Episode 336: Assessing a therapy dog for children

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we welcome back Sam King from Therapy Dogs Australia to update us on the world of therapy dogs and their vital work with children. Since we last spoke, Sam was facing challenges, including navigating advisors who have tried to influence how these dogs should be trained. Some of these suggestions, unfortunately, pushed back against proven and essential safe practices—raising serious concerns about the welfare of both the dogs and the children they serve. Sam walks us through what’s changed since her last visit on the show and shares detailed insights into what it takes to properly assess a dog for therapy work with children. From evaluating temperament and resilience to ensuring handlers follow rigorous safety protocols, Sam explains why the assessment process is so critical to ensure success and well-being on both ends of the leash. Whether you’re interested in therapy work, dog behaviour, or just want to hear how this incredible field is evolving, this episode offers a meaningful and expert-driven perspective. Further Details Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community. Glenn Cooke oversees a wide range of canine-related services at Canine Evolution and Pet Resorts Australia. Pat Stuart offers a full suite of coaching and dog training services through Serious dog business We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance. Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store. You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews. For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates. If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories. Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry. We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA. Support Our Supporters Narelle Cooke hosts her own podcast, Natural Health for People and Pets, available on all major podcast platforms. Be sure to listen in. For the finest human-grade supplements for your dogs, visit Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR Jason Firmin of Einzweck Dog Quip is another proud SHOW SPONSOR. The innovative motorcycle dog kennel can be found at Rowdy Hound. SHOW SPONSOR For daycare and heartfelt training services, check out From the Heart Dog Training. SHOW SPONSOR Our dear friend and frequent contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy, can be found at birdyosheedy.com. Special Thanks A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work: Jane Stuart Avery Keller Zoie Neidy