Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast

S4:E17 Creating Impactful Therapy Dog Programs (Guest: Chakera Houtby)In this episode, we sit down with Chakera Houtby to hear her inspiring journey into the world of animal-assisted therapy alongside her therapy dog, Alfie. 💜We cover the realities of therapy dog visits – highlighting the challenges in different workplace settings to the costs and logistics of running professional animal-assisted services. Chakera also opens up about her business, Waggly Woofs, and developing animal-assisted therapeutic programs for children that are now available to purchase through her website.If you’re a therapy dog handler or considering stepping into the field, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections. Enjoy!Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!Get In Touch With Chakera to purchase her therapy dog programs here: https://www.wagglywoofs.com.au/programsFollow Chakera and Alfie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagglywoofs/SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: 07XAVXOC4BSAZG0D

S4:E16 When Things Go Wrong (Part 2)Listener discretion is advised: This episode includes references to self-harm and blood.In Part 2 of this episode, Sam and Max get into the spicier side of therapy dog work, sharing real, anonymously submitted stories where things really went off script.From intense client encounters to unexpected incidents involving blood, these are the kinds of moments that test your training, your boundaries, and your ability to think on your feet. Sam breaks it all down with practical insights and solid strategies to help you stay safe, professional, and adaptable when the unexpected happens.This episode is a must-listen for any handler who wants to be truly prepared for the realities of the role. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: 7OZNZOUC5KXHROXY

S4:E15 How To Play With Your Dog (Part 2) Guest: Tim Pratt From Diverse Dogs. Welcome back to Part 2 of How To Play With Your Dog with Tim Pratt from Diverse Dogs. In this episode, we dive deeper into the fundamentals of play, explore the prey sequence to make your play sessions more fulfilling, and highlight what to avoid when playing with your dog. Tune in to discover how purposeful play can strengthen your bond, build confidence, and make training more fun for both you and your dog. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy! Get In Touch With Tim via his website: https://diversedogs.com.au/ SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: FVKY35FUVNTBU08L

S4:E14 How To Play With Your Dog: Part 1 (Guest: Tim Pratt From Diverse Dogs).In this two part episode, Tim Pratt from Diverse Dogs returns for another insightful chat, this time it's all about the power of play in relationship & confidence building as well as training and behaviour management. Building on his first appearance in S4:E5, where Tim explored emotional regulation for handlers and dogs, he now dives into how structured play can strengthen bonds, build trust, and channel natural instincts in a meaningful way. This podcast unpacks how play ties into managing arousal, improving obedience, and creating rewarding training experiences across many dogs and temperaments. Tune in to hear how purposeful play can be a game-changer in any training toolkit. 💜Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!Get In Touch With Tim via his website: https://diversedogs.com.au/SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: 7RZKWMTM2HB6GFZ6

S4:E13 When Things Go Wrong (Part 1)In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and Max explore real, anonymously submitted stories from the field — all centred around moments when things didn’t go to plan while working with a therapy dog.From unexpected behaviours to tricky client interactions and medical concerns, they unpack common themes and share practical tips for staying calm and professional. They also highlight the value of strong training skills, hygiene protocols, and clear communication.Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode offers relatable insights and real-world strategies to help you feel prepared and supported. 💜👉 Tune in, reflect, and don’t miss Part 2 coming up next for even more community-sourced stories and solutions!Mentions:- Pet First Aid Course With Dr. Olga Lynn: vhttps://drolgalynn.com.au/Use Code: TDA10 for 10% off the course.- Canine Ceuticals with Narelle Cooke: https://canineceuticals.com.au/?ref=uplpldwf&utm_af= Use Code: TDA5 for 5% off the products range.- Urine Free: https://urinefree.com.au/therapydogauSUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: 5A6Z1N5HULBGQFCX

S4:E12 Why Scent Work Might Be The Training Tool You’ve Been Missing (Guests: Tanya Lawless & Leigh Russell)This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Max and Sam chat with Tanya Lawless and Leigh Russell from Unpacked Dog Education and Training. With a strong background in dog behaviour and scent detection, they share how scent work can support the overall well being of our dogs.From managing prey drive, to using sniffing games in behavioural consults, this episode is packed with tips for building focus, reducing stress, and enriching your dog’s life. Whether you have a working therapy dog, or you just want to try something new with your pet dog at home, this episode is for you.*If you're wanting to try some scent activities at home with your dog, Tanya and Leigh recommend adding the scent to a cotton ball and then ideally placing it in something like a container so your dog can't actually touch the cotton ball when they find them.Website: https://unpackeddogtraining.com.au/Follow Unpacked Dog Training On:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpackeddogtraining/-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpackeddogeducationSUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: MFZXBYO1TQBQLNN2

