Welcome to Talk with Tails

Animal-Assisted Therapy in Melbourne

Evidence-informed therapy dog programs supporting emotional regulation, social skills & wellbeing in schools and special needs schools across Melbourne.

School Programs

Animal-Assisted

Our school-based animal-assisted therapy programs support emotional regulation, social connection, and engagement in schools. Sessions are delivered on-site and tailored to the developmental needs of each group.

Autism-friendly and special needs therapy dog programs designed to support neurodivergent children. Therapy dogs provide a calm, supportive presence that helps children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn—particularly those who find traditional wellbeing approaches challenging.

Wellbeing Support Programs

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Our group wellbeing programs use structured animal-assisted therapy activities to support emotional literacy, regulation, and connection. Group sessions are ideal for classrooms, small groups, or targeted wellbeing initiatives.

These programs encourage peer interaction while providing the calming presence of therapy dogs to support engagement and learning.

Individual Counselling

Canine-Assisted

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Individual counselling sessions combine professional therapeutic support with the gentle presence of certified therapy dogs. This approach can help clients feel calmer, safer, and more open during therapy.

Animal-assisted counselling may support individuals experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm, low confidence, ADHD, and autism.

Wellbeing Resources

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The Talk With Tails shop offers carefully selected wellbeing resources and therapy dog–inspired tools designed to support emotional regulation, connection, and learning. Our products are suitable for special needs schools, families, and professionals seeking gentle, neuro-affirming supports for children.

Client Testimonies

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“The sessions helped a lot with my anxiety and depression, calmed me down a lot and made me feel more happy”

— Anon

✨ END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE ✨
Your favourites are now 30% OFF 🐾

Stock up on resources designed to support connection, conversation and emotional growth.

🧡 Strength Cards
🐶 Dog Themed Emotions Cards
🙂 Human Themed Emotions Cards
💛 Body Signals Cards
💬 Sentence Starter Cards
🌈 Encouragement Cards

🛍️ 30% OFF ALL PRODUCTS IN THE SHOP
📅 Sale ends 30 June

Use code: EOFY30 at checkout

Shop now at: Talk with Tails

Don’t miss out — once June ends, so does the discount 🐾
*Limited Stock*

🚕🐾 BIG NEWS FOR ASSISTANCE ANIMAL HANDLERS IN VICTORIA 🐾🚕

This should never have been happening in the first place… but finally there is stronger accountability.

Refusing to transport a person because they are travelling with an assistance animal was already against the rules — yet too many people have continued to experience being turned away, left stranded, embarrassed, or forced to fight for access.

Today, Victoria announced tougher penalties.

Under expanded “two strikes and you’re out” laws, taxi and rideshare drivers who are prosecuted twice within a 10-year period for eligible offences — including refusing passengers travelling with assistance animals — can lose their accreditation and be removed from the industry. ([Wyndham TV][1])

This is not about punishing good drivers — the vast majority do the right thing every day. This is about ensuring access rights actually mean something and creating consequences when discrimination occurs. ([Wyndham TV][1])

Assistance animals are not pets. They are highly trained working animals that support independence, safety and participation in everyday life.

Access is not optional. Inclusion is not optional. Accountability matters.

#AssistanceAnimals #Accessibility #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #TaxiReform

The announcement applies to taxis and rideshare services in Victoria and forms part of broader transport reforms being rolled out from July–August. ([Wyndham TV][1])

[1]: https://www.wyndhamtv.com.au/new-rules-for-taxi-and-rideshare/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "New Rules For Taxi And Rideshare"

When Ranger was allowed to pick any toy in the shop… he chose the biggest purple octopus he could find 🐙💜

And honestly? He seems to love this toy more than any toy I’ve bought him over the past 6 years.

So naturally… we layered in a little obedience training too. His reward? Being sent off to find and collect his octopus.

What a good boy 💜

Nothing is perfect. Everything is fun!

#TherapyDogLife #DogTraining #KelpieLife #PositiveReinforcement #TalkWithTails

🌊🐾 One day, you’ll thank yourself for not giving up.

For showing up on the hard days.
For taking the small steps when progress felt invisible.
For choosing to keep going.

And one day, you’ll look back and realise those little moments became something beautiful.

Watching Ranger and Gemma run free on the beach feels like a reminder that joy still exists alongside growth — and sometimes the best things come after simply holding on.

