Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast

S4:E2 School Therapy Dog: Sage’s Impact & Setting Up for Success (Guest: Natalie Esterhuysen).This week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and I are joined by Natalie who has a therapy dog named Sage. We cover the positive impact of Sage on students at their school, and strategies for managing Sage in such a busy environment. Natalie also shared her experience of introducing Sage into school, emphasizing the importance of thorough research, preparation, and community involvement. Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy! 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 Music License: AV6X2TWSELD4E41P

S4:E1 What's On In 2025 For Therapy Dogs Australia Sam and Max chat about what 2025 might have in store, the heartbreak and healing that comes with losing a beloved pet, and, somehow, aliens and air fryers make their way into the conversation. We also share updates about our pets and some exciting plans for future podcast guests and topics. If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, and leave us a glowing review! It helps us reach more people in the industry so we can all grow and develop together. 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 Music License: EWREFEC5RGZ5ZDFO

S3.E16 Sonny's LegacyE16 Sonny's Legacy. Sonny, Sam's beloved therapy dog, crossed the rainbow bridge early on Monday morning, leaving behind a profound legacy, too great to put into words on the page. In today’s episode, Sam reflects on Sonny’s incredible career, from guiding her through her personal growth as a young adult, leading them into a caerer in animal-assisted therapy (before most people knew what that was), and inspiring the creation of Therapy Dogs Australia. Join us as we honor Sonny’s life and the countless lives he touched during his 11 years of therapy work.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-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: ZDWJWTHMW6QU22XU

S3:E15 Regulation In The Industry – Does It Exist?!Welcome to the Therapy Dogs Australia podcast. In this episode, Sam and Amy dive into the pressing need for regulation and accountability in the animal-assisted therapy field. They unpack the risks involved, sharing insights on professional responsibility and the importance of setting standards to protect both clients and animals. The conversation also highlights issues around misrepresentation, where unqualified dogs are marketed as therapy animals, and why this misleads consumers and increases risk. Tune in as they discuss how industry standards can prevent harm and build trust in this growing field.Trigger warning - Dog attack discussed in this podcast, with the outcome being a dog euthanised by police.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 Music License: Z7AQM5BORJO6OAHJ

S3.E14 Pet First Aid (Guest: Dr. Olga Lynn)Ready to learn pet first aid with Dr. Olga Lynn? Use this special discount code for 10% off: TDA10 Access the course here: https://drolgalynn.com.au/products/first-aid-courseThis week on the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam and I are joined by Dr. Olga Lynn, a veterinarian who created an Online Pet First Aid Course. We discuss recognizing early signs of illness in animals, balancing prompt action with a calm demeanor, and handling emergencies during Animal-Assisted Services. We also share personal experiences with pet emergencies, stress the importance of owner preparedness, and encourage proper animal care. Enjoy!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-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: L8N7JXFJLYEFZCBO

S3:E13 Navigating NDIS - Third Parties, Animal ASSISTED Therapy vs 'Animal Therapy'Quick recapSam discusses the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and its impact on therapy sessions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the distinction between animal therapy and animal-assisted therapy. She also clarifies the role of tools and objects in therapy sessions, and the use of animal experiences in therapy, arguing that therapists should (and do) have the autonomy to use evidence-based tools without interference from the NDIS. Lastly, she shares her experiences with therapy dogs in psychology and allied health settings, and emphasises the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and correct documentation of therapy sessions involving animal-assisted therapy.Key Points• Allied health professionals to ensure their case notes and reports focus on evidence-based interventions rather than overemphasizing animal interactions.• Practitioners to include a separate section in case notes for animal-assisted therapy observations, without drawing clinical conclusions solely from animal interactions.• Clinicians to document how animal presence does not detract from providing professional services in their notes.• Therapy dog handlers to be prepared to justify the expense and value of animal-assisted therapy tools if questioned by third-party payers.• Animal-assisted therapy practitioners to collaborate on risk management strategies in preparation for potential future regulatory challenges.Enjoy!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-programFollow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/#therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservicesMusic License: U9ZRNDC2A0C1YSSK

S3:E12 Sam's Podcast Recommendations. See below the podcast/episodes recommended by Sam! Canine Paradigm: https://thecanineparadigm.com/ - Episode 275 Sam's Interview Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UNthf2HXN7JYogDuu9ua7?si=y3CVGikIQlyji4Woa4Fzfw - Episode 276 Sam's Interview Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/16322snDELZESZOFJiYWDn?si=xxIdGJLQSSWRl6SVsVF8bQ - Episode 284: Homeostasis of the brain with Dr. Melanie Uhde: https://open.spotify.com/episode/21mtdAnjFNVOg9y0p3Lmv0?si=BYuiaYcbSt6CnPh90h2e4g Dr Melanie @caninedecoded on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninedecoded?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Podcast: Life with your dog: https://www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com/ Sam's interview Ep 216: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sH50CPdC4nqHr8DEbRC0c?si=lFmY50QQQZOuPEd1sy8--w Podcast: Caffeine and Canines Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4utuPinsYIPCqAw10AD6xy?si=0f50ab2b21154767 Run by Yorkshire canine academy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkshire_canine_academy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - Episode 32 Nicole Vignola- Using Neuroscience To Help You, Help Your Dog: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OBu66TVfoPiG6NCX0uNj9?si=3N6L9H-5Thm23No7OZHyHg - Episode 28 Canine Decoded- Is Stress Killing Your Dog?: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vjl1LUBA7TJSJ12ZhRouK?si=8bJG_kYMQiWAFPNWTaZebQ Podcast: Natural health for people and pets podcast with Narelle Cooke: https://open.spotify.com/show/10qQsWBKcGKZ08zbQmUXbg?si=33f45d8e8b2948ff SUBSCRIBE!Music License: SEMHCYUYNNHTBVGS

S3:E11 On the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast today, Sam had the opportunity to speak with Sue Clarke-Smith, a social worker and child and family practitioner who originally did our Clinical course with her senior dog Mickey and upon deciding the work would be too demanding for him, Sue made the decision to instead adopt a rescue puppy called Fonzi who has now graduated as a therapy dog to work alongside her. They discuss on-going training and preparations when starting an outdoor practice and the challenges that go along with that. There are some visual elements to the podcast at the end which may be better suited to watching on Youtube. FOLLOW US! 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/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: XCSC3Z05MXY3CEOU

S3:E10 Nurture Your Therapy Dog’s Personality & Hidden Talents With Breed-Specific Care On the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast today, Sam and Max are joined by Azelene Williams, a Counsellor, Social worker and Speaker who will almost always be accompanied by her therapy dog Zayda, a Hungarian Vizsla. Azelene goes into detail of how she brings out the best of Zayda's breed traits and personality for therapy work and meets Zayda's needs as a high energy working dog. Let's get into it! Azelene Williams: https://azelenewilliams.com/ Instagram: @Azelene_Williams & @Paw_prints_with_Zayda 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 Music License: OHPIWUW2MKFDZMNB

S3:E9 Dog Breed Genetics: Harness Your Dog’s Strengths & Manage Limitations (with Brittany Muscat). Today we have the wonderful Brittany Muscat, also known as The Pet Girl (@iamthepetgirl) on the podcast today to discuss the role of dog breed genetics and how we can harness our dog's strengths while managing their limitations. We also go down a few rabbit holes about including dogs in our busy lives, enjoying our dogs, and managing the influence of partners/other family members. If you're in the process of choosing a puppy to become a future therapy dog, this episode is definitely for you! Enjoy! www.thepetgirl.com.auFOLLOW US!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-programFollow 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 #animalassistedservicesMusic License: XIINNEMCCQB2B4NR