Specialist Therapy Dog & School Dog Training
Practical, ethical and experience-led training for people who want to work safely and confidently with dogs in schools and therapeutic settings.
Our in-person Hope’s Therapy Dogs assessed training course is now available, alongside our dedicated School Dogs training course for schools introducing or developing a dog-assisted wellbeing provision.
Our online course is currently being updated and will be available soon.
At Hope’s Therapy Dogs, we know that working with dogs around children is a privilege, not a shortcut. A calm, friendly dog may be a wonderful starting point, but safe and effective dog-assisted support requires much more than a lovely temperament.
It requires knowledge, planning, safeguarding awareness, canine behaviour understanding, ethical practice, risk assessment, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of both children and dogs.
This training has been developed from years of real-world experience delivering animal assisted interventions across schools, healthcare settings and community environments.
It brings together our understanding of emotional wellbeing, child-centred practice, safeguarding, canine behaviour, dog welfare and the practical realities of working in busy school environments.
Whether you are hoping to become a therapy dog team, introduce a school dog, or strengthen an existing provision, our training is designed to help you move forward with confidence, clarity and care.
Next Face to Face Course Date to be announced soon
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Next Face to Face Course Date to be announced soon 〰️
Why train with Hope’s Therapy Dogs?
Hope’s Therapy Dogs is not a generic dog training provider.
We are a multi award-winning, ethically led therapy dog organisation with extensive hands-on experience working with children, young people and adults in schools, healthcare settings and community environments.
Our work is built on the belief that both children and dogs deserve to feel safe, understood and respected.
Our training brings together three essential areas of knowledge:
Animal Assisted Intervention experience
We understand what it means to deliver purposeful, structured and emotionally safe dog-assisted support. Our training is informed by direct experience working with schools and professionals, not theory alone.
Canine behaviour and welfare
We understand that the dog’s wellbeing must never be an afterthought. Handlers need to recognise stress, understand body language, manage environments carefully and protect their dog from being placed under unnecessary pressure.
School-based safeguarding and practical delivery
We understand the reality of school life: busy corridors, unpredictable environments, vulnerable pupils, staff confidence, parent questions, hygiene, risk assessments, policies, boundaries and the need for clear communication.
This is training for people who want to do it properly.
Not just because having a dog in school sounds lovely.
But because children deserve safe support, and dogs deserve ethical handling.
“The course was very informative and excellently presented. All questions were answered with helpful, relevant answers. 10/10 recommend”
“Thank you for a very engaging and informative course, great atmosphere, lovely trainers and their gorgeous therapy dogs. 10/10 recommend”
What you’ll get
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You’ll be joining a rich, practical and supportive training experience, delivered in a small-group setting where there is time to ask questions, reflect, learn and grow.
Whether you are attending our Hope’s Therapy Dogs Assessed Training Course or our School Dogs Training Course, you will be guided through the key knowledge needed to work safely, ethically and confidently with dogs in schools and therapeutic environments.
You’ll learn from the real-world experience of Hope’s Therapy Dogs, gaining insight into animal assisted intervention, canine behaviour, dog welfare, safeguarding, risk awareness and the practical realities of working with children, young people and vulnerable individuals.
This is more than a course about having a dog in school or taking a dog into a setting. It is about understanding the responsibility, privilege and impact of this work, so that both people and dogs are protected, respected and able to thrive.
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Your training includes:
Small-group, in-person learning
A safe and supportive environment
Specialist knowledge from an experienced therapy dog organisation
Practical guidance for real school and therapeutic settings
Understanding of canine behaviour, body language and stress signals
Guidance around safeguarding, boundaries and risk awareness
A strong focus on dog welfare and ethical practice
Time for discussion, questions and reflection
Clear next steps for developing your dog-assisted work with confidence
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Experience specialist support throughout your training with guidance from Ali Colley, Founder and Director of Hope’s Therapy Dogs, Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist, qualified dog trainer, and experienced practitioner in school-based animal assisted intervention.
You will be learning from the depth of knowledge, hands-on experience and ethical practice developed through years of working with therapy dogs in schools, healthcare settings and community environments.
This training is designed to give you far more than information. It gives you the insight, confidence and practical understanding needed to approach animal assisted intervention with care, professionalism and purpose.
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Optional Practical Assessment
You can choose to add a practical assessment to your training, carried out by Ali Colley, Founder and Director of Hope’s Therapy Dogs, Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist and qualified dog trainer.
This assessment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate how you and your dog work together in a safe, appropriate and ethical way. It looks at the dog’s temperament, behaviour, confidence, stress signals and suitability, as well as the handler’s awareness, control, decision-making and understanding of the responsibilities involved.
Upon successful completion, you and your dog will be recognised as a Hope’s Therapy Dogs Accredited Therapy Dog Team.
The practical assessment is available as an optional add-on for those completing our Hope’s Therapy Dogs Assessed Training Course. It may also be suitable for some School Dogs Training participants who wish to have their dog assessed for suitability within their own setting.
