Mans best friend is also helping young people with learning difficulties.
The Simcoe County District School once again is offering the High School Assistance Dog Program which is being put on by the COPE Service Dogs.
Jean Hargreaves is the Principal of Curriculum for the Simcoe County School Board and says this program sees Secondary school students, matched with C.O.P.E. puppies, are taught how to care for and train the service dogs on 90 commands within a literacy context.
The youth and puppies work together both in the high school setting and on public access field trips in the community.
Hargreaves says the HSA students are involved with a reading buddy program.
That is where secondary trainers and their canine friends with the primary students to enhance reading skills.
Hargreaves says research indicates that secondary students who have participated in the two-year service dog training program have increased attendance and shown more enjoyment in school. They also have improved academic grades.
After the students teach the dogs the basic commands, the dogs are sent to a thorough two-week team training camp before they are placed with their life partners who have mobility challenges.
