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!

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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

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#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices

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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

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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/

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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-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/

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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/therapydogau

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

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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/unpackeddogeducation

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

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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-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

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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

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S4:E9 Building Your Dog’s Confidence With The Box Training Method

PAT HAS NOW GOT A DIRECT LINK TO THE BOX VIDEO https://www.seriousdogbusiness.com/thebox

This 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-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

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