What Will you Learn on the Animal Assisted Intervention in Schools Course:
Module 1
Introduction to Animal Assisted Intervention
Explore the foundational principles and historical development of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) Gain insights into its evolution from early roots to modern-day practices, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals in therapeutic contexts. Discover the multifaceted benefits of AAI across diverse settings, including mental health, emotional wellbeing, and physical rehabilitation, through case studies and research findings. Learn to distinguish AAI from other animal-related interventions and understand its unique goals, methodologies, and ethical considerations. Gain clarity on how AAI can be applied in various settings ensuring interventions align with intended therapeutic objectives.
Module 2
The Role of the Handler in AAI
This module provides comprehensive training on the roles and responsibilities of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) handlers, covering ethical considerations, legal requirements, and professional conduct. Participants will learn to maintain a client-centred approach, respect confidentiality, and ensure the welfare of both therapy animals and clients. Emphasis is placed on effective communication skills, including clear and empathetic communication with clients, colleagues, and professionals, as well as observing and interpreting non-verbal cues. Additionally, participants will explore principles of animal behaviour to foster strong bonds and mutual respect between handlers and therapy animals.
Module 3
Canine Behaviour and Communication
This module offers handlers a comprehensive understanding of canine body language and behaviour cues, crucial for effective communication with therapy animals and ensuring client comfort. Participants will learn to recognise and interpret signals of stress and discomfort in therapy animals, gaining strategies to minimise stressors and create supportive environments. Additionally, handlers will explore the principles of positive reinforcement in animal training, learning to use rewards and cues to reinforce desired behaviours and create engaging experiences for therapy animals.
Module 4
Animal Welfare and Wellbeing
This module delves into holistic care for therapy animals, covering nutrition, exercise, veterinary care, and mental wellbeing. Handlers will learn to create enriching environments and employ strategies for fostering positive, sensory-friendly spaces to mitigate stressors and support therapy animals effectively.
Module 5
Ethics and Boundaries in AAI
This module explores the ethical considerations in Animal-Assisted Intervention, covering principles, guidelines, and standards. Handlers will learn to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients, addressing challenges related to boundaries, dual relationships, and confidentiality. Emphasis is placed on prioritising the welfare and rights of both therapy animals and clients, empowering handlers to create a balanced and ethical AAI practice.
Module 6
Risk Assessment and Safety Protocols
Handlers will learn the process of conducting comprehensive risk assessments across intervention settings, identifying potential risks and ensuring safety for therapy animals and clients. Practical examples illustrate the importance of risk assessments. Safety protocols for various settings, such as schools, will be covered, including equipment safety and hygiene practices. Additionally, handlers will develop and implement emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and crisis intervention, to ensure the wellbeing of all involved parties during emergencies.
Module 7
Tailoring AAT Interventions to Specific Populations (Schools)
In this module, handlers will explore the intricacies of customising Animal Assisted Intervention techniques to address the distinct requirements of diverse populations. It encompasses age-specific considerations, investigating the adaptations necessary for working with children, adults, and individuals from various backgrounds. Topics include: customising AAI for educational and emotional support, collaborating with educators to enrich the learning environment and, ensuring a beneficial impact on students' wellbeing
Module 8
Documentation and Evaluation
In this module, handlers will grasp the importance of meticulous record-keeping in AAI, covering best practices for documenting client progress, therapy sessions, and observations. Participants will explore various record-keeping systems vital for transparency, accountability, and continuity in AAI.
Handlers will learn to assess and evaluate client progress effectively, equipped with tools for tracking outcomes, recognising positive changes, and addressing challenges. Emphasising collaboration, the module explores the benefits of interdisciplinary teamwork with teachers, psychologists, social workers, and healthcare providers.
Module 9
Business Aspects of AAT
This module offers handlers a comprehensive understanding of the legal and insurance aspects of AAI practice, covering legal frameworks, liability issues, and insurance requirements. This knowledge ensures ethical and lawful practice across therapeutic settings.
Handlers will explore strategies for marketing AAI services effectively and building professional networks, including branding, outreach, and developing referral networks. Participants will learn to tailor marketing efforts to diverse populations and collaborate with other professionals to expand their AAI practice.
Course Completion and Assessment
Upon completing either our two-day face-to-face training or our online course, participants will complete a written knowledge assessment based on the material covered during the training.
This assessment is designed to help consolidate your learning and demonstrate your understanding of the theoretical foundations of animal assisted intervention in schools and therapeutic settings.
On successful completion, you will receive a Hope’s Therapy Dogs certificate of completion, recognising your engagement with the training and your understanding of the key principles covered.
For those who wish to take the next step, an optional practical assessment is also available with Ali Colley, Founder and Director of Hope’s Therapy Dogs, Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist and qualified dog trainer.
This practical assessment looks at how you and your dog work together, including your dog’s suitability, temperament, behaviour, stress signals and confidence, as well as your handling, awareness, decision-making and understanding of safe and ethical practice.
Upon successful completion of the practical assessment, you and your dog will be recognised as a Hope’s Therapy Dogs Accredited Therapy Dog Team.
This pathway is designed for those who want to move beyond theory and demonstrate that they are ready to work safely, ethically and responsibly with dogs in schools and therapeutic environments.
