Our Blog
A wonderful experience: Kendall and Marle's Visit to Paediatric People
Recently, our mentor, Kendall and her therapy dog, Marle, had the pleasure of spending time with the wonderful team at Paediatric People. We're thrilled about the potential for future collaborations, working together to support and enhance the well-being of young clients.
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Introducing: TOM
The global movement of TOM (Tikkun Olam Makers) began in Israel in 2014, inspired by the philosophy of "Tikkun Olam," which means repairing the world.
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Paws In Practice - Mentor Dan
Alison, our head of People and Culture, got to visit our Mentor Dan at one of his schools and observe a session. This is her observations.
Meet Adam: A Prime Candidate for Our Dog-Assisted Mentoring
Adam is an 11-year-old boy managing the complexities of an acquired brain injury.
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Meet Sophie: A Perfect Match for Our Dog-Assisted Therapy Mentoring.
Sophie is a 16-year-old high school student known for her introspective and reflective nature.
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Meet Emily: The Ideal Client for Our Dog Assisted Therapy Mentoring
Emily is a bright 12-year-old who has always struggled with social anxiety and found it challenging to connect with her peers.
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Meet Lucas: An Ideal Candidate for Our Dog Assisted Therapy Mentoring Program
Lucas is a 14-year-old high school student who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Meet Aiden: A Candidate for Our Dog Assisted Therapy Mentoring Program
Aiden is a 10-year-old boy who experienced significant trauma in his early childhood.
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Teaching old dogs (and children) new tricks: an Animal Therapies Ltd Podcast
In today's podcast, Sarah tracks the journey of Canine Comprehension over the past decade.
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Toddcast Teacher Podcast
For the forty-third episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Sarah MacDonald from Canine Comprehension.
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It is unethical to compromise a dog's working conditions for the benefit of children!
We are increasingly concerned about the rising trend of in-school therapy dogs owned by schools and passed around to different staff members as a matter of policy by schools. Here's why.
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Creative Lesson Ideas with Minimal Prep
We're excited to share some creative lesson ideas that require minimal prep, helping to alleviate some of the stress associated with constant lesson planning.
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Paws in Practice
I had the pleasure of seeing Helen and Ned in action today at Kilberry Valley Primary School. They are running the F & R program with a young group of active & eager students.
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Nurturing the Nurturers: Self-Care Tips for Parents & Carers
We want to take a moment to remind parents and carers of the importance of self-care and offer practical tips and ideas to help prioritise self-care amidst the demands of parenting.
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5 Ways Dog-Assisted Interactions Can Support Students with Anxiety in School
As a team dedicated to supporting school communities and students alike, we recognise that addressing anxiety is paramount in creating a conducive learning environment where every child can reach their full potential. Here are 5 Ways we believe Dog-Assisted Interactions can support students with anxiety.
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Ever wondered what it takes to become a mentor with Canine Comprehension?
Former educators, social workers, and allied health professionals have found a renewed sense of purpose upon certifying their dogs with Canine Comprehension and joining our team. But what exactly does it entail to become part of this team?
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Spotlight on The Fantastic Work of Animal Therapies Ltd
Australia's growing awareness of the therapeutic bond between humans and animals has given rise to a remarkable organisation: Animal Therapies Ltd.
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Supporting Families by mentoring young people with Anxiety
At Canine Comprehension, we focus on individual mentoring and supporting young individuals and their parents and families. We understand that emotional well-being is pivotal to a child's academic success. Here are five ways in which our dog-assisted interactions can specifically support students dealing with anxiety.
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Ensuring Program Excellence: The Role of Evaluation in Canine Comprehension's School Programs
In this blog, we delve into the essential role of evaluation in ensuring program quality and efficacy, showcasing our comprehensive and meticulous approach to assessment and the valuable insights it provides for educators, stakeholders, and funding agencies.
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Understanding Your Dog's Fear
Have you ever wondered if your furry friend is feeling afraid? Understanding your dog's body language is crucial for recognising signs of fear, anxiety, or stress.
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Women Entrepreneur 2024 Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Macdonald, has been recognised with a prestigious award from Great Companies.
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Beyond Pats and Chats: How Our Therapy Dogs Enhance Learning
Canine Comprehension takes a holistic approach to integrating therapy dogs into educational environments beyond the traditional role of providing pats and chats.
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Preparing Our Therapy Dogs for their working day
At Canine Comprehension, we understand the importance of ensuring that our therapy dogs are adequately prepared for their vital role in providing animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in educational settings.
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Upholding Excellence and Ethics in Animal-Assisted Therapy: Canine Comprehension's Commitment to ATL Standards
Canine Comprehension is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all our work.
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A Day in the Life of Ebony
Ever wonder what it's like to spend a day in the life of a Canine Comprehension therapy dog? This is the story of Ebony, a therapy dog, and her devoted mentor, Sharon.
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Activities for NDIS Learning Goals
At Canine Comprehension, our individualised mentoring therapy dog programs are not just another therapy option.
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Training Therapy Dogs for School Settings
Across Australia, several organisations specialise in providing therapy dog training programs. These programs offer comprehensive training that covers various aspects of therapy dog work, including animal behaviour, human-animal interactions, and effective communication techniques.
