May 28, 2026, 11:29 am | Read time: 7 minutes
The use of school dogs is gaining importance in animal-assisted education because dogs have a calming effect, reduce stress, and can improve the learning environment. To accompany classes, both the dog and its handler must be specially trained. Vocational school teacher Sandra Hertrampf shares how this works in practice as she currently trains her school dog, Rosi. As soon as the nearly 12-inch-tall dog enters the classroom, many students’ faces immediately brighten.
What School Dogs Can Achieve in the Classroom
What does a school dog do? It primarily has a positive impact on the social and emotional learning environment. In animal-assisted education, dogs have been gaining importance for several years because they are proven to have a calming effect, reduce stress, and improve the learning atmosphere. To accompany classes, their handlers must first undergo training with them.
This is exactly what Sandra Hertrampf from Niebüll is currently doing. The senior teacher has been teaching English at a vocational school in the Nordfriesland district since 2001. Additionally, she is a certified yoga instructor with her own yoga studio. Topics like mindfulness, concentration, and a conscious approach to stress occupy her in several areas of life.
“A Dog Brings Calm to the Room”
PETBOOK: How did you come up with the idea to train a school dog?
Sandra Hertrampf: “I am always looking for new challenges and wondered what else I could offer people through my job beyond the subject matter. I noticed that many young people today have little contact with animals. That’s a shame because we can learn so much from animals: empathy, trust, a mindful approach. Animal love is something so beautiful! At the same time, young people often find it hard to concentrate for long periods—perhaps a consequence of the lockdown and COVID-19 years. A dog can do wonders in this regard. It brings calm to the room without any active effort.”
The use of dogs in the classroom is generally increasing—why do you think it works so well?
“Dogs are very sensitive to human moods and body language. If there is unrest in the room, they notice it immediately. At the same time, their calm, unbiased nature can have a soothing effect. Many students automatically relax as soon as a dog is present. This positively affects the overall classroom climate. It becomes calmer, more focused, and often friendlier in interactions.”
What School Dog Rosi Can Achieve in the Classroom
Tell us more about your dog Rosi.
“My dog Rosi is a Havapoo, a mix of Havanese and Poodle. Both breeds are known for being particularly people-oriented, eager to learn, and socially compatible. These are crucial traits in animal-assisted work. Rosi was born on March 1, 2022, and has been regularly trained at a dog school since June 2022. She enjoys it there. She is very sociable, playful, and occasionally a bit cheeky—this mix makes her so valuable in the classroom. She is not perceived by the students as a ‘perfectly functioning animal’ but as a real being with personality.”
What does a dog need to become a school dog?
“The first step is always an assessment by an experienced trainer. The dog should not be afraid of people and should be able to regulate itself well. But it doesn’t have to be perfect—and I find that very important. I am currently doing the training with Heike Biebrach from ‘Hund und Munter’ in Hamburg.”
Why is “not perfect” even an advantage?
“Because it conveys something to the students. My students see me interacting directly with Rosi. If she doesn’t listen immediately or does something ‘wrong,’ I always remain calm and friendly. Mistakes are part of it. The students should notice that too. I believe it also puts me in a different light. The students see me as more approachable and realize that they don’t have to be perfect either.”
“There Are Clear Rules for Interacting with the Dog”
What role does empathy play in working with dogs?
“A very large one. Many students actually don’t know how to approach a dog. They want to touch Rosi directly from the front or from above. Over time, they have learned how to do it better. They can read body language, they are considerate, and they respect boundaries. These are very important social skills.”
How do your students specifically react to Rosi?
“So far, consistently positive. She has been in class a few times and immediately created a special atmosphere. Her cheerful, sometimes slightly cheeky nature brings lightness to the room. When she plays, curiously looks around the classroom, or enjoys attention—it loosens up the situation. Many students become more relaxed and open.”
What are the rules?
“For example: The dog is not touched without permission, she has retreat areas that are respected, and we handle Rosi calmly and considerately. This creates security—for Rosi and for the students. It’s nice to see that especially insecure students often slowly build trust.”
What Speaks Against School Dogs
Are there also critical voices or reservations?
“Yes, of course. Some students are afraid of dogs or come from cultural or religious backgrounds where dogs are not viewed positively. I always take that seriously. No one is forced to make contact. There are clear rules for interacting with the dog, which we discuss together at the beginning.”
Allergies are a sensitive topic. How do you handle that?
“This is clarified in advance. If there are allergies, we look individually at what solution fits. Some students simply keep more distance, or the dog is only present in certain classes. In case of doubt, of course, health comes first. Rosi doesn’t have to come to every class. It’s important that all parties are involved and feel comfortable.”
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How School Dog Training Works
How does the training work specifically? What does Rosi learn?
“Rosi is gradually introduced to the school routine. She learns to deal with different stimuli: many people, noises, movement. At the same time, it’s about her maintaining rest periods and not feeling overwhelmed. A school dog doesn’t work ‘through’ but is only used temporarily.”
And what do you learn as a teacher in the training?
“At least as much as the dog. Since the beginning of the training, I’ve learned so much new about my dog. I can now read her signals much better: When is she relaxed, when is she stressed? When does she need a break? It’s also about how I can integrate her into the class without overwhelming her. It’s always a collaboration between human and animal.”
Studies Show: Dogs Reduce Stress
Are there typical uses in the classroom?
“Yes, for example, a dog can simply be present during quiet work phases to create a relaxed atmosphere. Before exams or presentations, it can help reduce nervousness. Some students even prefer reading to a dog rather than the class—because they feel less judged.”
What long-term effects do you expect?
“I hope for a sustainable improvement in the learning environment. Studies show that dogs can reduce stress and promote concentration. I experience exactly that. Additionally, a dog strengthens social interaction: Students often treat each other more mindfully and support each other more.”
Are there also limits to using a school dog?
“Yes, definitely. A dog is not a pedagogical miracle cure. It can support but not solve everything. And the well-being of the animal always comes first. If a dog is stressed or doesn’t feel like it, then it won’t be used.”
What would you advise teachers considering using a school dog?
“To prepare well and honestly assess whether it suits them and their dog. It’s a big responsibility—but also a great opportunity. For me, it’s a real enrichment. And I feel that my students benefit from it on a completely different level.”