S4:E11 Inside the Data: A Teacher’s Take on the Power of Therapy Dogs (Guests: Bree Rooney & Scott Gale)Sam and Max were joined this week by Bree Rooney and Scott Gale for a feel-good episode all about the success of Toormina High School’s therapy dog program. Bree and Scott shared how therapy dog Delilah and therapy dog in training Ellie have become an integral part of the school community—boosting student well-being, building confidence, reducing negative behaviours, and even helping one student overcome her fear of dogs. We unpacked the challenges of implementation, how the program is funded, and the impact data that’s helping make the case for therapy dogs in schools. If you're curious about how therapy dogs can create real change in educational settings, you’ll love this conversation. If you find this podcast valuable, please take a quick moment to leave us a review, and remember to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel so this information can reach more like-minded people.Follow Bree On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delilah_the_therapydog/Reach Scott at Toormina High School: https://toormina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: 9CGDQ0VECUF2YVJK

S4:E10 Assistance Vs Therapy Dogs - Can You Have Both?Can an assistance dog also be a therapy dog? In this episode of the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and Amy discuss the differences between assistance dogs and therapy dogs, highlighting their distinct roles, training requirements, and behavioural characteristics. They explore the challenges and ethical considerations in managing these dogs' workloads, emphasising the importance of clear boundaries between different roles and responsible handling. If you find this podcast valuable, please take a quick moment to leave us a review, and remember to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel so this information can reach more like-minded people. Visit Amy's Website: https://therapydogsineducation.com.au/SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: RYACKBSYGDYL4P6G

S4:E9 Building Your Dog’s Confidence With The Box Training MethodPAT HAS NOW GOT A DIRECT LINK TO THE BOX VIDEO https://www.seriousdogbusiness.com/theboxThis week on the podcast Sam discusses a training technique called the Box Training Method that helps build a dog's confidence and can address some behavioral and handling issues. Therapy dogs need to be confident to safely to do their job and this method will be really useful for all of our current and past participants. Pat Stuart offers a FREE online course for this method via his website Serious Dog Business. You can access his website via the link in the description below. This is a very visual podcast, there's a lot of screen sharing and a practical demonstration going on so it's best to watch this on the Therapy Dogs Australia YouTube Channel. Enjoy!- Pat Stuart's Website: https://www.seriousdogbusiness.com/SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: 5YHCWZAP9P69VDPU

S4:E8 Foundation Dog Training Advice For Every Owner - The Nooch's Pooches Method (Guest: Panos Anagnostou)Sam and I were joined by Panos Anagnostou this week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast. We are very excited because Panos has published a book called The Nooch's Pooches Method, that everyone in our community is going to greatly benefit from. We are strong advocates for continuous learning and having a range of material available that can be re-visited time and again. Sometimes, that means getting back to the dog training foundations. If you're interested in Panos's book, you can find the link in the description below. Let's get into it! - Nooch's Pooches Dog Training Wesbite: https://www.npdogtraining.com/- Nooch's Pooches Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/np_dog_training/- Life With Your Dog Podcast: https://linktr.ee/lifewithyourdogpodcast- The Nooch's Pooches Method (A Comprehensive Guide To Training & Living With Your Dog): https://www.amazon.com.au/Noochs-Pooches-Method-Comprehensive-Training/dp/1763778002/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1YAAKOBJHMD8W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dyxlR3VgtXTySKOWP_5xVZxYe_L8aqJdmgkfRBtIwhcGfkO_h44Jrl_9OG26FHGnQ0vIe2m7-VHNgUpBhvORYaD3oB8VONvZ-ogoukYqS95aPrgqIVvzgXsQbIINswKZ3_I6ifMvH8zZ6BJpyg66hYv-wrFhEuxTZnyJy6ptM9B_hqXSe97otPMh7_lCf8k09-aaEFmhJ0P_K36oIvTMaA.q4GFozFHx11H2DI6Dd_8aAlI9iALAdmbMPydyaPQkwQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=nooches+pooches+dog+training+book&qid=1747108122&sprefix=nooch%2Caps%2C332&sr=8-4SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: GQ2ZTNQDAMXGYSIY

S4:E7 How Hard Is It To Train A Therapy Dog?This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam dives into a really important question that maybe isn't asked enough- how hard is it to train a therapy dog? The answer may not be what you expect. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: GPS55LMWEJPW5YRD

S4:E6 Retiring & Navigating The Passing Of A Therapy Dog (Guest: Sharlet Jensen)This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and I got to sit down with Sharlet Jensen, a Speech Pathologist based in Seattle, who's experienced the emotional process of retiring not one, but two therapy dogs, coping with the passing of her retired therapy dog, Johnny Utah and breaking the news to her clients. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!Links:Sharlet Jensen's Website & Resources: https://www.speechdogs.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Speech_Dogs---Sharlet's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speech_dogs/Mentions:The Telepathy Tapes: https://thetelepathytapes.com/SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: KSMQMHY0BJCADMS0

