FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Check out some frequently asked questions about our programs on this page.
Still have a question?
Contact us and we will answer any questions and concerns you or your young person might have. We are here to help you find the best fit for your child.
General Questions
Some children have a hard time at school and struggle with learning and friendships. Canine Comprehension support students in understanding their learning process better. A well-trained dog and a mentor will work with an individual or a group throughout the term. Through weekly attendance, young people may have more positive feelings about themselves and school. The presence of a dog can make awkward or tough conversations a little easier because the focus is not on the students. As a result, your child may feel less anxious, more in control of their emotions, or have made new friends.
Our focus is to:
- Help them discuss their worries about learning
- Learn more about possible triggers
- Learn strategies and develop confidence in managing them
- Practice mindfulness techniques
- Assist young people in developing interpersonal and social skills, managing their emotions and empathy for others, and enabling better connections in their learning environment.
Just petting a dog can reduce the petters blood pressure and heart rate (Get Healthy, Get a Dog, Harvard Medical School) and having a pet dog in the home was associated with a decreased probability of childhood anxiety (Gadomski AM, Scribani MB, Krupa N, Jenkins P, Nagykaldi Z, Olson AL. Pet Dogs and Children’s Health: Opportunities for Chronic Disease Prevention).
For kids with anxiety and school refusal the use of the therapy dog as social lubricant cannot be denied (Menzies, 2003; Kogan, Granger, Gitchett, Helmer & Young, 1999; Baker, Pandurangi; Best, 2003). There are numerous studies citing the benefit of being with a dog, they show that having a dog present will increase a persons likelihood of having positive social interactions with others. (Mallon, 1994; Hart, 2000) Studies where kids are able to take the dog for short walks (Fine, 2000) show improved therapeutic outcomes for clients.
Studies have shown that learnings and effects from these AAIs can last well into 12 months after the client has worked with the dog (Barker et. al, 2003). Hanselman (2001) recommends that group interventions with your people should consist of at least10 sessions to make sustained behaviour change. Kogan, Granger, Fitchett, Helmer & Young, 1999 report that dog training intervention (just like the courses we run) resulted in improved pro social behaviour such as eye contact, smiling and posture and a reduction in negative behaviours.
Canine Comprehension also has their own independently collated research by School Focused Youth Service. You can read more research and evidence here.
The dogs have many jobs. Their main goal is to assist young people in calming, connecting and focusing so the tutor can do their job more effectively. A few examples of how we use dogs are:
- Mindfulness sessions teach young people breathing techniques by watching a snoozing dog.
- Agility exercises, where young people have to problem solve and effectively communicate to get the dog through the course.
- Games with the dog, where the young person has to work out more robust and weaker motivators for the dog.
- Dog body language study, where young people discuss the zones of regulation the dog may be experiencing.
Our services are designed to meet diverse needs and are suitable for most students.
Our Director, Sarah, holds a Bachelor’s as well as a Master’s in Teaching. Sarah writes all of the curriculum and pedagogy documents used in our programs. She also consults closely with the tutors on educational and classroom management issues.
The Canine Comprehension team is a wealth of knowledge and invested in lifelong learning. We aim to employ various educational and social justice backgrounds, such as teachers, social workers, occupational therapists, nursing, counsellors, and school administrators. Our tutors have experience working with young people with various needs and enjoy the challenge of helping struggling learners connect with their education. Please see our ‘meet us page to learn more about each tutor.
All of our Tutor / AAE dog teams have the highest certifications of Animal Assisted Therapy available in Australia. Most are trained through Lead the Way Institute and are reassessed annually to maintain certification. The tutors also have access to dog trainers, who can help them with improving manners, trick training and specific behaviour with their working dog.
All of our Tutors hold a current driver’s licence, Working With Children Check and First Aid certificate.
Canine comprehension has a welcoming attitude to diversity and is committed to embracing and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the education sector and allied health services. Canine Comprehension welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Booking Questions
Program costs vary. Check out our Pricing page for details, or you can contact us for specific pricing.
There are no hidden charges; all costs are transparent and communicated upfront.
