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Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast

Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast

Written by: Samantha King
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About this listen

For anyone working or interested in animal-assisted services, particularly with therapy dogs, this is the podcast for you!

Samantha King is a Psychologist, accredited dog trainer and industry expert in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy with over 10 years of experience. Sam and co-host Max (Therapy Dogs Australia head of creativity) chat amongst themselves and to guests to highlight some of the challenges and golden moments experienced by those working in the industry.

We regularly have animal assisted therapists and professional dog trainers on to share their knowledge with us, and you.

Our goal is to provide a free resource for professional development and our input on the professional standards related to involving animals in therapy and educational settings.

Sam King 2022
Careers Economics Education Personal Success
Episodes
  • S4: E20 Critical Thinking with Pat Stuart
    Nov 4 2025

    S4:E20 Critical Thinking with Pat Stuart

    In this episode of the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, Sam sits down with the one and only Pat Stuart, a professional dog trainer, co-host of The Canine Paradigm podcast, and owner of Serious Dog Business.

    Pat shares his journey from the Army to professional dog training, reflecting on how critical thinking and behavioural science have shaped his philosophy. Together, Sam and Pat discuss the importance of understanding each dog as an individual, staying adaptable in your methods, and cutting through the noise of short-form training advice online.

    Plus, Pat also walks us through his online learning platform, Serious Dog Business, and has kindly offered our community a huge $500 off the course! Find the discount code and link in the description below and in our upcoming newsletters.

    This episode is an insightful chat for therapy dog handlers, dog trainers, and anyone else who's passionate about dog training. Let's get into it!

    Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too.

    PAT'S COURSE: https://a4rnm3xvf0.krtra.com/t/mcxyHlsIUGlF

    FOR $500 OFF USE CODE: TDAUS

    FOLLOW!

    Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!

    Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program

    Follow Us!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/

    #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices

    Music License: UV9NCM5DXCP76FQR

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 44 mins
  • S4:E19 Planning a Training Session for Your Dog
    Oct 22 2025

    S4:E19 Planning a Training Session for Your Dog

    In this episode of the Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast, we break down how to plan and structure an effective training session for your dog — no matter what stage of training you’re in.

    Sam shares practical advice on creating a consistent training plan, using marker words correctly, and focusing on control positions over flashy obedience. You’ll learn how to correctly use reinforcement tools, manage your dog to set them up for success, and integrate training seamlessly into your daily routine.

    We also touch on the benefits of keeping a training journal, reviewing filmed sessions, and maintaining a positive, enjoyable environment that helps both you and your dog succeed.

    Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!

    SUBSCRIBE!

    Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!

    Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program

    Follow Us!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/

    #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices

    Music License: US6ZJOY4A8RU6GZH

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • S4:E18 Insights From Assessing Teams with K9 Essence (Guest: Brianna Mackay)
    Sep 30 2025

    S4:E18 Insights From Assessing Teams with K9 Essence (Guest: Brianna Mackay)

    In this episode, Sam sits down with Brianna Mackay from K9 Essence, one of our locum dog trainers who conducts temperament assessments for Therapy Dogs Australia teams. Brianna shares valuable insights from her work with handlers and their dogs at different stages of their journey, whether just starting out, or freshly graduated.

    This episode includes tips on building strong handler-dog relationships, phasing out food rewards, and tailoring training to each dog’s needs.

    It’s an encouraging and informative listen for anyone preparing to work with their therapy dog.

    Please remember to subscribe, follow and like this podcast if you enjoy it, a good review will help us a lot too. Enjoy!

    Get In Touch With Brianna Mackay from K9 Essence: https://www.k9essence.com.au/

    Follow K9 Essence On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k9essence/

    SUBSCRIBE!

    Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help!

    Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program

    Follow Us!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/

    #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices

    Music License: US6ZJOY4A8RU6GZH

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
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