Dog-Assisted Learning in Schools

The most important thing in our world is the children, who, often have been let down in the past. So, we offer only compassionate mentors to run our programs. Their dogs are the key to how we access young people, but the quality of these group programs comes from the curriculum and the expertise of the entire team.

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

School Programs

(All prices include GST)

A typical school program consists of 10 students attending
one 50-minute session per week over 8 weeks.
Alternative schedule options are also available – see our School Packages.

Communication on the Inside & out

In this program, we teach students the art of effective communication, including verbal and non-verbal cues. We explore body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and inner voice management, shifting from negativity to positivity.

Target Audience:

  • ADHD, ASD, ODD
  • Neurodiverse students
  • Anxiety
  • Those in need of support in positive communication skills

$3,940.52

Friendship & Responsibility

Social and emotional learning (SEL) can help students learn the skills needed to build resilience. It can help them learn to manage emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. It gives students opportunities to learn and practice social skills.

Target Audience:

  • ADHD, ASD, ODD
  • LGBTQI+
  • Refugees or minority groups
  • Anxiety support with friendship or bullying incidents

$3,940.52

Embrace the Change

This program aligns with the DET Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR). It helps students develop social, emotional, and positive relationship skills. We work with students their teachers to foster connections and happiness in the learning environment.

Target Audience:

  • ADHD, ASD, ODD
  • Anxiety around attending school or working with others
  • Neurodiverse students
  • Those in need of support in positive communication skills

$3,940.52

Transition from Primary to Secondary

This program teaches for well-being by assisting students in navigating uncertainties and anxieties. Resilience and overcoming challenges are pivotal in building their social and emotional skills, ensuring a successful transition from primary to secondary school.

Target Audience:

  • Neurotypical and diverse students as they shift from primary to secondary school
  • Students who may experience uncertainties, anxieties, or challenges with this transition

$3,940.52

Grief and Loss

A non-judgmental program for participants to process feelings of grief and loss. Animal Assisted Intervention helps them process their emotions and allows them space to grow.

Students learn that there are many strategies and people to support us during our sad times.

Target Audience:

  • Students who have lost a loved one
  • Students who have lost a loved pet
  • Students facing parental separation or divorce

$3,940.52

Reading Tails

Our Reading Tails program is passionate about instilling a love for books in young people. We focus on boosting confidence and reducing anxiety for reluctant readers.

Using Dog Assisted Education, we create a comfortable space and offer short bursts of reading, incentives, book selection, and social interactions.

Target Audience:

  • Reluctant readers
  • Students developing foundation literacy skills
  • Anxious readers

$3,940.52

School Packages

(All prices include GST)

Each week, a therapy dog and mentor visit your school for one full day per week, supporting groups of students through your choice of programs over 8 weeks.

Programs Galore

Each week, a therapy dog and mentor visit your school for a full day, supporting three groups of students through your choice of programs.

Target Outcomes:

  • Full student support

$11,792

Canine Chronicles

A therapy dog and mentor visit your school each week for a full day, supporting two groups of students, focusing on engaging literacy and library games.

Target Outcomes:

  • Literacy and reading encouragement

$14,872

Experience Connections

Our mentor and therapy dog visit for a full day, supporting two groups of students, focusing on mental health and school cohesion, then completing the day with the Dog for half a day of fun.

Target Outcomes:

  • Wellbeing and school cohesion

$14,872

Innovative Educator

This package is designed to equip educators with evidence-based strategies for integrating dog-assisted learning into your classroom, enhancing both academic engagement and emotional well-being among students.

Target Outcomes:

  • School staff gain practical tools to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment

$17,264

Library Programs

(All prices include GST)

A typical library program consists of 10 students attending one 50-minute session per week over 8 weeks.

Reading Tails

Our Reading Tails program is passionate about instilling a love for books in young people. We focus on boosting confidence and reducing anxiety for reluctant readers.

Using Dog Assisted Education, we create a comfortable space and offer short bursts of reading, incentives, book selection, and social interactions.

Target Outcomes:

  • Reluctant readers
  • Students developing foundation literacy skills
  • Anxious readers

$3,940.52

Our Library Community

Libraries are vital anchors of community life, offering a unique “third place” beyond home and work. This program encourages students to embrace this space, interact with our Animal Assisted Education dogs, and foster a sense of community. Students explore the library’s rich informational, educational, cultural, and social offerings.

Target Outcomes:

  • Literacy and reading encouragement
  • Socially hesitant children
  • Children facing academic challenges

$3,940.52

School Holiday Programs

Designed to provide children with an enriching and fun-filled experience, to develop essential life skills while ensuring that learning is exciting and engaging.

Target Communities:

  • Schools
  • Libraries
  • Community Centers
  • Youth Organisations
  • Childcare Facilities
  • Special Needs Programs
  • Local Councils

Price on enquiry

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Key features of our therapy dog programs include:

  • Personalised Attention: With our small group settings, students receive personalised attention, enabling them to build a safe place to share leading to self-discovery and growth
  • Boosting Confidence and Well-being: Regular attendance in our programs can lead to more positive feelings about school and, most importantly, about themselves. The presence of a therapy dog can make even the most awkward or tough conversations a little easier. By shifting the focus to our furry friends, students often feel less anxious, more in control of their emotions, and may even make some new friends along the way.
  • Addressing Worries: We provide a safe space for students to discuss their concerns and worries about learning. By opening up, they can start to understand possible triggers and develop strategies for managing them.
  • Mindfulness Techniques: We teach young people how to stay present, reduce stress, and manage their emotions effectively through mindfulness practices.
  • Developing Social and Interpersonal Skills: Our programs help students develop essential social skills, manage their emotions, and cultivate empathy for others. These skills are vital for building stronger connections within their learning environment.
  • Award-Winning Excellence: We take immense pride in our programs’ impact over the years. Canine Comprehension has received several awards for our dedication and commitment to supporting students, and we are highly regarded by parents, teachers, and the Department of Education.

Ready to Book?

Once you have chosen the right program for you, you can book online.

Please read our important information for schools, our FAQs and our bookings, cancellation & pricing policy before booking a school or library program.