What Will you Learn on the Specialist School Dog Course:
This course is designed specifically for schools looking to introduce or improve a wellbeing dog provision as part of a whole-school approach to mental health and inclusion. Aimed at headteachers, senior leaders, SENCOs, pastoral staff, teaching assistants, and designated dog handlers, the School Dogs CPD course provides a thorough and accessible introduction to developing safe, ethical, and sustainable dog programs in educational settings.
The course draws on current research, UK legislation, and ethical dog treatment principles to guide participants in making evidence-based decisions. It is suitable for those working with dogs already in school or those at the beginning of their journey. No previous experience with dogs is required.
Focusing on the day-to-day reality of managing a school dog provision, this course explores how to embed dogs into the school environment in a way that supports emotional regulation, promotes positive relationships, and protects both child and animal wellbeing. It balances practical guidance with thoughtful reflection on inclusion, safeguarding, and whole-school culture.
Key Topics Covered:
The Role of School Dogs: Understand the therapeutic and relational value of dogs in education, including how they contribute to a nurturing school environment.
Ethical and Legal Foundations: Explore relevant UK laws, safeguarding responsibilities, and ethical considerations for animal welfare in school settings.
Welfare and Suitability of Dogs: Learn how to assess temperament, recognise signs of stress, and ensure that dogs are safe, happy, and supported in school.
Health, Safety and Risk: Gain tools to complete robust risk assessments, implement hygiene protocols, and manage potential challenges or incidents.
Designing a School Dog Provision: Plan and deliver a school dog program that aligns with your setting's values, needs, and priorities.
Supporting Staff and Handlers: Learn how to prepare and train staff for their roles, from daily handling to ongoing evaluation.
Whole School Integration: Embed your dog provision within an inclusive culture to maximise impact and sustainability.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop strategies to track the effectiveness of your school dog program and ensure continuous improvement.
Course Outcomes
By the end of the School Dogs course, participants will be equipped to:
Confidently plan and implement a safe, effective school dog provision.
Understand how to meet both legal obligations and ethical expectations.
Promote dog welfare and ensure a positive experience for all involved.
Create clear policies and protocols for safeguarding, hygiene, and risk.
Integrate the dog into a whole-school approach to wellbeing and inclusion.
Build a confident team of staff to support the successful use of a school dog.
Next Course Date will be Announced Soon
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Next Course Date will be Announced Soon *
Training Investment
Our specialist in-person training is priced at £999 and offers a detailed, practical and experience-led learning journey for those who want to develop their understanding of animal assisted intervention.
This training has been created for people who want more than surface-level information. It is designed to help you build confidence, deepen your knowledge and understand the responsibility involved in working safely and ethically with dogs in schools and therapeutic settings.
For those wishing to take the next step, you can also add a practical assessment with Ali Colley for an additional £299.
The practical assessment gives you and your dog the opportunity to be assessed for suitability, safety and readiness. Upon successful completion, you will be recognised as a Hope’s Therapy Dogs Accredited Therapy Dog Team.
This is an opportunity to invest in high-quality training, grounded in real-world experience, ethical practice and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of both people and dogs.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Did you know? There's currently no registered qualification for an Animal Assisted Intervention Therapist. But fear not! Our course will equip you with everything you need to establish and thrive in your very own Animal Assisted Intervention Business. Please note that any CPD certificate issued should not be equated with a governmentally recognised qualification. Therefore, it should not be construed as certifying competence in performing specific roles, treatments, or activities, and may not satisfy requirements for liability insurance. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a CPD certificate for the theoretical component. Additionally, you have the option to supplement this with a Practical Assessment to obtain Hopes Therapy Dog Accreditation as a Therapy Dog Team
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The course equips you to implement safe and impactful Animal Assisted Interventions within school settings. Upon completion, you'll receive a CPD certificate, affirming your comprehensive grasp of the theory and methodology of Animal Assisted Intervention for Schools. Opting for the Practical Assessment add-on elevates you to become a certified Hope's Therapy Dog Accredited Therapy Dog Team.
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The course spans two full days from 9:00 to 18:00, totaling 14 CPD hours, which encompasses a written test. Both days need to be completed in full to receive certification. An optional Practical Assessment, extending for an additional 2 hours, is also available.
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The CPD Accredited 2-day training course is the unbeatable price of £999 only. Elevate your experience further by opting for the Practical Assessment, available for just an additional £299.
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You do not bring your dog to the 2 day course. You can attend the course without owning a dog, but having a dog is necessary to complete the practical assessment if you choose to include it. Applicants may already have a pet dog they believe would be suitable as a Therapy Dog, while others are eagerly awaiting puppies.
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No, the 2-day course primarily focuses on theory where you will gain extensive knowledge. However, you will need to bring your dog to the Practical Assessment if you choose to add it on.
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After completing the 2-day CPD Accredited Course successfully, you will coordinate a mutually convenient time with Ali Colley to schedule the assessment. During the course, you will receive a Training Guide outlining the criteria the Assessor will assess you and your dog against. Upon successful completion, you will attain Hope's Therapy Dog Accreditation as a Therapy Dog Team, which complements your CPD Animal Assisted Intervention for Schools Certificate.