Canines have calming effect on stressed students

Donner is just four months old and is already well into his training.

Students at Bow Valley College are getting ready for final exams and the stress level is high so the school has brought in some special support to ease the anxiety.

For the last three years the student association has invited service dogs in training from the Pacific Assistance Dog Society or PADS to come in and interact with students.

The puppies seem to have a calming effect and some students spend almost an hour with them.

“This opportunity provides some calming atmosphere within the school, so at least I don't feel so stressed out all day long about my exams and my presentations and my assignments,” said student Mimi Tang.

“It's great because they just bring this big sense of calm over you and they're just awesome to be around. Anyone with depression or any issues like that, they actually really, really help,” said Ericka Schackwidt.

“I will admit that this is my third time coming to a puppy day here at Bow Valley College and every time it just brightens my day,” said staff member Mark Matias.

The program is also good for the puppies as it helps them to get used to groups of people.

"This is where we can look around and say this dog has a very good focus on me so this is a good possibility for a service dog, whereas Hawaii over here, Hawaii is like, oh you have treats? I really don't care, I wanna be petted,” said Wendy Proudlock from PADS .

For more information on the PADS program, click HERE.