​Talk With Tails – Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs for Schools and supporting wellbeing. 

What is Canine Assisted Therapy in schools? Canine Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach where certified therapy dogs work alongside a qualified counsellor to support students’ emotional wellbeing, social skills, confidence, and engagement in learning. At Talk With Tails, therapy dogs are integrated into structured school wellbeing programs designed to help students feel calm, safe, and supported.

Canine Assisted Therapy can support students by: Reducing stress and anxiety in the school environment Supporting emotional regulation and self-soothing Improving confidence, self-esteem, and engagement Encouraging positive social interaction and connection Helping students feel emotionally safe and supported This makes it particularly effective for school wellbeing programs, emotional regulation groups, and wellbeing days. ​

Talk With Tails offers three evidence-informed Canine Assisted Therapy programs for schools, designed to support student wellbeing, emotional regulation, and connection: Paws & Restore – A calming, restorative program that supports students experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. This program focuses on nervous system regulation, safety, and emotional recovery. Connected Kids – A relational program that supports social skills, emotional literacy, empathy, and peer connection. It is ideal for students who experience friendship challenges or social anxiety. Calm Kids – An emotional regulation program that helps students recognise emotions, manage big feelings, and develop practical coping and self-soothing strategies. All programs are delivered by a qualified counsellor alongside certified therapy dogs and can be offered as small group programs, individual support, or as part of school Wellbeing Days. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of each school community. ​

Paws & Restore is a Canine Assisted Therapy program designed to support students experiencing emotional overwhelm, stress, anxiety, or burnout. The program focuses on helping students slow down, regulate their nervous system, and restore a sense of calm and safety through therapeutic activities supported by certified therapy dogs.

Paws & Restore is particularly beneficial for students who: Experience high anxiety or stress Struggle with emotional regulation or shutdown Feel overwhelmed by school or social pressures Need a calm, nurturing space to reset and recharge This program is well suited for both primary and secondary school students.

Paws & Restore uses: Canine Assisted Therapy to promote calm and safety Mindfulness-based activities Emotion Cards to support emotional awareness Gentle therapeutic conversation guided by a qualified counsellor The therapy dog plays a key role in helping students feel grounded and emotionally regulated.

Connected Kids is a Canine Assisted Therapy program focused on building social connection, emotional literacy, and healthy relationships. It supports students to understand their emotions, develop empathy, and strengthen peer relationships in a safe and engaging group setting.

Connected Kids is ideal for students who: Struggle with peer relationships or social skills Experience friendship challenges or social anxiety Find it difficult to express emotions Benefit from learning social and emotional skills in a group environment This program is commonly delivered in small therapeutic groups within schools.

Therapy dogs help create: A relaxed, welcoming group environment Opportunities for shared positive experiences Increased emotional safety and engagement Natural opportunities to practice empathy, boundaries, and communication Dogs act as a bridge for connection, helping students engage more openly with peers and facilitators.

Calm Kids is a Canine Assisted Therapy program that supports students to develop emotional regulation, coping strategies, and self-soothing skills. The program helps students recognise emotional triggers and learn practical tools to manage big feelings.

Calm Kids is suitable for students who: Experience frequent emotional dysregulation Have difficulty managing anger, frustration, or anxiety Become easily overwhelmed in classroom settings Need support building coping and calming strategies It is particularly helpful for students who benefit from sensory-supportive approaches.

Students learn: How to identify emotions using Emotion Cards Body-based calming strategies Breathing and grounding techniques Self-awareness and self-regulation skills Confidence in managing emotional challenges Therapy dogs support these skills by modelling calm behaviour and providing emotional comfort.

Yes. All three programs are flexible, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed. Activities are adapted to meet the sensory, emotional, and communication needs of each student group. ​

Program length is flexible and may include: One-off workshops Weekly group sessions across a term Intensive short-term interventions The structure is tailored in consultation with each school.

Talk With Tails works closely with schools to: Assess student wellbeing needs Recommend the most appropriate program Tailor delivery to the school’s context and goals

Yes. All therapy dogs working with Talk With Tails are certified therapy dog–handler teams, trained and assessed to work safely and calmly in school environments. Student safety, dog welfare, and risk management are always prioritised

Talk With Tails works closely with schools to ensure: Student participation is always voluntary Alternative activities are available Clear planning around allergies, fears, or cultural considerations Student wellbeing and comfort always come first.

All sessions are delivered by Jodee Vella, a qualified counsellor, alongside certified therapy dogs. This ensures programs are therapeutically informed, ethical, and developmentally appropriate.

Schools can contact Talk With Tails to: Discuss student wellbeing needs Design a tailored wellbeing program or Wellbeing Day Confirm availability, pricing, and logistics ​