Aldine Senior High School Ag Science Students Study Puppies in the Classroom

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Who let the dogs out? 

Aldine Senior High School Agriculture Science students have their hands full with four English Bulldog puppies this semester. The high school students who have chosen the Agriculture Science pathway are learning the ins and outs of caring for small animals in their Small Animal Management class. 

The course gives students hands-on experience to learn skills related to animal systems and gain knowledge about the many different career opportunities and industry expectations. Each year agriculture teachers choose a small animal for students to study. Options include, but are not limited to, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, dogs, avians and cats. 

Aldine ISD Pre-Veterinary Pathway Instructor and Aldine FFA Advisor, Ernest Branford, started his class with a video about the history of the English Bulldogs. Students learned facts about the English Bulldogs, how to properly treat and clean the dogs, and even learned that the breed is known for being a great family dog. This semester students have been studying the canine gestation, whelping, and weaning process. 

After reviewing the student’s new knowledge, they were each tasked with choosing a puppy to work with for the rest of the class period. The students’ faces lit up and they rushed to pick up a new short-legged friend to work with. 

This agricultural experience is fully hands-on.

“As you take time getting to know your puppy, tell me what you notice,” Branford said. 

The students examined their puppies, dodged puppy nibbling, and began to announce their findings. 

Next, the students were tasked with giving their puppies a physical exam to check their health, determine any injury or illness, growth or skin problems, all to learn the body system of the dog.   

Additionally, students learned how to find their dog’s heartbeat and noted all findings. The physical exam assignment was one portion of the animal structural series, the class covers.

Each class period they will learn more and more about their animal and get the experience needed to care for animals if they choose to continue the Veterinary pathway after high school. 

“I look forward to coming to this class because we are getting real learning experiences,” Giovanny Vazquez, Aldine Senior High School junior said. “It’s cool because I get another opportunity to learn how to take care of more animals.” 

Vazquez also participates in Aldine FFA. FFA is a program that prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. 

The adorable puppies are a handful but make the best learning companions for the students.

The Agriculture Science program and the Small Animal Management course are offered at every traditional high school throughout the district. Students can receive more information about the programs on the Aldine ISD CTE webpage. You can follow Aldine FFA on Instagram and Twitter at @thealdineffa.