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Become a certified Therapy Dog Team using the H.E.A.R.T method
The H.E.a.r.t method™
Therapy Dogs NSW: The H.E.A.R.T Method™ Explained
Our unique, evidence-based approach to therapy dog team training:
H – Human–Animal Connection
Building trust, attunement, and partnership.
E – Emotional Regulation & Calm Handling
Teaching handlers grounding, pacing, and calm communication.
A – Animal-Centred Learning
Positive reinforcement, choice-based training, and welfare-first.
R – Relationship-Based Communication
Reading body language, responding ethically, fostering safety.
T – Trauma-Informed Teamwork
Understanding boundaries, consent, and safe therapeutic interactions.
This becomes your professional identity as a therapy dog team.
Our courses adhere to the Code of Conduct and Ethics established by Animal Therapies Limited Australia, as well as its Standards of Practice.
Is Your Dog suitable?
Is Your Dog Suitable FOr THerapy Dog Work?
Your dog may be a great fit if they are:
- Calm, gentle, and social
- Comfortable with new people
- Able to relax in unfamiliar places
- Approachable and happy to be touched
- Non-reactive to other dogs
- Eager to work with you
Unsure?
Take our free Therapy Dog Team Suitability Quiz for instant results.
Step 1 – Suitability Screening
Take our free quiz or book a quick call.
Step 2 – Choose Your Course
Blended or face-to-face, we offer hands-on skills, structured learning, and expert guidance.
Step 3 – Guided Practice
You apply your training with support and feedback.
Step 4 – Assessment
Conducted by a qualified assessor.
Step 5 – Certification & Support
Receive ongoing support & guidance for integrating your dog into professional practice.
Our Pathways
Pathway 1 - Professional Certification (Online Study + Face-to-Face Certification)
Pathway 1 - Professional Certification (Online Study + Face-to-Face Certification)
Pathway 1 - Professional Certification (Online Study + Face-to-Face Certification)
This pathway is designed for those seeking a structured, assessed learning experience aligned with the H.E.A.R.T Method™.
This program is offered as a flexible, pay-as-you-go pathway, allowing you to progress toward certification at a pace (and cost) that suits you and your dog.
Includes:
- Full access to all 6 program modules
- theory and instructions for in-home practice
- Learning activities
- Access to the trainer for questions and instruction
- Assessment and competency review
- Certification aligned with the H.E.A.R.T Method™
Focus Areas:
- Emotional safety and nervous system awareness
- Welfare-centred decision making
- Relationship-based communication
- Reflective capacity and professional responsibility
Suitable for:
- Practitioners seeking to formalise their work
- Therapy dog teams working in professional settings
- Those committed to ongoing ethical practice.
Total Investment:
6 modules = $1300+ GST
2-day Face-to-Face Certification Weekend (paid at time of certification) = $699.00 +GST)
Pathway 2 - In-person Intensive School (4 Days)
Pathway 1 - Professional Certification (Online Study + Face-to-Face Certification)
Pathway 1 - Professional Certification (Online Study + Face-to-Face Certification)
This pathway is designed for those seeking a structured, assessed learning experience aligned with the H.E.A.R.T Method™.
This program is designed for you to be face-to-face and involved in a team environment with other teams, as well as one-on-one time with the head trainer.
Includes:
- Google Meet Dog Body Language Introduction Workshop ( 2 weeks before the course)
- Theory work and practical experience
- Assessment and competency review
- Hands-on dog training and advice
- Certification aligned with the H.E.A.R.T Method™
Focus Areas:
- Emotional safety and nervous system awareness
- Welfare-centred decision making
- Relationship-based communication
- Reflective capacity and professional responsibility
Suitable for:
- Practitioners seeking to formalise their work
- Therapy dog teams working in professional settings
- Those committed to ongoing ethical practice.
Total Investment:
$250.00 non refundable desposit
$1999.00 + GST
REcertification
THERAPY DOG RETREAT
THERAPY DOG RETREAT
Cost: $190.00 + GST
Re-certification is designed to ensure that you and your dog continue to grow together as a team.
Re-certification is available face to face or via zoom for current Therapy Dogs NSW certified teams.
THERAPY DOG RETREAT
THERAPY DOG RETREAT
THERAPY DOG RETREAT
Tamworth Based Training
Cost: $990.00 + GST
Castle Hill-based Training
Cost: $1190.00 + GST
Over two days we will provide fun bonding activities for you and your dog, opportunities to develop new dog training skills as well as professional development in the form of fishbowl workshopping of case studies and developing networks for peer support.