Keep going. Your future self is cheering you on. 🐾💙

#TherapyDogs
#KeepGoing
#OneDayAtATime
#BeachDays
#DogTherapy

Keep smiling..you can choose how to feel at any given situation!

#TalkWithTails #animalassistedtherapy

Over the past two terms, Talk with Tails Counselling and Support Services has had the privilege of delivering our Connected Kids program and Paws & Restore groups within this wonderful school community.

Connected Kids supported three groups of 8 students each term, focusing on building social skills including friendship, teamwork, empathy, problem solving, turn taking and calming strategies.

Paws & Restore supported two groups of 4 students each term and was tailored to meet the unique needs of the school and students.

Across both programs there was plenty of fun, games, movement, laughter and also opportunities to practise being still, waiting our turn and working together as a group.

Jodee and Ziva were joined by Sharon and Arte, with student on placement Jess supporting throughout Term 1.

It has been such a privilege to work alongside a school community that truly places student wellbeing at the heart of its values. Thank you for having us — we have loved being part of the journey.

#TalkWithTails #AnimalAssistedTherapy #StudentWellbeing #ConnectedKids #SchoolWellbeing

Sometime when you least expect it, a message graffitied on a lightpost near my parked car. I nearly parked two cars back—I didn’t see it when I parked, only when I returned to the car.

The message read: “I’m still learning to breathe.”

A reminder to breathe. But not only that, it’s okay to keep learning. There’s no perfect, no pressure. Just… space to be human in the middle of it all.

We don’t always work with children and young people.
Sometimes, our work takes us to those in later stages of life too ❤️

Who would have thought that Ranger, our fun-loving, energetic, bouncy Kelpie could become so still, so calm and simply be with someone whose world has become a little harder to understand.

There are moments when words don’t quite land anymore… but connection still does.

Dogs communicate in ways that go beyond conversation. A warm body beside you, gentle eye contact, soft fur under your fingers, a quiet presence that asks for nothing in return.

Spending time with dogs has been shown to support the release of feel-good chemicals in our bodies such as oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, while helping reduce stress hormones like cortisol. These moments can create feelings of comfort, calm, connection and safety.

When the world feels confusing, dogs don’t need explanations. They simply meet people where they are.

And sometimes… that quiet companionship says more than words ever could 🐾

#AnimalAssistedTherapy #TherapyDog #Elderlysupport #HumanAnimalConnection #ComfortWithoutWords

There’s something pretty special about seeing Ranger through the eyes of a student 🐾❤️

A simple drawing… but behind it is connection, trust, comfort, and the little moments that make such a big impact. Ranger has a way of making people feel seen — and moments like this remind us just how much love can be shared without saying a word.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork with us. Ranger definitely feels the love 🐶✨

#TalkWithTails #TherapyDog #StudentConnection #AnimalAssistedTherapy #RangerTheTherapyDog

Sometimes the little things in life are more than enough 🤍

There was something really special about this moment between Ziva and Sharon. Ziva quietly walked into Sharon’s space and simply leaned in. If you watch closely, you can see the shift — a little confusion at first… and then that gentle sigh of relief.

No words. No expectations. Just connection, comfort, and being present together.

I love these small moments because they remind us that sometimes support doesn’t need to be big or loud. Sometimes a quiet presence is enough.

#TherapyDogs
#AnimalAssistedTherapy
#ConnectionMatters
#TalkWithTails
#LittleMomentsBigImpact

I couldn't help myself and ended up making *two* birthday reels for Ranger! 🎉🐾

The first one shows him growing up, but this one shows something even more special... his beautiful heart.

Ranger has always been the gentlest soul. He cares so deeply for others and has so much love to give. Over the years, he has brightened the days of countless people, offering comfort, connection, and unconditional acceptance whenever it was needed most.

Watching him quietly lean into someone who is struggling, make someone smile with his tricks, or simply sit beside them when words aren't enough has been such a privilege.

Life has changed over the years. After losing Gemma, Ranger welcomed a new little sister, Ziva, into his world. Together they now continue sharing comfort, joy, and plenty of wagging tails with the people they meet.

Six years old today, and still changing lives one cuddle at a time.

Love you so much, Ranger. ❤️🐾

🎉 Happy 6th Birthday to Ranger 🎉

Born in 2020 during the middle of COVID, Ranger’s story started with me simply wanting a red and tan puppy. That decision meant organising transport all the way down from Queensland, where his parents were working cattle dogs on a farm.

Originally, the plan was sport. I had dreams of training and competing together… but between COVID and me working every weekend, life had other plans.