After submitting a booking form, we will contact you to confirm details and schedule the session.
Yes, we can arrange meetings to discuss the program and address any questions or concerns. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Please take time to read our full bookings, cancellation & pricing policy. Late fees may apply if notice is not given in time.
FAQs for Schools
About the program
You can find detailed program overviews on our School & Library Programs page.
We operate throughout Victoria, Australia in various locations to accommodate your needs.
Yes, we tailor our curriculum to meet the unique needs of each group and are experienced in running programs in specialist schools.
Therapy dogs create a calm, supportive environment, helping with emotional regulation and engagement. If a child is afraid of or allergic to dogs, we can discuss alternative arrangements to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Programs are typically run in a quiet, private space of at least 8m x 8m where students feel safe and comfortable. Having an outside option can also be beneficial. We can adapt to various school environments.
Please inform the entire school community, especially teachers and caregivers, about the visit to ensure a smooth experience.
We encourage schools to proudly advertise our presence in your community, showcasing the benefits we provide through photos on websites, reflections in newsletters, and other communications.
Students do not need to bring any materials; we provide everything necessary. We work with your school’s timetable to ensure minimal disruption.
Programs typically run for 50 minutes per session, starting at the scheduled time and lasting for the duration agreed upon. Our programs usually begin week 2 of each term and run for 8 weeks.
The maximum number of students per group is 10 to ensure each student receives personalised attention and support.
We can discuss options to accommodate larger groups, such as our Dog for a Day programs or our School Packages options, ensuring all students benefit from the program.
Referrals can be made through our website on our Individual Mentoring section, or by contacting our office. We are here to support you every step of the way.
On the day
The supervising staff member can meet us at reception or the designated session area.
Yes, we require a staff member to be present during the sessions to ensure safety and support.
Yes, we are fully insured. Our compliance documents are easily available on our Important Information for Schools page.
We handle all session materials and set up to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
We handle all session materials and set up to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
After the Program
You can provide feedback through our website or by contacting us directly. Yes, we can provide follow-up information to keep parents/guardians informed about their child’s progress.
Individual Mentoring FAQs
About the program
Sessions can be held at various locations, wherever the young person feels comfortable, including schools. If held at a school, please inform them about the session details and the presence of a therapy dog. We aim to make the process smooth and stress-free for everyone involved.
Therapy dog-assisted mentoring uses therapy dogs to boost school readiness and emotional development. Our dogs create a calm and supportive environment, helping students with emotional regulation and engaging them in enjoyable learning activities.
Our services are designed to meet diverse needs and are suitable for most young people. We are here to help you find the best fit for your child.
Each individual mentoring session typically lasts for 50 minutes and costs $244.
There are no hidden charges; all costs are transparent and communicated upfront. We believe in being trustworthy and straightforward.
You can refer a student for individual mentoring on our website or by contacting our office.
No specific materials are needed; we provide everything to ensure the session runs smoothly.
Absolutely! We adapt our sessions to meet the unique needs of each student, including those who are neuro-diverse. Our goal is to be as helpful and adaptable as possible.
We can discuss and set up alternative arrangements to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe. Your child’s well-being is our top priority.
Please inform relevant parties at the location, such as teachers and caregivers, about the visit. It may also be useful to inform the young person’s care team. Informing the young person’s care team about our services ensures comprehensive support, consistency, and collaboration, leading to better outcomes and a more personalised approach. We believe in clear and empathetic communication to ensure a smooth experience.
Parents or guardians do not need to be present but are welcome if it makes the student more comfortable. We ask if a guardian can be within calling distance, in case we need you. The mentor can never be left alone with the young person.
A quiet, private space of at least 5x5m, where the student feels safe and at ease is ideal. We aim to create a supportive and adaptable environment.
On the day
We will arrive a few minutes before the scheduled session to set up. If the young person is running late, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate any changes. We understand that things happen and are here to help.
Just a quiet, private space for the session. We handle the rest to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
After the Program
We provide a progress report after each session commenting on your child’s experience in the session and how our activities relate to their learning goals. Our goal is to continue supporting your child’s growth and development./guardians informed about their child’s progress.