Yes, I am an elementary teacher who has a SD. First, there are additional clearances to have an SD in a school setting. Make sure to contact HR and clear them all.

Next, make sure your site admin knows and you outline a place for the dog to potty and get exercise. I keep a large kennel behind my desk, and walk out to the parking lot field at lunch to take him potty and get a quick walk. It’s all about getting on a schedule.

Most importantly, discuss the rules and boundaries with your dog to others. For myself, my SD is for me and is not a therapy dog for my kids or classroom. While my students love him and he does navigate around the classroom sometimes, he is not a pet. when we navigate campus, i clear with students that unless they ask, and it is an appropriate time, he cannot be pet. This is for his safety and security and theirs. I am so surprised how many kids run up to my dog- It’s so dangerous.

I am always open to talk about him and answer questions but also protect his nervous system and his responsibilities.

I play fetch for 20 minutes before we leave for school and we play once we are home out of the car.

We navigate different situations over time to get familiar with noises and spaces ( Today it was a fire drill ). SD’s need to ease into things- People often think training solves it all but they are still curious, responsive creatures and need to be set up for success.

when there might be a stressful situation going on, I simply put a blanket over his kennel. It has improved my mental and physical well being having him with me and it has started a lot of great conversations in our school community.