HELLO AND WELCOME!
My name is Ingrid, and I’m a trained special educator with experience supporting children with diverse learning needs. I also hold academic credits in topics related to animal-assisted interventions with dogs.
Ever since I welcomed my first dog into my life, I’ve dreamed of working as a school dog handler with my own dogs. It’s a demanding journey—both for the dog and the human—but it’s a path filled with learning, love, and purpose. One day, I hope to be part of an officially certified school dog team. Until then, our family dogs continue to grow alongside us, building strong bonds and shared knowledge with our children—acting as everyday companions and learning partners.
Through both professional experience and personal life, I’ve seen the powerful impact dogs can have on children. Research supports what many of us feel: that a dog’s presence can offer emotional support, reduce stress, and even spark motivation and learning in meaningful ways.
My Schooldog is built on this belief—that dogs, when included safely and thoughtfully, can help children thrive. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who loves both kids and dogs,
I hope this space gives you inspiration, tools, and encouragement to explore positive, safe, and enriching interactions between children and dogs.
LET'S BUILD FRIENDSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE TOGETHER!
THROUGH MY SCHOOLDOG
we celebrate two different types of child-dog relationships
1. the professional schooldog
2. the family schooldog.
My Professional Schooldog
A professional schooldog is a certified and trained dog that works with children in structured environments such as schools, therapy settings, or family homes under professional guidance. These dogs always work as part of a team with a trained adult handler, using positive methods to support children's learning, social development, and emotional wellbeing. 👉 If you are working with a certified school dog, we hope you can find ideas, activities, and professional insight to support your work with children and dogs.
My Family Schooldog
Not all schooldogs wear vests! A family schooldog is what we like to call a beloved family dog who plays a caring, supportive, and educational role in a child’s daily life. These dogs are not trained professionals, but they still offer comfort, friendship, and valuable learning experiences—teaching empathy, responsibility, communication, and emotional regulation through everyday care and play. 👉 If you're a parent, caregiver, or dog owner looking to help your child build a safe and positive relationship with your dog, we’re here with ideas, tips, and inspiration.
Whether your schooldog is certified or simply part of the family, we believe that with care, guidance, and respect, dogs can become amazing learning partners for children - in the classroom and in everyday life.
My Schooldog is a meeting place for anyone who wants to explore the special bond between children and dogs. Whether you are a dog owner, educator, parent, or simply someone who cares deeply about children’s wellbeing, this space is for you.
Through play, shared activities, and everyday moments, we believe children and dogs can build safe, trusting friendships—while also learning from one another. On this site, you’ll find inspiration, tips, games, and learning activities designed to encourage positive and safe interactions between children and dogs.
BECOMING A CERTIFIED SCHOOL DOG TEAM
- requires a lot of effort from both the dog and the handler. The dog must possess the traits and personality needed to thrive in this role. It also needs to be healthy and free from physical pain. The handler must dedicate significant time to training the dog. Financial resources and time to participate in courses, education, mental testing, and certification exams are necessary.
Furthermore, it can be challenging for a certified school dog team to secure enough job opportunities, and it is often difficult to reach out to the children who wish for a school dog as part of a professional team. Very few of those who would like this service actually receive it. Financial constraints and resistance from public institutions regarding animals in settings like schools are some of the many challenges that can prevent children from interacting with a professional school dog.
Professional school dogs are incredibly important! However, they are in short supply. So let’s appreciate, celebrate and enjoy some of the many dogs that naturally build friendship and knowledge with children around the world.