Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast

S4:E18 Insights From Assessing Teams with K9 Essence (Guest: Brianna Mackay)

S4:E18 Insights From Assessing Teams with K9 Essence (Guest: Brianna Mackay)In this episode, Sam sits down with Brianna Mackay from K9 Essence, one of our locum dog trainers who conducts temperament assessments for Therapy Dogs Australia teams. Brianna shares valuable insights from her work with handlers and their dogs at different stages of their journey, whether just starting out, or freshly graduated.This episode includes tips on building strong handler-dog relationships, phasing out food rewards, and tailoring training to each dog’s needs.It’s an encouraging and informative listen for anyone preparing to work with their therapy 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 Brianna Mackay from K9 Essence: https://www.k9essence.com.au/Follow K9 Essence On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k9essence/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: US6ZJOY4A8RU6GZH

S4:E17 Creating Impactful Therapy Dog Programs (Guest: Chakera Houtby)

S4:E17 Creating Impactful Therapy Dog Programs (Guest: Chakera Houtby)In this episode, we sit down with Chakera Houtby to hear her inspiring journey into the world of animal-assisted therapy alongside her therapy dog, Alfie. 💜We cover the realities of therapy dog visits – highlighting the challenges in different workplace settings to the costs and logistics of running professional animal-assisted services. Chakera also opens up about her business, Waggly Woofs, and developing animal-assisted therapeutic programs for children that are now available to purchase through her website.If you’re a therapy dog handler or considering stepping into the field, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections. Enjoy!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 Chakera to purchase her therapy dog programs here: https://www.wagglywoofs.com.au/programsFollow Chakera and Alfie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagglywoofs/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: 07XAVXOC4BSAZG0D

S4:E16 When Things Go Wrong (Part 2)

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! 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: 7OZNZOUC5KXHROXY

S4:E15 How To Play With Your Dog (Part 2) Guest: Tim Pratt From Diverse Dogs.

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 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: FVKY35FUVNTBU08L

S4:E14 How To Play With Your Dog: Part 1 (Guest: Tim Pratt)

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-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 #animalassistedservices Music License: 7RZKWMTM2HB6GFZ6