When a young person spends time with a Canine Comprehension mentor and their therapy dog, learning is happening in more ways than we might realise. Of course, there are the planned activities, conversations and learning objectives, but young people are also observing the adult in front of them. They notice how we speak to people,…
Working with young people rarely goes exactly according to plan. You can arrive with a carefully prepared session, all your resources ready and a clear idea of what you want the group to achieve. Then a student refuses to participate. An activity that worked beautifully last week falls completely flat. Two students become distracted by…
When people picture a therapy dog working in a school, they often imagine the interaction between the dog and the young person: a student sitting beside a dog, a hand resting on soft fur, perhaps a conversation becoming easier because there is a dog in the room. What is less visible is everything happening at…
Dogs can be powerful partners in education. Research into animals in educational settings suggests that, when thoughtfully incorporated, dogs may support student engagement, motivation, social interaction, emotional regulation and readiness to learn. For a young person who is anxious, disengaged or struggling to connect with adults, a dog can provide a shared focus and create…
Every now and then, you hear someone speak and it puts words to something you’ve been feeling for a long time. That’s how I felt listening to Pasi Sahlberg speak about reinventing Australian schools. I walked away feeling deeply moved, but also strangely reassured. Not because the data was comforting — it wasn’t — but…
Living in a remote area that is frequently affected by fire, I have a personal understanding of how communities cope with trauma, loss, and recovery. My husband is a firefighter who also volunteers without local CFA to support others during emergencies, and through my work with Canine Comprehension, I’ve seen firsthand how children’s nervous systems are…
At Canine Comprehension, we know every young person is unique, and every learning journey is different. But there’s one teaching strategy that stands out for everyone: repetition. Whether your child is participating in our Dog for a Day program, a group session, or working one-on-one, repeating key teaching points is one of the most effective…
Sensory issues can impact a child’s ability to regulate their responses to sensory stimuli, leading to difficulties in social interactions, learning, and overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore how therapy dog handlers can play a vital role in supporting children with sensory issues. Understanding Sensory Issues Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a complex…
At Saint Pauls Primary School Kealba, students have found a unique way to enhance their communication skills and foster friendships, thanks to the presence of Victor, a therapy dog, and his handler, Mini. Victor has become a beloved regular at the school, where students benefit significantly from programs focused on communication and friendship. Saint Pauls…
We want to share a guided mindfulness exercise incorporating a family dog’s calming presence. This practice helps family members improve their emotional regulation and reduce stress. Designed to be both calming and engaging, this exercise provides a wonderful opportunity for family members to connect and their furry friends, fostering a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for…
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Canine Comprehension
Servicing all around Melbourne, Victoria
ABN 68 627 670 777
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on these lands.
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