Join over 1500+ Educational Professionals, Therapists & Counsellors certified with PAWS Therapy Dogs
Discover How You Can Introduce a Therapy Dog
Into Your School or Practice today...
- Watch the 5-min video to learn more
- Complete the short application below to get started:
What's Included?
The PAWS Therapy Dog Certification is the most comprehensive and supportive programme that will
equip you and your dog with everything you need to know, and do, to deliver safe and effective animal-assisted therapy.
When you enrol, you'll access:
Four Comprehensive Modules
Access easy-to-follow and bitesized Video Lessons that will walk you through everything you need to know and do.
In-Person Dog Assessment
One of our expert trainers will visit your practice in-person to give you guidance, training recommendations and see your therapy dog 'at work' .
LIVE Supervision Sessions
Attend live Supervision Sessions with Nici and fellow PAWS Therapy Dog Practitioners, to seek support and ask questions.
Client Tools & Templates
Access the comprehensive kit of tools, templates, policies and training journals to support you and your dog along the journey.
Access via Mobile App
Take your learning to the next level by accessing video lessons and downloads on-the-go with our easy App for Apple and Android.
Private Community Group
Share your discoveries, your wins and get support and inspiration from fellow Practitioners who are making a difference.
Ongoing Expert Support
You're never alone when you're part of PAWS. The expert team are on-hand to help, just reach out!
Welcome Pack
Kickstart your PAWS Therapy Dog journey with the jam-packed welcome pack when you enrol.
Specifically Designed For:
Therapists & Counsellors
Clinical or Counselling Psychologists
Psychotherapists & Psychiatrists
Schools & Educational Establishments
What's covered in the Programme?
Module One: Introduction to Therapy Dog Handling
In the first module, we cover an Introduction to Therapy Dogs and how it all works, including:
- Therapy Dogs VS. Assistance Dogs: The Difference
- Therapy Dog Standards & Assessments
- The Right Tools For The Job
- The Basics of Training Your Therapy Dog
- Dog Body Language & Emotion
Module Two: Advanced Therapy Dog Handling
In the second module we cover Advanced Therapy Dog Handling, including:
- Intermediate Therapy Dog Handling
- Advanced Therapy Dog Handling
- Advanced Dog Training Skills
- Trick Training
- Working With A Therapy Dog
Module Three: Dog Law & Legislation To Protect You
In the third module, we comprehensively cover the all-important legal requirements and considerations, including:
- Dog Law
- Working With Your Dog (including risk assessments)
- Equipment & Resources
- Important Legal Documents
- Crucial First Aid
Module Four: Intervention Techniques & Strategies
In the fourth & final module we cover Intervention techniques, including:
- Implementing Intervention Techniques In Your Workplace
- Special Guest Talks on Trauma, Kids & Dogs and Cynophobia
- Practical Session Plans
- Resource Packs
Animal-Assisted Therapy is fast becoming the most popular option in across the UK...and for very good reason!
Extensive research studies have shown that Animal-Assisted Therapy can:
- Support children, young people and adults
- Promote higher participation and reduction in withdrawal behaviours
- Effectively reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve self-esteem and self-determination
- Stimulate memory and problem solving
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase engagements and positive outcomes in rehabilitation
- Increase verbal and non-verbal communication
- Foster positive emotions and mood
- Help clients to express their feelings
- Help to develop social skills
- Boost quality of life
And ultimately, improve the outcome of the therapy.
What Practitioners Say About PAWS...
"I am really enjoying the PAWS therapy training. It is in bitesize chunks so even the busiest of people can enrol without having to factor in huge study time slots! I love the bond that I have with my dog and the PAWS training is now increasing and enriching our lives together and will allow us to work together within the therapeutic field."
- Rachel Swanton
"I love the PAWS modules they are easy to watch! The group is fab for ongoing support and encouragement and the supervision group was an extra bonus that I find very useful and it keeps me on track. I recommend this course to anyone!"
- Nicola Hughes
"I was drawn to [Nici's] way of doing things properly, thoroughly, her commitment to checking in with her clients and their dogs and her overall support, qualities that I hadn't seen in other trainings. I am early in her training and my relationship with my dog has strengthened and I am sure Nici will be there to support."
