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
Packing for a Successful Therapy Dog Visit
This comprehensive guide will help you pack everything you need for a successful therapy visit while also discussing other important considerations.
Conversation Starters for Therapy Dog Handlers
Discover conversation starters and tips for therapy dog handlers to create positive experiences during visits at schools, hospitals and memory care.
7 Therapy Dog Books to Share on Your Visits
If you’re a pet therapy team who works with kids, it’s always helpful to have a list of Therapy Dog books that help them understand the role your dog plays.
Understanding Therapy Dog Terminology
Your guide to discover the meanings behind common therapy dog terminology and acronyms such as AAI, AAT, AAA, AAE, ARE, AACR, and CGC.
Service Dogs and Therapy Animals in Pop Culture
Service Dogs and Therapy Animals are becoming more prevalent in pop culture. Checking out these examples can be a helpful way of understanding their roles.
Balancing Self-Care and Therapy Dog Work
Discover how to prevent burnout for therapy dogs and their handlers by recognizing signs of fatigue, prioritizing self-care, and following helpful tips.
Finding the Best Therapy Dog Organization
Learn about their unique features, programs, and focuses to help you choose the right organization to volunteer with your dog and make a positive impact.
Embarking on Your Animal Assisted Therapy Journey
Learn how to get started in Animal Assisted Therapy and why there’s more to it than just taking your dog to work with you.
How to Become a Therapy Dog Handler
Are you interested in learning how to become a Therapy Dog Handler? Here are three things you will want to consider and how to get started.
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.