Welcome to our Canine Co-Therapy Training Course – the perfect way to learn how to train your furry companion to become a certified animal-assisted intervention therapy dog!
Our course is designed for dog owners who want to use their dog’s natural abilities to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Animal-assisted interventions have been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. By incorporating trained animals into therapy sessions, individuals can experience reduced anxiety, improved communication, increased physical activity, and overall improved mental health.
If you are mostly interested in volunteering at hospitals, schools, nursing homes, or other community settings, our this training course will equip you and your dog with the skills you need to become a successful therapy dog team.
Our training course is taught by experienced professional dog trainer, Jen Higgins, who has spent the last seven years providing her own dogs and skillset to various animal-assisted interventions, via PAATS (People and Animals Assisted Therapy Services), and the UQ AAT Research project. . understand the unique needs of therapy dogs and their handlers. We use only positive reinforcement training methods to ensure that both you and your dog have a fun and rewarding experience.
In this course, you and your dog will learn:
- The skills and behaviours necessary for therapy dog certification
- How to properly socialize your dog in various environments
- Techniques for handling your dog in a therapeutic setting
- How to communicate with people of all ages and abilities
- The importance of safety and hygiene when working with others
We understand that every dog is unique, and that’s why our training is customized to meet the individual needs of each team. Our trainers will work with you and your dog to identify any specific areas of focus that may need extra attention, and we will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the training process.
Upon completion of our therapy dog training course, you and your dog will be ready to take the certification test to become a registered therapy dog team. We are confident that you will find the experience to be rewarding and fulfilling, and we look forward to helping you and your dog make a difference in the lives of others.
So, if you’re ready to embark on this amazing journey with your furry friend, sign up for our therapy dog training course today and start making a difference in your community!
Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are therapeutic interventions that incorporate animals as an integral part of the treatment process. The animals used in AAIs are typically domesticated animals
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shown to have a positive impact on physical, emotional, and social well-being, and are used in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, and social services.
AAIs can be categorized into three main types: animal assisted therapy (AAT), animal assisted activities (AAA), and animal assisted education (AAE). AAT is a structured therapeutic intervention that involves a trained animal and a therapist or healthcare provider working with a patient or client to achieve specific treatment goals. AAA involves animals visiting a setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, to provide emotional support and social interaction to patients or residents. AAE involves animals being integrated into educational programs to enhance learning and socialization.
The benefits of AAIs are numerous. For example, studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and overall emotional well-being, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and even reduce pain perception. AAIs can also be particularly effective in treating individuals with certain conditions, such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders. Additionally, AAIs can help to promote socialization and communication, particularly in individuals who may be isolated or have difficulty interacting with others.
There are some risks associated with AAIs, however, particularly in terms of infection control and animal behavior. It is important to ensure that animals used in AAIs are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, and that they are appropriately trained and socialized. Additionally, it is important to consider individual preferences and needs when implementing AAIs, as not all individuals may feel comfortable or benefit from interacting with animals.
Overall, AAIs can be a valuable therapeutic tool for promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being. However, it is important to work with trained professionals and to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place to maximize the benefits and minimize any potential risks.
Pre-Training Assessment – $195
What are we looking for:
Genuine interest in people
Comfortable with touch
Reaction to Noise
Reactivity or Resource Guarding
Enjoying work, training and engagement
General Obedience & training level
Overall Temperament
Workplace Assessment $195
12-Week Therapy Dog Course – $865
Wednesday Night 6:30pm Starting 6th March 2023
Saturday Morning 10am starting 11th March 2023
