7 Programs to choose from:
A typical program consists of 10 students attending 50-minute sessions over 8 weeks, although alternative schedule options are also available.
1. Communication on the Inside & out (click here to see program details)
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: Designed for students with ADHD, ASD, ODD, neurodiverse traits, anxiety, and those in need of support in positive communication skills.
2. Friendship & Responsibility (click here to see program details)
Students learn empathy by understanding the needs of dogs and forming meaningful relationships with them. Social and emotional learning (SEL) can help students learn the skills needed to build resilience. SEL can help them learn to manage their emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. It involves giving students opportunities to learn and practice social skills.
Target Audience: ADHD, ASD, ODD, Anxiety, LGBTQI+, refugees or minority groups or students who have had friendship/bullying incidents and need support seeing their school environment as a place of safety. Through our programs, we teach children a sense of empathy by understanding the needs of a dog and the relationships that can be formed between animals and humans.
3. Embrace the Change (click here to see program details)
This program aligns with the DET Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR), which helps students develop social, emotional, and positive relationship skills. We work with students and their teachers to foster connections and happiness in the learning environment.
Target Audience: ADHD, ASD, ODD, Neurodiverse students, students with anxiety around attending school or working with others or students who require support in positive communication skills and seeing their school environment as a positive environment.
4. Transition from Primary to Secondary (click here to see program details)
Our innovative Dog Assisted Learning program teaches for well-being by assisting students in navigating uncertainties and anxieties felt by changing schools. Resilience and overcoming challenges are pivotal in building their social and emotional skills, ensuring a successful transition from primary to secondary school.
Target Audience: This program is designed to support neurotypical and diverse students as they shift significantly from primary to secondary school. It caters to a broad range of students, including those who may experience uncertainties, anxieties, or challenges associated with this transition.
5. Grief and Loss (click here to see program details)
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.
6. Reading Tails (click here to see program details)
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.
7. 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. Join us in exploring the library's rich informational, educational, cultural, and social offerings.
Choose between booking a single program = 50mins per week / 8 weeks
OR a package = Full day per week / 8 weeks
1. 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.
2. Canine Chronicles - Literacy and Reading encouragement
Imagine the impact of a therapy dog and mentor visiting your school each week, dedicating a full day to supporting two groups of students through your choice of literacy programs. The day continues with engaging literacy and library games, all with the encouragement of our therapy dog.
3. Experience Connections
Each week, a therapy dog and mentor visit your school for a full day. The mentor and dog focus on mental health and school cohesion by supporting two groups of students through your choice of programs, and the mentor completes the rest of the day with the Dog for half a day of fun.
Here's how it works:
Weekly Visits: Our therapy dog and mentor duo will spend a full day at your school every week, providing consistent support and companionship to your students.
Tailored Support: Throughout the day, they will engage with your staff and students, based on your school's specific needs and priorities. These sessions may include students struggling with anxiety or stress, those who could benefit from extra social skills, or those in your community seeking additional support.
Program Options: You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of programs to meet the needs of your students best. Whether it's literacy programs, social-emotional learning activities, or staff professional development support, our therapy dog and mentors are trained to facilitate engaging and practical sessions.
Benefits: The presence of a therapy dog has been shown to reduce stress, increase feelings of well-being, and improve overall academic performance. Combined with the guidance and support of our experienced mentor, these packages offer a holistic approach to student success.
Feedback and Evaluation: We prioritise communicating and working with school staff to make sure that our program meets your students' needs. We welcome feedback and are committed to making necessary adjustments to maximise our visits' impact.
Our Therapy Dog and Mentor Program is not just about bringing smiles to students' faces (though there will undoubtedly be plenty of those!). It's about creating a supportive and enriching environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to partnering with your school to make a positive difference in the lives of your students.
OR if you are looking for something less structured
Dog for a Day
This service offers individuals an excellent opportunity to:
- introduce this innovative concept into your school community.
- celebrate achievements.
- boost motivation.
- strengthen community cohesion among students and staff.
However, we highly recommend considering our comprehensive School Programs for schools seeking to address specific educational goals such as social skill development, mental health focus, and evidence-based curriculum with a solid evaluation process. School programs are designed to provide a structured and tailored approach to harness the full potential of dog-assisted learning within an educational context.
Therapy dogs are not just adorable companions but a valuable resource for schools looking to enhance their students' and staff's physical, physiological, and emotional well-being. The benefits of dog-assisted learning go beyond the immediate joy of interaction, making it a meaningful and evidence-based approach to improving the school community's overall quality of life and mental health.
- Whole year, semester and term options.
- Part Day - 3 hours
- Full Day - 6 hours
- Multi Days
Activity Focus:
- Communication
- Friendship
- Change
- Grief and Loss
- Safe Animal Handling
- Mindfulness
- Your event
Important information:
- Maximum of 10 students in groups.
- Sessions can be either 30 minutes or a full hour.
- Dogs will need a quick 5-10 minute break every hour.
- The school is responsible for supervising the students.
- The Mentor and Dog will need to be set up in 1 location within the school for the day as students come to that location to meet the mentor and dog.
- The Mentor and dog will take breaks during the school's recess and lunch breaks, so please keep this in mind when organizing the small group sessions for the day.
The 10-student limit has been carefully chosen to ensure the following:
Engagement: Smaller groups allow for a more personalised and engaging experience for each student. It allows them to have meaningful interactions with our therapy dog, creating a memorable and educational encounter.
Effective Classroom Management: Managing a smaller group is significantly more manageable, ensuring that the session runs smoothly and productively for students and our canine companion.
Delivery of Content: With limited participants, we can effectively deliver the session's intended content and educational aspects. This ensures that every child benefits from the experience.
Safety: Safety is paramount for both the children and our therapy dog. In larger groups, the potential for chaos and unpredictable behavior increases, which can compromise the safety of all involved.
Our experience has shown that running larger groups can disrupt the school community, leading to chaotic situations that are challenging to manage.