ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the importance of careful planning and preparation for canine-assisted education. Whilst there is a natural tendency to focus on health and safety, we argue that the starting point should be the learning intentions of an intervention. The success of the intervention rests on building strong and trusting relationships between both human and dog. However, establishing this relationship takes effort and time. The humans and the dog must be recognised as individuals so that their needs, wants, and interests can be understood. Whilst educators are used to doing this for their learners, ensuring that the dog is also happy is crucial. The chapter discusses different approaches to achieve this, comparing the relative merits of visiting and permanent dogs, alongside the work of schemes such as Burns By Your Side. The chapter discusses how to select a dog that is right for the intervention, and dispels some of the myths that exist, for example around allergies and certain breeds.
