
Students' needs drive our approach
Warm & Nurturing
Positive, gentle experiences for every child
Safe & Ethical
Thoughtful, responsible practice throughout
Supportive Partnership
We're with you at every step
Expert-Led
Professional training you can trust
Meet the Team
From expert training to wagging tails, meet the people and dogs at the heart of The School Dog Company.
Founder & Head of Training
Lizzie Benge
Founder & Head of Training
Lizzie Benge, Founder and Head of Training at The School Dog Company, brings a wealth of experience, heart and dedication to everything she does. With 16 years as a dog trainer and membership in the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, Lizzie has spent over a decade working closely with Assistance Dogs, beginning her journey with the charity Veterans With Dogs, supporting veterans living with PTSD.
Her passion for School Therapy Dogs soon followed, and she has since trained three finalists in the National School Dogs Awards — including one proud winner. What truly drives Lizzie is seeing the incredible difference these dogs make in the lives of children. Her warmth, expertise and unwavering belief in the power of the human–dog bond shape the supportive, ethical and joyful approach at the heart of The School Dog Company.
Our mission is simple: to help create happier, more supportive school communities through the power of these remarkable animals.
The Cockerpoo — Chief of Smiles!
Skye
The Cockerpoo — Chief of Smiles!
Meet our superstar School Therapy Dog, Skye — a fully trained, tail-wagging bundle of joy who absolutely loves helping children feel calm, confident and cared for. Whether she's offering a gentle cuddle during a tough moment, proudly showing off her skills in the classroom, or zooming across the playground after her favourite ball, she brings smiles wherever she goes.
And of course, she never says no to a tasty treat or two. With her big heart and boundless enthusiasm, she makes every school day just a little brighter for everyone she meets.
The Cockerpoo — Smile Maker in Training
Maddie
The Cockerpoo — Smile Maker in Training
Meet Maddie, our adorable cockerpoo School Dog in Training, who is already winning hearts with her playful spirit and big, bouncy enthusiasm. She's on her way to becoming a super School Therapy Dog, learning all the important skills she'll need while still finding plenty of time for her favourite things — chasing balls, making new friends and enjoying a well-earned treat.
With her waggy tail, curious nature and love for children, Maddie brings a burst of joy wherever she goes, and we can't wait to see the amazing difference she'll make as she continues her journey.
Our Professional Standards
We maintain the highest professional standards in the industry
Dog Training & Behaviour
- ✓Member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
- ✓16+ years' professional dog training experience
- ✓10+ years working with Assistance Dogs
- ✓Force-free, positive reinforcement methods
- ✓Trained National School Dogs Awards finalists
Working in Schools
- ✓Enhanced DBS checked
- ✓Safeguarding aware
- ✓Child-centred, school-friendly approach
- ✓Tailored School Dog policies provided
- ✓Bespoke risk assessments for each school
Health, Safety & Welfare
- ✓Welfare-first practice at all times
- ✓Risk assessments for every setting
- ✓Fully insured
- ✓Health & safety conscious
- ✓Regular health & welfare reviews for the dog
Professional Bodies
Our Training Philosophy
We're guided by five core principles that set us apart
Dog Welfare First
No programme succeeds if the dog is stressed or unhappy. We monitor welfare constantly, ensure adequate rest, and never compromise dog wellbeing for human goals. Happy, willing dogs deliver the best outcomes.
Evidence-Based Methods
Every technique we use is grounded in current research from veterinary behaviorists, educational psychologists, and peer-reviewed studies. We update our methods as new evidence emerges.
Positive Reinforcement Only
We use exclusively force-free, reward-based training. No punishment, no aversive equipment, no dominance theory. Modern, ethical methods that work faster and last longer.
Child-Centered Design
Programmes are designed around students' needs, not convenience. We adapt to each school's unique challenges, culture, and student population.
Safety Paramount
Comprehensive risk management, thorough assessments, clear protocols, and continuous monitoring ensure safe outcomes for students, staff, and dogs.
How This Translates
Our Safeguarding Promise
Child safety is non-negotiable. We exceed minimum safeguarding standards.
Our Safeguarding Framework
- All trainers Enhanced DBS checked
- Level 3 Safeguarding training completed
- Child protection policies reviewed annually
- Designated Safeguarding Lead identified
- Prevent duty awareness training
- KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) compliant
- Safe recruitment practices followed
- Clear reporting procedures established
- Regular safeguarding audits conducted
When We Work in Schools
- Never alone with children (always supervised)
- Appropriate professional boundaries maintained
- Concerns reported immediately via school protocols
- Risk assessments include safeguarding considerations
- All interactions logged and documented
We Follow
Department for Education safeguarding guidance, local safeguarding partnership procedures, school-specific policies, and best practice from education sector.
Committed to Dog Welfare
Dogs aren't tools—they're living beings deserving of care and respect
Our Welfare Standards
- ✓Comprehensive health checks before training
- ✓Age-appropriate work (minimum 18 months)
- ✓Maximum daily working hours (4 hours)
- ✓Mandatory rest periods and breaks
- ✓Quiet space provision for downtime
- ✓Stress signal monitoring protocols
- ✓Regular veterinary check-ups required
- ✓Enrichment and exercise plans
- ✓Positive emotional wellbeing assessed
We Say No When
- ✗Dog shows signs of stress or reluctance
- ✗Health or welfare would be compromised
- ✗Working hours would be excessive
- ✗Environment is unsuitable or overwhelming
- ✗Handler can't meet welfare needs
- ✗Dog's temperament isn't appropriate
Monitoring
Continuous observation, handler training on stress signals, termly welfare reviews, veterinary liaison, behavior tracking, and early intervention if concerns arise.
"Happy, willing dogs deliver the best outcomes. We never compromise welfare for results."
Experienced, Ethical & Trusted
Professional Membership
- •Member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
- •Committed to ongoing professional development
Specialist Experience
- •16+ years' professional dog training
- •10+ years working with Assistance Dogs
- •Began with the charity Veterans With Dogs
Our Ethos
- •Welfare-first in every decision
- •Force-free, positive methods
- •Child-centred and school-friendly
Safe & Insured
- •Enhanced DBS checked
- •Safeguarding aware
- •Fully insured
Awards & Recognition
National School Dogs Awards
Lizzie has trained three finalists in the National School Dogs Awards — including one proud winner.
What Makes Us Different
Years of specialist, award-winning dog training — including work with Assistance Dogs — combined with a deep commitment to children's and dogs' wellbeing.
What Schools Say
"They genuinely understand schools and put the dog's wellbeing first every time."
— Headteacher, Primary School
"Friendly, expert and reassuring — we felt supported at every step."
— SENCO, Primary School
"Practical, realistic guidance that worked brilliantly for our school."
— Deputy Head, Junior School
Our Track Record
16+
Years as a dog trainer
10+
Years working with Assistance Dogs
3
National School Dogs Awards finalists
1
National award winner
Work With Qualified Experts
Choose a team with real educational experience, proven dog expertise, and genuine commitment to student wellbeing.
When you work with us, you get:
Qualified. Experienced. Trusted.