The Great British Bark Off, is an annual, cost-free weeklong event for all UK schools. It focuses on fostering understanding and connection between children and dogs through fun and educational activities. This unique initiative recognises the profound impact canine companionship and therapy dogs have on children's well-being and development. By joining in, schools not only create enjoyable experiences but also provide an enriching environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially.
The Great British Bark Off is brought to you by the global charity Underdog International who specialise in enhancing education through therapy dogs. Since its launch in 2021, the Great British Bark Off has involved over 1,000 schools and 280,000 children across the UK who have benefitted from their FREE involvement in this great annual event. Bark Off is a unique event that brings educational activities to your school to improve emotional and mental well-being. Find out more about the Great British Bark Off’s history below.
The incredible benefits of dogs
Animal-assisted therapy initiatives have been meticulously proven to positively impact children's happiness, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. Moreover, these interactions with animals can instill kindness and empathy in children, laying a crucial foundation for a more compassionate future.
The genesis of the Great British Bark Off dates back to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in 2020. The surge in dog ownership during this period, with the UK's dog population increasing from 8-9 million to a staggering 12.5 million, prompted Underdog International to address the need for educating families and children on responsible dog ownership. Bark Off 2021, featuring rescue dog Birdie, centered on understanding dog language and teaching children how to respond appropriately, ensuring both their safety and their canine companion's happiness.
In 2022, Bark Off responded to the post-pandemic surge in mental health concerns among young people. With a Children's Society Study revealing that five children in every class of 30 were likely to suffer from mental health problems, the theme 'Not all heroes wear capes' aimed to assist educators and parents in supporting children facing anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. The focus was on how dogs, embodied by therapy dog mascot Mack, bring magic and positive healing to improve our self-esteem.
Amidst a cost of living crisis in 2023, Bark Off chose to 'Bring Out the Sunshine.' Recognising the impact of financial worries on children, the event, led by therapy dog mascot Sunshine, highlighted how we can learn valuable lessons from dogs about enjoying the simple things in life to enhance our overall well-being.
Each year, Bark Off introduces a fresh focus and a new canine companion, providing invaluable guidance to young people on navigating life and maintaining a positive outlook for good mental and emotional health.