- Jane Jiggs
Meet Nici...
People and Animal Wellbeing Services (better known as PAWS) is the culmination of a very personal journey that started over six years ago, when I had a dawning realisation that my daughter was really struggling.
Since then, I have completed numerous qualifications in Animal Assisted Therapy, Understanding Autism, Counselling, Mental Health First Aid and a Dog Training Certification which has led me to fulfil my life’s work to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage.
PAWS is more than a passion for me... It’s a mission, to bring the magic of Animal Assisted Therapy to those who can most benefit.
Nicola Maxwell,
Founder of PAWS
Meet The PAWS Team...
Sam
Carli
Rob
Leila
Laurie
Rosie
Jo
Caroline
How Do I Get Started?
- 1. Click 'APPLY NOW' and submit a short application.
Once you've submitted your details, you'll get the opportunity to fast-track your application by scheduling a call.
- 2. Our friendly PAWS Team will be in touch to chat through your application.
They'll tell you on the phone if you're eligible for funding and be able to enrol you straight away.
- 3. Enrol on the Certification Program and get started on your Therapy Dog journey today!
You'll get Instant Access to the online learning platform, our Practitioner Community, and support calls with Nici.
About PAWS
PAWS (People & Animal Wellbeing Services) is one of the UK's Leading authorities on
Animal Assisted Learning and Animal Assisted Interventions.
We proudly support hundreds of therapeutic professionals, educational establishments
and organisations to safely incorporate dogs to assist in providing essential wellbeing
and mental health support.
Honestly speaking, the results our clients achieve are far beyond anything we could have ever hoped or dreamed of - and we are delighted to share with you the power of the special work we do.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We've got A's for your Q's
How much does the programme cost?
The PAWS Therapy Dog Certification Programme is £1997. We have subsidised funding options available which reduce the investment to £997. You can select to apply for subsidised funding on initial application and our team will be able to let you know if you are eligible.
How do I know it's right for me?
If you love dogs and believe in the power of animal assisted therapy - and you work in an educational, clinical or therapeutic capacity - the programme is perfect for you.
Are there payment plans?
Yes! You can pay in full, or split your instalments into either two or four interest-free instalments. The payment plan options also apply to subsidised spaces. These are in high demand, so please note that subsidised spaces cannot be held or guaranteed.
Do I need a dog to get started?
You can get started on the programme without a dog, but you will need a dog to be able to complete the programme. Most applicants have a pet dog whom they believe would make a good Therapy Dog, although many of our applicants are also awaiting puppies.
Is there an enrolment date?
You can get started with the programme right away! You'll get instant access to the programme as soon as you enrol.
Does my location matter?
Due to the in-person assessment that takes place towards the end of the programme, you must currently be residing in the UK. Our Assessors travel nationwide.
How long does the programme take to complete?
We recommend that the programme takes around 4 months to complete, but there is no time limit or deadline. You can work through at your own pace and take your assessment when you are ready.
What does the programme consist of?
The programme contains four high-quality video-based modules, with supporting resources. The lessons are easy to work through and easy to binge watch - like Netflix, but with Therapy Dogs!
What will the programme enable me to do?
The programme will enable you to deliver safe and effective Animal Assisted Therapy & Animal Assisted Interventions in your workplace or business. You will be a PAWS Accredited Practitioner and your dog will be a PAWS Accredited Therapy Dog. You'll be be able to proudly display our digital badge, as well as order a PAWS Therapy Dog jacket for your dog to wear whilst they are working.
How am I assessed?
There are quiz assessments throughout the modules which must be submitted with a pass mark of 70%. Your final assessment will consist of an online theory assessment, an in-person assessment and a compliance check. There are no written essays in the Therapy Dog Certification Programme.
When is the in-person assessment?
The in-person assessment can be booked at any time to suit you when you've reached Module Three. It lasts around 2 hours. The assessment is a great opportunity for feedback and improvement. We're about progress, not perfection!
What if I need help or support?
The PAWS team are here to help on team@paws-therapydogs.com. You'll never be on your own during the programme - support is available via our online community group and with weekly live Supervision Clinics.
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