What I discovered instead was something even more special.

Ranger showed me his softer side.

When I began taking Gemma into the homeless shelter where I worked, Ranger started coming too (on different days)… and people absolutely adored him. He would gently curl up beside clients, provide grounding through his calm presence and heavy body pressure during moments of dissociation, offer quiet comfort when someone was hurting, and happily show off his tricks to bring smiles and connection.

People fell in love with his sweet face, beautiful nature, and his ability to make people feel safe and seen.

Not long after, Ranger became certified as a learner therapy dog through Lead the Way. From there we completed Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and more recently achieved our Dual Handler Certificate alongside Ziva.

Today Ranger continues doing what he does best — welcoming people unconditionally, offering comfort, making people laugh with his tricks, and reminding people that sometimes healing comes with four paws.

Outside of work, Ranger’s favourite things include swimming, back scratches, chasing balls and eating every yummy treat available.

Happy Birthday, Ranger. Thank you for six incredible years 🐾❤️

#HappyBirthdayRanger #TherapyDog #CanineAssistedTherapy #DogWithAPurpose #TalkWithTails

A little reminder today… 💛

Your best doesn’t have to look perfect.
Some days your best is showing up with energy and confidence. Other days your best is simply getting through the moment, taking a breath, or accepting support.

This moment reminded me of that. Ranger quietly resting his head in a child’s lap — no expectations, no pressure, no need to perform. Just connection, comfort and being present.

Sometimes that’s enough. More than enough.

Be gentle with yourself. Your best is allowed to look different every day 🐾

#TherapyDogs #DogAssistedTherapy #ChildrensWellbeing #YouAreEnough #TalkWithTails

This week, Ranger and Ziva had the privilege of visiting a Melbourne youth shelter 🐾❤️

Take a moment and imagine being a young person carrying stress, uncertainty, loneliness or simply having a hard day… and then two dogs walk in and choose to connect with you.

Not because they know your story.
Not because they expect anything in return.
Just because they want to.

Watching the young people interact with Ranger and Ziva was incredibly powerful.

As Ranger proudly performed “Orbit” and Ziva gently showed off “Say Your Prayers,” what stood out wasn’t just the tricks — it was the focus, the laughter, the engagement and the moments of genuine connection that followed.

Dogs have a way of reaching people where words sometimes can’t.

For young people, these moments can build trust, increase confidence, create emotional safety, support regulation, encourage social connection and remind them that they are worthy of attention, kindness and joy.

Sometimes therapy dogs aren’t changing the whole world in one visit.

But for one young person, in one moment… they might change how that day feels. And sometimes that matters more than we realise.

#TherapyDogs
#AnimalAssistedTherapy
#YouthWellbeing
#ConnectionMatters
#TalkWithTails

What a successful day of Connected Kids with our three different age groups — Prep–2, Years 3–4 and Years 5–6.

Each session was thoughtfully adapted to meet the developmental needs of the group. For our younger students, the focus was on practising turn taking, patience and celebrating each other’s efforts. For our older groups, we explored teamwork, communication and working together to achieve shared goals.

It was incredible to watch students build strengths through these experiences — growing confidence, problem solving skills, emotional regulation, leadership, kindness and connection. Students encouraged one another, listened to different ideas, supported peers and discovered that everyone has something valuable to contribute to the team.

My highlight of the day was hearing the students give positive feedback to each other:
✨ “I love how kind you were.”
✨ “I noticed you gave up your spot for someone else.”
✨ “I liked how you listened to your team.”
✨ “Thank you for helping me.”

Moments like these remind me that connection, empathy and encouragement can have such a powerful impact. So proud of every student today ❤️🐾

Creating, dreaming, and making a difference — with my two favourite sidekicks by my side. 🐾💗 #TherapyDogs #Gratitude #DogLife”

ChatGPT Caricature Prompt.

🍂🐾 Leaf piles + therapy dogs = pure joy! 🐾🍂

Our amazing client created the perfect surprise for Ranger and Ziva — a huge pile of leaves just waiting for some serious doggy fun!

There were zoomies, happy faces, wagging tails and so much laughter as they jumped, played, and enjoyed every moment. Sometimes the simplest activities create the biggest smiles. ❤️

Moments like these remind us that therapy isn’t always about words — sometimes it’s about connection, play, joy, and making memories together. 🐶✨

#TalkWithTails #CanineAssistedTherapy #TherapyDogs #RangerAndZiva #DogTherapy JoyInTheLittleThings

Sometimes life calls for a reset. Sometimes it calls for a fresh start. 🌱

It's okay to pause, reflect, change direction, and begin again as many times as you need. Every restart is a chance to learn, grow, and keep moving toward what matters most.

