In this episode, Killian speaks with Orlagh McCarthy, CEO of Reading Dogs Ireland, about the unique program that trains therapy dogs to help children improve their reading skills. The conversation explores the journey of Orlagh, the impact of therapy dogs on children's literacy and emotional well-being, the selection and training process for therapy dogs, and the importance of prioritising the welfare of the dogs involved. Orlagh shares insights on how schools can get involved and the future growth of the program, emphasising the joy and companionship that dogs bring to children's lives.
Find out more about Reading Dogs Ireland :
Instagram: @readingdogsireland
Facebook: @ReadingDogsIreland
Contact form for volunteers and schools
Find out more about Ruby Reese:
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
Website: www.ruby-reese.com
Find out more about dognutrition.ie:
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie
Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reading Dogs Ireland
03:43 The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Children's Literacy
06:46 The Journey of Orlagh McCarthy
09:45 Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs
13:04 Selecting the Right Dog for the Program
15:51 Training and Assessment of Therapy Dogs
19:04 The Importance of Dog Welfare in Therapy Programs
27:55 The Joy of Learning and the Challenge of Home
29:32 Prioritising Dog Welfare in Training
31:09 Emotional and Mental Health of Dogs
33:03 The Dog's Choice: Training and School Visits
35:23 Empathy and Advocacy for Dogs
37:30 Educating Children About Dog Interaction
38:19 How Schools Get Involved
40:40 Becoming a Therapy Dog: First Steps
44:34 The Future of Therapy Dogs
48:32 Respecting Dogs in Therapeutic Roles
54:50 Requirements for Dog Assessment
55:55 Exploring Other Episodes and Resources
56:43 Outro