Animal-Assisted Therapy

It started out with showing children pictures of our pets. There’s something special about the way a child lights up when they meet a dog. In our play therapy office, those moments have become even more meaningful as we begin our journey into Animal-Assisted Therapy. Our new therapy dog-in-training, Winston, has already taught us so much about connection and attunement.

As play therapists, we understand that growth happens through relationship and experience. Adding a therapy animal invites both. Our young clients often notice Winston’s calm breathing or soft eye contact before we even mention regulation. Children mirror it. They soften. The dog becomes a living co-regulator, offering a safe and nonjudgmental presence that bridges connection in ways words sometimes can’t. As an adolescent pup in-training, Winston invites playfulness everyday. Winston offers playful invitations for children and adults; from belly scratches to a quick game of tug-of-war or his engaging head tilt.

But starting out in animal-assisted play therapy also means slowing down. We’re learning about the foundations of therapist-dog teamwork, ethical practice, and the importance of informed consent for families. There’s structure behind the sweetness—training sessions, scheduled breaks, liability considerations, and constant assessment of the Winston’s comfort and wellbeing. The most important lesson so far has been remembering that our therapy dog is a partner, not a prop. Respecting the Winston’s emotional and physical limits models empathy and boundaries for our clients, too.

If you’re considering this path, start small and stay curious. Observe other trained teams, explore the Animal Assisted Play Therapy® guidelines, and seek consultation from certified professionals. Integration doesn’t have to happen all at once; even introducing a dog-in-training to the environment gradually can offer gentle shifts in the therapeutic atmosphere.

We’re still early in our journey, and Winston is still learning basic cues and how to settle in session. Winston’s training is a reminder to children and families that mistakes and learning is all part of the process. We’ve witnessed moments of spontaneous joy and co-regulation that remind us why this work matters. Healing can begin with a wag of the tail, a soft gaze, or the quiet trust shared between child and animal. Sometimes, that’s where the story of safety begins.