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Building Trust: Activities that help Therapy Dogs support school connections
Canine Comprehension therapy dogs play a pivotal role in creating nurturing environments within educational settings, fostering connections that go beyond simple companionship.
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A Day in the Life of Bubbles - a Canine Comprehension Therapy Dog working with individual students.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to spend a day in the paws of a Canine Comprehension therapy dog?
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Unleashing Literacy Skills with Therapy Dogs
This blog summarises the literature review submitted by our mentor Kendall Richmond on March 3, 2024, entitled: How can therapy dogs support students’ emerging literacy skills?
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The Science Behind Therapy Dogs: Understanding the Benefits for Students' Mental Health
By understanding the science behind therapy dogs and witnessing the positive impact of programs like Canine Comprehension, educators, parents, and policymakers can better appreciate the transformative potential of these furry companions.
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Getting to Know Our Therapy Dog Teams: Lauren & Neo
Allow us to introduce Neo, the beautiful, gentle Great Dane, and his devoted owner, Lauren.
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Therapy Dogs Making a Difference: A Look at Three Students' Journeys Through Their School Program
We learn about three distinct students—Peter, Jake, and Ryan—whose encounters with these compassionate canine companions have paved the way for remarkable transformations.
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Heartwarming Stories of Our Therapy Dogs Making a Difference with Individualised Sessions
Oh, we love to share stories about the power of mentoring with therapy dogs! At Canine Comprehension, we foster confidence, resilience, and motivation by supporting students' learning journey.
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Training Therapy Dogs to Enjoy Life
Training a dog to become a therapy dog is a noble endeavour, requiring dedication, patience, and specialised dog training skills. But beyond the formal training process lies a beautiful concept: lifestyle training.
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Navigating the World of Dog-Assisted Learning: Why Experience and Industry Leadership Matter
In recent years, the concept of integrating dogs into educational settings has gained significant traction, with schools across the globe recognising the myriad benefits of this innovative approach.
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Supporting Children with Sensory Issues: The Role of Therapy Dog Handlers Children with sensory issues face unique challenges in
Sensory issues can impact a child's ability to regulate their responses to sensory stimuli, leading to difficulties in social interactions, learning, and overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore how therapy dog handlers can play a vital role in supporting children with sensory issues.
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Enhancing Student Wellbeing: The Impact of Therapy Dogs and Sensory Spaces
At Saint Pauls Primary School Kealba, students have found a unique way to enhance their communication skills and foster friendships, thanks to the presence of Victor, a therapy dog, and his handler, Mini.
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A Generous Offer
In the heart of the season of giving, a heartwarming tale unfolded when an unexpected email brightened our days. A genuinely wonderful person reached out, expressing a desire to sponsor one of our Dog Assisted Learning programs.
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What Does the Department of Education Have to Offer in 2024
The Department of Education Victoria offers a range of school funding options designed to support diverse educational initiatives and enhance the learning experience for students.
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Unleashing the Potential: The Role of Dogs in Assisted Learning In Education
The integration of dogs into schools has transcended the conventional notion of a furry companion tagging along. Embracing Dog Assisted Education means recognising the school dog as more than just a presence.
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Juliet's Journey: Teaching Resilience with Fern, the Therapy Dog
Meet Juliet, an enthusiastic Canine Comprehension mentor, and her faithful companion, Fern. Juliet's journey as an educator and mentor is deeply rooted in her love for the outdoors and her passion for teaching.
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Mini's Compassion: Changing Lives with Victor, the Therapy Dog
Meet Mini, a devoted mentor with Canine Comprehension. Residing in Melbourne with her loving husband, two beautiful children, and a delightful furry family consisting.
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Sherice's Journey: Nurturing Emotional Literacy with Jonesy, the Therapy Dog
Meet Sherice Marks, a devoted educator and mentor at Canine Comprehension.
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Dan's Journey: Empowering Children with Bubbles, the Therapy Dog
Meet Dan, a dedicated mentor at Canine Comprehension. With over 20 years of experience in the child protection sector, Dan has worked in challenging roles, including residential care, secure services, and temporary housing.
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Judy's Journey: Nurturing Young Minds with the Help of George, the Therapy Dog
Meet Judy, a dedicated professional with a background in early childhood education. Her passion for helping children and their families has been the driving force behind her career.
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Madeline's Journey: Empowering Youth with Ollie, the Therapy Dog
Meet Madeline, a passionate newcomer to Canine Comprehension. Madeline's
journey into mentoring with Canine Comprehension began in the disability
sector, where she worked as a disability and mental health support worker.
Bridging Hearts and Paws: Amy's Journey as a Therapy Dog Handler
In the world of therapy dogs, there are individuals like Amy who dedicate their lives to making a difference, one wagging tail at a time.
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The Benefits of Limiting Class Sizes for Dog-Assisted Learning
At Canine Comprehension, we take pride in offering unique and engaging experiences through our dog-assisted learning.
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Alison Bradshaw: Empowering Students with the Help of Canine Friends
Meet Alison Bradshaw, an educator with over 30 years of experience in the field of education.
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