Resources
It can be tricky finding resources for volunteering or working with your pet. While each episode of Therapy Dog Talk has links to the resources we mention that week, I’ve also put together this page to help you locate the tools, education and solutions that I find helpful.
Get started as a Therapy Dog team
Set yourself and your pup up for success by learning how to:
- Choose the right setting for your team
- Train your animal partner
- Select a pet therapy organization
I’ve put it all together for you in PDF format.
Resources on the Blog
Prioritizing Your Mental Health as a Therapy Dog Handler
Explore the crucial role of mental health in Therapy Dog handling. Learn about self-compassion and its transformative impact on you, your dog, and those you help.
Optimism Matters in Therapy Dog Training
Discover the power of optimism in Therapy Dog training and learn actionable steps to grow optimism in both you and your dog.
Fostering Resilience in Therapy Dog Teams
Explore the importance of resilience in Therapy Dog teams and discover practical tips to build resilience in both you and your dog to increase your impact in therapy work.
Coping with Pet Loss as a Therapy Dog Handler
Explore how to navigate through the grief of losing a Therapy Dog and learn strategies to assist your clients while fostering self-care and remembrance.
Building a Calmer Therapy Dog Team
Discover how to cultivate calmness in you and your Therapy Dog for more effective visits and a comforting presence to the individuals you assist.
How to Build Confidence in Therapy Dog Teams
Learn how to build confidence in yourself and your Therapy Dog for better visits and stronger connections with people you help.
Helpful cues and tricks for Therapy Dogs
Learn helpful cues and tricks for Therapy Dogs to increase your bond as a team and create a more positive experience for those you visit.
The Powerful Impact of Therapy Dogs on Mental Health
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by learning about the powerful impact Therapy Dogs can have on our mental health.
Celebrating Disabled Therapy Animals and Their Impact
Celebrate National Disabled Pets Day by learning about the incredible impact disabled therapy animals have and their unique opportunities.
The Therapy Dog Talk Podcast
Weekly conversations with Therapy Dog teams and researchers:
Products we use and enjoy
- A-OK9 supplements and K9-CALM MAT
Sunny and Rylie both are on Calm-K9, Bug-K9, Prime-K9 and Plaque-K9. (Flexi-K9 should not be used on puppies under 6 months.) Use code SUNNY for 10% off.
- Figo Pet Insurance
Sunny and Rylie are both covered by Figo.
- TTouch courses and equipment
Sunny and Rylie both wear the Harmony harness and leash as well as the connector to stay balanced. I’m currently taking courses towards becoming a TTouch Practitioner. Use SUNNY15 for 15% off their gear.
- Wholetones for Pets
This calming music has been incredibly helpful for separation anxiety training, fireworks and inspiring moments of calm for decompression and self-care.
- Woof Pupsicle
This is Rylie’s go-to for a bedtime calming treat.
Canva template for Therapy Dog trading cards
If you’ve been wanting to order trading cards as giveaways when on Therapy Dog visits you can customize this free template and print through a vendor of your choice.
Being an Informed Therapy Dog Handler
Therapy Dog Talk guest Dr. Colleen Dell, along with the PAWSitive Support project team in the Office of One Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan, designed this complimentary course for Therapy Dog handlers.
Over five modules, you will learn:
- Participant Diversity & Inclusion
- Participant Mental Health
- Handler Self-care & Peer Support
- Therapy Dog Behaviour & Care
The course takes 8 hours to complete and a certificate is available upon completion.
Therapy Dog resources on Instagram
Click on an image to read the full resource carousel on @therapydogtalk:
Books for Therapy Dog handlers
- Animal Assisted Play Therapy by Risë VanFleet, Tracie Faa-Thompson
- Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling by Cynthia K. Chandler
- Bow Tie Boone by Tanya Diable
- Canine-Assisted Interventions by John-Tyler Binfet, Elizabeth Kjellstrand Hartwig
- Doggie Language by Lili Chin
- Getting in TTouch with Your Dog by Linda Tellington-Jones
- Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy by Aubrey H. Fine
- How to be a Concept Trainer by Tom Mitchell
- Kids and Dogs by Colleen Pelar
- Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog by Lisa Papp
- May I Pet Your Dog? by Stephanie Calmenson
- Tails Are Not for Pulling by Elizabeth Verdick
- The Amazing Power of Dog Therapy by Barbara Vokatis
- The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell
Disclosure: I may earn commission for purchases made through some links on this page. Always prioritize the dog in front of you and consult with your vet and other professionals before making any changes to supplements, diet, training, exercise, etc.