Providing friendship, support, and assisting with emotional development.

Dogs can play an important role in any child’s life. They can offer friendship, support with social and emotional development, and generally help children feel more comfortable in the world.

Sometimes, a Therapy Dog’s support can be as simple as sitting by your side if you feel nervous about something. Other times, Therapy Dogs can bring families together by encouraging long-term routine, commitment, and empathy for others.

There are many ways a therapy dog can promote positive allied health outcomes - here are just a few:

  Increasing self-esteem and self-worth.   Improving sense of purpose and motivation.   Reducing anxiety and depression.   Teaching emotional regulation.   Building empathy skills.   Reducing loneliness and isolation.   Improving fine motor skills, strength, and balance.   Improving interpersonal and communication skills.   Reading and speech programs through schools and NDIS.   Teaching self-care skills like teeth brushing, hair brushing etc.   Promoting behavioural activation through exercise.