S4:E5 Co-Regulation Between Handlers & Their Dogs, Impact On Relationship & Reactivity (Guest: Tim Pratt)This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and I had an opportunity to sit down with Tim Pratt, founder of Diverse Dogs, who shared his background in working with dogs and discussed the importance of understanding and managing emotions for both handlers and their dogs. This episode covers various aspects of dog training, including handling reactive dogs, the benefits of breathwork in managing stress levels, proper communication techniques, and the significance of play in building trust and confidence. Tim also introduced his online course "Reactivity Success Path" and has kindly provided a special 20% off discount code for our community. Use the code word 'therapy' when checking out! Be quick, because the course starts on the 8th of April 2025. Let's get into it!Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!Diverse Dogs Reactivity Success Path Online: https://events.humanitix.com/diverse-dogs-reactivity-success-path-onlineUse discount code 'therapy' for 20% off the course!https://diversedogs.com.au/SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: Q7USOH0URAC5EJAN

S4: E4 Puppy Temperament Testing For Choosing A Future Therapy Dog (Guest: Serena Lynch)This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast we had the opportunity to sit down with Serena Lynch, the breeder & founder of M&M Companion Retrievers. This episode is best watched on our youtube channel as Serena shares some videos of temperament assessments from her previous litters and discusses what traits are especially important for puppies that may grow up to become therapy dogs one day. There is a lot of fantastic information in here and we will be doing a part 2 for this interview with Serena. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!- Visit M&M Companion Retrievers Website: https://www.mm-companion-retrievers.com/- Learn more about temperament testing on the M&M Companion Retrievers YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxOX8_QiEasSUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: TQFA2PAUBPD09YMP

S4: E3 Starting An Animal-Assisted Activities Business.This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam sits down with go-getter Bree Rooney to discuss various aspects of running an animal-assisted activities business, including strategies for starting and growing the business, understanding roles and responsibilities, and best practices for working with dogs in different settings. They also cover the operational aspects such as billing, client communication, and the importance of proper dog care. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!Bree's Book Recommendations:The Invisible Leash, Willow The Therapy Dog, The Hospital Dog & The Detective Dog, Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog, Madeline Finn and the Rescue Dog, Be Happy and Dogs With Jobs 1 & 2.SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us!Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: MESQEF6GFLNNJIE4

S4:E2 School Therapy Dog: Sage’s Impact & Setting Up for Success (Guest: Natalie Esterhuysen).This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and I are joined by Natalie who has a therapy dog named Sage. We cover the positive impact of Sage on students at their school, and strategies for managing Sage in such a busy environment. Natalie also shared her experience of introducing Sage into school, emphasizing the importance of thorough research, preparation, and community involvement. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: AV6X2TWSELD4E41P

S4:E1 What's On In 2025 For Therapy Dogs Australia Sam and Max chat about what 2025 might have in store, the heartbreak and healing that comes with losing a beloved pet, and, somehow, aliens and air fryers make their way into the conversation. We also share updates about our pets and some exciting plans for future podcast guests and topics. If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, and leave us a glowing review! It helps us reach more people in the industry so we can all grow and develop together. SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: EWREFEC5RGZ5ZDFO

S3.E16 Sonny's LegacyE16 Sonny's Legacy. Sonny, Sam's beloved therapy dog, crossed the rainbow bridge early on Monday morning, leaving behind a profound legacy, too great to put into words on the page. In today’s episode, Sam reflects on Sonny’s incredible career, from guiding her through her personal growth as a young adult, leading them into a caerer in animal-assisted therapy (before most people knew what that was), and inspiring the creation of Therapy Dogs Australia. Join us as we honor Sonny’s life and the countless lives he touched during his 11 years of therapy work.SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: ZDWJWTHMW6QU22XU

S3:E15 Regulation In The Industry – Does It Exist?!Welcome to the Therapy Dogs Australia podcast. In this episode, Sam and Amy dive into the pressing need for regulation and accountability in the animal-assisted therapy field. They unpack the risks involved, sharing insights on professional responsibility and the importance of setting standards to protect both clients and animals. The conversation also highlights issues around misrepresentation, where unqualified dogs are marketed as therapy animals, and why this misleads consumers and increases risk. Tune in as they discuss how industry standards can prevent harm and build trust in this growing field.Trigger warning - Dog attack discussed in this podcast, with the outcome being a dog euthanised by police.SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: Z7AQM5BORJO6OAHJ

S3.E14 Pet First Aid (Guest: Dr. Olga Lynn)Ready to learn pet first aid with Dr. Olga Lynn? Use this special discount code for 10% off: TDA10 Access the course here: https://drolgalynn.com.au/products/first-aid-courseThis week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and I are joined by Dr. Olga Lynn, a veterinarian who created an Online Pet First Aid Course. We discuss recognizing early signs of illness in animals, balancing prompt action with a calm demeanor, and handling emergencies during Animal-Assisted Services. We also share personal experiences with pet emergencies, stress the importance of owner preparedness, and encourage proper animal care. Enjoy!SUBSCRIBE!Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: L8N7JXFJLYEFZCBO