Care Dog Assessments

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BSU recognises World Mental Health Day and delves into its famed Care Dog scheme

In recognition of this year’s World Mental Health Day, Bath Spa University is highlighting its team of Care Dogs and the unique services they offer to students. 

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme, set by the World Federation of Mental Health, is workplace mental health and highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. 

BSU understands that making mental health a university-wide priority is imperative all year round. Through services, events, and round-the-clock support, the University hopes to help destigmatise the topic within higher education and beyond.  

The University’s Mental Health Services include a team of professional Mental Health Advisors who are available to speak to students during 50-minute mental health appointments, where students can explore challenges in a safe space and receive support and guidance. 

In 2021, the University also took steps to further support the wellbeing of its staff in the workplace and fight the stigma around mental health by offering accredited mental health training to staff wishing to qualify as Mental Health First Aiders. 

BSU’s four-legged friends 

One of the University’s most popular wellbeing schemes is its pack of accredited Care Dogs.  

Since launching the scheme with Canine Concern, a dog care charity whose care dogs bring comfort to those in the community who need them most, the group has expanded to a pack of 16. The dogs and their dedicated owners volunteer their time, supporting BSU students through the University’s therapy ‘meet and walk’ and drop-in sessions.   

James Rumble, Student Wellbeing Services Engagement and Link Officer discussed the scheme: 

"Bath Spa University is so fortunate to have the Care Dog scheme. It has such a positive impact on students and staff. A short encounter can reduce both stress and anxiety ahead of any academic/work commitments. The dogs are always the centre of attention at any event or even when they’re just walking across one of our campuses! 

As part of World Mental Health Day, there will be an increased presence from the team at Newton Park and Locksbrook, hopefully putting smiles on faces and working their magic on this very important day in the wellbeing calendar. Students can view all upcoming Care Dog events on MyWellbeing." 

How to become a qualified Care Dog 

The University requires each new dog to complete an interview before they become a Canine Concern member. The assessments are conducted by a certified Canine Concern Assessor and BSU invites recruits to flex their paws in a series of tasks.  

The short tick box assessment ensures all dogs are suitable to visit hospitals, care homes, schools, or similar environments and progresses from large outside spaces to more confined inside areas and finally to busy social settings if the dog feels comfortable. 

BSU Student Wellbeing Services Administrator and Canine Concern assessor, Sophie Batchelor explained what she looks out for during the assessment process: 

“I watch how the dog greets people, i.e. moving forward to engage rather than shying away and showing indifference, how they walk on a lead, any signs of unease. For example, lip licking and yawning, how tolerant the dog is of being touched all over and how they behave around people. We also watch out for jumping up, pawing, mouthing, licking, guarding or barking.” 

Rather than ‘failing’ a dog, Canine Concern offers a reassessment, so every pooch has the chance to try out again. The team even advises on visiting a behaviourist, who can offer guidance before the reassessment.  

In addition to promoting the Care Dog scheme, BSU is running a series of events during World Mental Health Day to support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Hosted by Student Wellbeing Services, the events are free for students and staff and range from football sessions with Go Again and the Bath City FC Foundation to mindfulness walks and introductory yoga sessions. 

To find out more about the University’s mental health services visit the Student Wellbeing Services mental health pages.