[NOBE-L] Guide Dogs in the Classroom

[taranabella0 at gmail.com]

Hello everyone,

For those teachers who have a guide dog in the classroom, I was wondering if any of you have dealt with severe dog phobias. I just received a new 2nd grade student Who has had previous negative experiences with dogs, and is so afraid of my guide dog, that every time she sees him she will either climb on adults and dig her fingernails into our arms, or run from the classroom. Aladdin is on tiedown in the classroom on his beanbag on the opposite side of the room from where she sits. We have explained his job, and myself, several other staff, and students in the school have reassured her that he will not harm her. She has observed him working and has also seen him off harness at the end of the day interacting with other students. I have tried giving her a stuffed toy that she likes that she can hug for comfort to replace the running behaviors and climbing on adults, but we are still having these issues.  I have had students with fears in the past, but typically the students quickly grow accustomed to him since he is so quiet and well behaved. Any suggestions on how to make her feel more comfortable and overcome this fear would be so helpful.

Thank you,



Tara Abella