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Connected Kids – Social Skills Program

Building Communication, Empathy & Connection Through Animal Assisted Therapy

Connected Kids is an 8-week social skills program that helps children develop essential social and emotional skills in a fun, supportive, and engaging way. Using interactive activities with therapy dogs, students practice communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving in real-time social situations.

This program is particularly beneficial for children who find social interaction challenging, including students with autism, ADHD, social anxiety, or friendship difficulties.

Program Overview

  • Group size: Up to 8 students

  • Session length: 50–60 minutes

  • Duration: 8 weeks

  • Student cohort: Same students attend weekly

  • Location: Delivered onsite at your school

 

Skills Developed

Students are supported to develop:

  • Communication and listening skills

  • Turn-taking and cooperation

  • Empathy and emotional awareness

  • Friendship and peer connection skills

  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution​​​​

Why Therapy Dogs Work for Social Skills

  • Encourage positive peer interaction

  • Reduce social anxiety and pressure

  • Support inclusive participation

  • Increase confidence and engagement

  • Provide immediate feedback through interaction

Ideal For

  • Children struggling with peer relationships

  • Neurodivergent students

  • Students with social anxiety or low confidence

  • Small group social skills intervention

Program Outcomes

Schools often report:

  • Improved peer relationships

  • Increased classroom confidence

  • Greater emotional awareness

  • Reduced social withdrawal

Book the Connected Kids Program

Help students build meaningful connections and confidence.
Contact Talk With Tails to discuss availability and bookings.

"Therapy dogs act as social bridges — reducing pressure, increasing motivation, and helping students engage more naturally with peers".

Connect

Evidence-informed therapy dog programs supporting children's wellbeing across Melbourne schools.

Get in touch with Talk With Tails to book a therapy dog school program or individual counselling session in Melbourne. We'd love to hear from you.

 

 

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