Dogs & Children

Across Australia, several organisations specialise in providing therapy dog training programs. These programs offer comprehensive training that covers various aspects of therapy dog work, including animal behaviour, human-animal interactions, and effective communication techniques. Training typically involves theoretical learning and hands-on experience, allowing handlers to develop essential skills in facilitating therapy sessions, managing group dynamics, and…

The integration of dogs into schools has transcended the conventional notion of a furry companion tagging along. Embracing Dog Assisted Education means recognising the school dog as more than just a presence; it involves acknowledging them as valued staff members. But, have we truly considered their position description, expectations, and the support they need? The…

Who practices mindfulness with their kids? Research suggests that the practice helps kids pay attention longer, calm down when upset, and make better decisions. It doesn’t have to be sitting still and counting breaths. Mindful activities are about focusing on the present moment and being aware when we drift away from that soft focus and return…

School is back, but distressingly, some children are so anxious about the return that they refuse to go.  Others attend school in a constant ‘fight or flight’ mode of anxiety. With a significant focus on mental health, the Victorian government has invested additional funds for support programs to provide targeted and individualised support over the…

We are all about facilitating emotional growth, confidence and healthy social responsiveness. We aim to prepare our students for the challenges they will face both inside and outside of the classroom. The ability dogs have to positively engage people is well documented. Our animal-assisted interventions have the ability to improve behavioural challenges, increase emotional wellbeing,…

Our tutors are seeing teachers taking their family dogs into school more and more.  Although on face value, that seems like a fantastic idea. We really want to warn people that the difference between a therapy dog and a family dog should be clear. A school is not a place where dogs should ‘learn’ to be therapy…

The aim of this report is to endeavour to answer the question: Should dogs be in schools and how can we do it safely? Canine Comprehension has worked in hundreds of primary and secondary schools around Victoria, tutoring students and helping them make more positive connections with their education. This is done with a well-trained…

We have all read the heart-warming stories of children with ASD connecting to his/her dog in a way they had never done before. We all know the bond between man and dog and our heart swells when we hear of those who experience difficulties connecting, making that important relationship with their dog. Now this blog…

As the end of the year approaches all I am thinking about is holidays. As we drag our way through November many of us will be taking time off over the Christmas break to spend with our families. What holidays do you have planned? Are you traveling with your four and two legged family members?…

Using dogs to lower anxiety around learning and assisting in maintaining a positive attitude to school work is a reasonably new approach to education worldwide. So why did it work? I have experienced it myself. Two important things happened to me when I turned 13. I was given Hamish, the friendliest, happiest Jack Russel in the…