Reset. Restart. Refocus. But never give up on yourself and the possibilities that lie ahead. 💛

#Motivation #GrowthMindset #KeepGoing #NewBeginnings #MentalWellbeing

Happiness is found in the everyday moments we choose to appreciate. ✨

A quiet cuddle. A warm cup of tea. A gentle smile. A moment of calm in a busy day.

Sometimes the little things are actually the big things. 💛

#HappinessInTheLittleThings #EverydayJoy #Gratitude #MindfulMoments #ChooseJoy SimplePleasures

Life becomes lighter when we choose to see the magic in the small things. ✨🐾

A wagging tail, a gentle breeze, paws on a walking track, and time spent with those who make us smile. Sometimes the most beautiful moments aren't the big ones—they're the little moments we slow down enough to notice.

#TalkWithTails
#TherapyDogs
#FindTheMagic
#MindfulMoments
#LifeWithDogs

Sometimes we all need a gentle reminder. 💛

Keep going.
Believe.
Stay strong.
Choose peace.
Be brave.
Try again.
Trust yourself.
Forgive yourself.
Let it heal.

Growth doesn't happen all at once. It happens one small step, one choice, and one moment at a time.

#TalkWithTails
#MentalWellbeing
#KeepGoing
#ChoosePeace
#GrowthJourney

🐾 Sometimes the funniest moments are the ones the dogs don't even realise they've created! 😂

We slowed this moment down because it deserved a second look.

Ziva was busy concentrating on getting the treats out of her snuffle ball when she gave it a determined shake... and sent the entire ball flying into the crowd! 🤣

The best part? Ziva had absolutely no idea what had happened. While the room erupted in laughter, she simply carried on with her mission of finding treats as if nothing unusual had occurred.

The kids thought it was hilarious and couldn't stop laughing. Watching their joy and hearing that genuine laughter fill the room was one of those moments that reminds me why I love what I do.

Meanwhile, Ziva remained focused on the important business of snacks. 🐾💛

#TherapyDogs
#ZivaTheTherapyDog
#AnimalAssistedTherapy
#DogAntics
#MomentsThatMatter

Here at Talk with Tails. We are taking a short break to recharge our batteries! We will be back on board on Wednesday 10th June.
Ranger, Ziva and I hope you all get a break over the Kings Birthday weekend too.

#KindnessMatters #takingabreak #restmatters #recharge ##therapydogsofinstagram

Hot Chocolate Breathing

☕ Cup It: Hold your hands out as if you're wrapping them around a warm, cozy mug of hot chocolate.

🫧 Plop! Imagine dropping a fluffy marshmallow into your warm mug of hot chocolate.

👃 Smell It: Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose for 3–5 seconds, pretending to smell the rich chocolatey goodness. Sometimes, if you imagine it really well, you might even think you can actually smell the hot chocolate!

💨 Cool It: Gently purse your lips and slowly blow out through your mouth, as if you're cooling down your hot chocolate.

😋 Sip It: Repeat this process 3–4 times. For a fun finish, pretend to take a sip and say a long, happy "Mmmmmmm..."

🤭 Burp! Let out a tiny pretend burp and giggle. Your hot chocolate is all finished!

✨ Why it works: Hot Chocolate Breathing helps slow our breathing, relax our bodies, and calm busy thoughts. When we imagine things vividly, our brains can respond as if they are real. That's why some people feel like they can actually smell the hot chocolate! Using our imagination in this way helps our brain focus, feel safe, and switch on our calming system.

💛 Small steps are better than no steps at all.

Progress doesn't have to be fast, perfect, or impressive. Every step forward, no matter how small, is still moving you in the right direction.

Keep going. One step at a time. 🌱

#SmallSteps
#KeepGoing
#ProgressNotPerfection
#GrowthMindset
#MentalWellbeing

💛 Surround yourself with people who cheer for your successes, encourage you through your challenges, and remind you of your strengths when you forget them.

The right people won't pull you down. They'll help you grow, inspire you to keep going, and celebrate every step of your journey.

Choose people who bring out the best in you—and be that person for others too. ✨

#PositiveConnections
#SupportivePeople
#GrowthMindset
#ChooseWisely
#MentalWellbeing

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