What is Dog Assisted Learning?

Dog Assisted Learning is an innovative incursion approach where a well-trained therapy dog, together with an experienced mentor, engages with individuals or groups to foster growth and connection. Through consistent weekly interactions, young people can develop a more positive outlook on themselves and their school experience.

Many children face challenges at school, struggling with instruction time and friendships. Canine Comprehension supports students in understanding their learning processes better.

The presence of our therapy dogs can ease awkward or tough conversations by shifting the focus away from the students. This can help your child feel less anxious, more in control of their emotions, and even make new friends.

Our team of highly experienced and qualified animal-assisted therapy experts provides understanding and compassionate guidance alongside our friendly therapy dogs. Through our comprehensive approach, we create supportive environments that empower caregivers and young people to thrive.

At Canine Comprehension, we empower young people with the skills and tools that foster inner certainty, enabling them to navigate the world confidently.

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Our experienced mentors:

  • Support young people’s wellbeing for learning readiness
  • Work with all school-aged children: Kindergarten to Year 12
  • Run 1:1 and small group sessions (up to 4 students)
  • Aim to create neurodiverse affirming environments
  • Focus on strength-based approach for all learners
  • Help discuss worries about learning
  • Practice mindfulness techniques

Who do we work with?

2000+

Sessions Conducted

70+

Schools Engaged

17

Dedicated Staff Members

What does an animal assisted therapy session look like?

We provide a range of animal-assisted therapy programs for children, young people, schools, libraries and adults in the workplace. Therapy dogs create a calm, supportive environment, helping with emotional regulation and engagement.

Individual Mentoring

We can provide individual mentoring programs to young people at school, in their own home, or at a place they feel most comfortable.

Individual mentoring sessions with our Therapy Dog Handlers offer personalised support for students. Dog Therapy for Anxiety and Therapy Dogs for Emotional Regulation are key components of our mentoring approach, helping students build resilience and confidence.

Our programs focus on tailored activities to enhance specific skills and address identified needs.

Individual Mentoring
Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne
Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

School & Library Therapy Dog Sessions

Our School Therapy Dog sessions are designed to provide mental health support for students.

Through Animal-Assisted Education Programs, we help students develop social skills, manage anxiety, and improve emotional regulation.

Canine Comprehension excels in working with Special Development Schools and children with disabilities, recognising these students’ unique challenges in traditional classroom settings.

School & Library Programs

Therapy Dogs at Your Workplace

Dog-assisted learning isn’t just for schools!

It’s also a powerful approach that can transform your corporate environment. Bring the benefits of Therapy Dogs to your workplace with our corporate programs.

Our Therapy Dogs in Schools model can be adapted to support employee well-being and enhance team dynamics through our Dog for a Day program.

Dog For A Day Programs
Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne
Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Speaking Events & Workshops

Our Speaking Events integrate therapy dog demonstrations, uplifting storytelling, and the profound connection between humans and animals.

Our presenter, Sarah Macdonald, is a dynamic leader, dedicated to inspiring and shaping a brighter future for the communities she serves. Her innovative approach to education and mental health has earned recognition and accolades, reflecting her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact with well-trained therapy dogs.

Speaking Events & Workshops

Special Development

When working with students in Special Development schools, particularly those with mobility challenges or who are non-verbal, Canine Comprehension adopts a tailored, evidence-based model that prioritises inclusivity, communication, and emotional connection.

Model Overview

Our model integrates Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) with individualised learning strategies to create a supportive and engaging environment for students with diverse needs. The therapy dogs and mentors work collaboratively to address specific developmental goals while ensuring a safe and respectful interaction for all participants.

Key Components of the Model

Tailored Program Design

  • We adapt our programs to meet the unique needs of students with mobility challenges or non-verbal communication styles.
  • Activities are designed to be accessible, focusing on tactile, visual, and emotional engagement rather than verbal instructions.

Therapy Dog Interactions

  • Therapy dogs provide a non-judgmental presence, helping students feel at ease and fostering emotional regulation.
  • For non-verbal students, dogs become a bridge for communication through gestures, eye contact, and touch.
  • For students with mobility challenges, therapy dogs are trained to interact at accessible levels, ensuring inclusivity.

Focus on Emotional and Social Development

  • Emotional regulation: Students learn to manage their feelings through calming interactions with the dogs.
  • Social skills: Dogs encourage students to engage with peers and mentors, promoting teamwork and empathy.
  • Confidence-building: Successfully interacting with the therapy dogs fosters a sense of achievement and self-worth.

Individualised Goals

  • Each session is tailored to the student’s developmental goals, whether it’s improving attention, reducing anxiety, or encouraging non-verbal communication.
  • Non-verbal students are supported with activities focusing on alternative communication methods, such as using gestures or assistive technology alongside therapy dog interactions.

Evidence-Based Strategies

  • Our model is informed by research showing that interactions with therapy dogs can reduce ADHD symptoms, hyperactivity, and aggressive behaviours while improving attention, coping mechanisms, and overall well-being.
  • We utilise techniques that align with findings from studies like those by Lloyd & Sorin (2014), highlighting the benefits of animal-assisted learning for emotional and social skills.

Safe and Ethical Practices

  • We ensure that therapy dogs are trained to be calm and responsive in diverse settings, including working with students who may have unpredictable behaviours.
  • Ethical treatment of our animals is a cornerstone of our practice, ensuring their well-being while they assist students.

Implementation in Special Development Schools

Small Group or One-on-One Settings

  • Sessions are conducted in small groups or one-on-one to provide personalised attention and minimise sensory overload.

Interactive Activities

  • Activities may include guiding the dog through simple tasks, brushing or petting the dog, or using assistive devices to communicate commands.
  • Non-verbal students may use visual aids or gestures to interact with the dogs, enhancing their communication skills.

Progress Monitoring

  • We measure outcomes through pre- and post-session evaluations, focusing on emotional regulation, engagement, and social interactions.

Outcomes We Aim to Achieve

  • Reduction in anxiety and stress levels.
  • Improved attention span and focus.
  • Enhanced social skills and peer interaction.
  • Increased confidence in non-verbal communication or alternative communication methods.
  • A sense of accomplishment and joy in participating in inclusive activities.
Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Why This Model Works

The combination of therapy dogs and skilled mentors creates a unique environment where students feel understood and supported. For non-verbal and mobility-challenged students, the dogs act as emotional anchors, promoting trust and connection. This model not only addresses individual developmental goals but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Our Curriculum has
H.E.A.R.T.

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Partner Schools & Organisations

Awards

Our Affiliations

International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO)

We are thrilled to be full members of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. This esteemed affiliation underscores our commitment to advancing the field of animal-assisted learning. Through IAHAIO, we actively engage in global discussions and research, contributing to the development of ethical and effective practices that enhance the well-being of both animals and humans.

Australian Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL)

As proud members of Australian Animal Therapies Ltd, we play a vital role in promoting the understanding and acceptance of animal-assisted services. Our collaboration with ATL allows us to advocate for ethical standards and support the growth of this young sector. Together, we strive to ensure that those in need can access the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.