Classroom dog puts paws in hyperactivity

DERBYSHIRE, England, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A young Cavalier King Charles spaniel has proven himself better than teachers or drugs at calming hyperactive teenagers at school, the BBC said Friday.

The 4-month-old Henry Fanshawe Smart, or Henry to his friends, was brought to the Dronfield school by two employees who had read about the therapeutic effects of pets.

Behavioral support manager Wendy Brown said many of the children have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

"They come here and they are tough nuts until they see this dog," she said. "He makes them realize it isn't uncool to show love."

Henry costs the school nothing, as local veterinarians supply his leads and baskets while a dog food firm keeps him in meat, bones and biscuits.

While he might be considered cool, Henry is actually quite calm in the day-to-day bustle.

"It's rubbed off on the kids and really calmed them down," Brown said. "It's been amazing. There's been a massive difference in behavior."

Henry's working career is estimated to be about 10 years.