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He’s cute, cuddly and one of the most popular members of staff in Cardiff’s schools.

Baxter the wellbeing dog goes into high schools in Cardiff every week to help pupils deal with problems they may find it hard to talk about.

And schools say they’ve seen “impressive” results.

While two high schools - Llanishen High and Bishop of Llandaff High- have recently bought their own dogs to help general wellbeing, Baxter accompanies his owner go into schools to work with specific pupils one to one.

The three-year-old border terrier and his owner Dave O'Driscoll work with selected pupils in Whitchurch, Eastern, Willows and Cardiff Community West and Cardiff high schools.

(Image: Rob Browne) (Image: Rob Browne)

They go out for regular walks with the terrier and owner, trauma recovery practitioner, youth worker and former probation service officer , Dave O’Driscoll.

"It is far more than putting a dog in a school and hoping for the best. It’s targeted early intervention. Baxter is not a therapy dog, he bridges communication and lowers defences between young people and our practitioners while we go out for walks,” explained Dave, a former youth justice worker.

“Instead of having to meet in a room to talk we go out with the dog. It is very specific and we work with targeted young people.

“We take the young people out of school one to one and work with Baxter to build relationships. Baxter is a way in. The young people like to take the dog out, it’s an hour out of school and it’s easier to talk while you are walking. They are in charge and hold Baxter’s lead.”

Dave and his canine companion spend the day in each school every week, taking individual pupils for hour-long walks for as long as is needed. The process is monitored carefully and there are six weekly progress reports to check how well it is all working, said Dave. Although Dave stressed he is not a trained therapist, he said the scheme has "therapeutic outcomes".

Schools say they have seen marked improvement among pupils working with Baxter.

Becky Chadwick, acting additional learning needs co-ordinator at Cardiff West Community High, said there have been "measurable improvements" since Baxter and Dave started working with pupils there.

"The Baxter Project has been a revelation at Cardiff West Community High School. We are seeing very significant results in both our challenging outgoing pupils and our introverted vulnerable pupils.

"There have been measurable improvements in attitude, behaviour and attendance as well as a general boost in happiness and confidence levels.

"We would go as far as stating for some pupils, the programme is a life line. The relationships being established thanks to Baxter and Dave are invaluable to the wellbeing of our pupils and we could not be more appreciative of the work carried out here."

(Image: Rob Browne)

Allison Yarrow, deputy head at Cardiff High, said results from around 40 pupils referred for the walks have been “hugely impressive”.

Pupils are referred for a variety of reasons including poor self esteem, school phobia, anger management, behavioural issues, anxiety and depression, she said.

“Since December 2018, we have employed Dave O’ Driscoll and his dog Baxter; Dave’s background is in youth work.

“Baxter, of course does not provide the therapy but what he is able to do is help break down the barriers to successful communication which allows for meaningful therapy to ensue.

“Pupils who embark upon the therapy are identified by pastoral staff at the school.

“The process involves Dave taking the pupil outside of school for a walk in the fresh air, accompanied by Baxter.

“Since working with around 40 pupils the level of success has been hugely impressive.

“Careful tracking and monitoring of the programme has highlighted an increased level of confidence amongst pupils with a history of low self esteem; improved attendance for pupils suffering with school phobia; a reduction of fixed term exclusions and an increased capacity in managing emotions particularly anger.”

(Image: Pic Rob Browne)

Kay Lewis, assistant head at Eastern High, which Baxter has just started visiting every Friday, said: “Baxter will be supporting the pupils promoting well being, with a particular focus on learners with adverse childhood experiences and increased anxiety.

“Baxter uses his social instincts and learned social skills to provide health, social-emotional, and cognitive benefits to our learners.

“We were very impressed with the wonderful support he has given to other learners in Cardiff schools, and were desperate to make him part of our team.

“He has made a fantastic start and we are planning on working with him for the foreseeable future.”

Baxter and Dave are also about to begin working in Adamsdown primary and Herbert Thompson primary.

The scheme was given the heads up by Cllr Sarah Merry, cabinet member for education, employment and skills.

“We know that animal therapies can have a range of positive effects on children and young people and I am delighted that several of our schools are using therapeutic dogs to promote well-being and have a positive impact on behaviour.”