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University creates puppy cuddling room for stressed students


A university has created a controversial puppy-cuddling room to help stressed out students prepare for their exams.

The puppy room was created at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

During exam week at the end of October, students will have the opportunity to visit the special ‘puppy room’ where they can cuddle with the cute pooches for 15 minutes.

According to the university, research has shown that cuddling puppies works to relieve stress.

The university decided to create the room as it was the most-requested suggestion when they asked students what an ideal university library would be like.

American students during a puppy cuddling session. Source: <span>CEN/ Australscope</span>
American students during a puppy cuddling session. Source: CEN/ Australscope

According to university magazine Folia, the puppy room will cost the university $645 (400 EUR), which includes the costs of the dog handler.

As only 10 students are allowed into the room during each cuddle session, the university has had to cap the total available places for students to participate to 160.

Within 45 minutes, the 160 places were fully booked by students.

Students will have the opportunity to visit the 'puppy room' during exam week at the end of October, where they can cuddle with pooches for 15 minutes at the University of Amsterdam. Source: <span>CEN/Austarlscope</span>
Students will have the opportunity to visit the ‘puppy room’ during exam week at the end of October, where they can cuddle with pooches for 15 minutes. Source: CEN/Australscope

Some animal experts opposed the plan of the university, saying that while it might alleviate stress with students it would create unnecessary stress for the puppies.

“Situations which cannot be controlled or influenced can create stress for both people and animals,” dog trainer Suzanne Voskuil said.

Animal behavioural expert Suzy Deurinck added: “If a puppy wags its tail, it seems perhaps that it is enthusiastic. But in reality it can be a sign of stress.”

The idea was also met with some resistance in the Amsterdam city hall.

The Party for the Animals (PvdD), an animal rights political party which occupies three of the 45 seats in the Amsterdam city council, said such puppy workshops are “undesirable” and demanded the city to take action to stop the puppy cuddling session.

– Australscope