Lead The Way

24/04/2026

Lest we forget.

24/04/2026

A PTSD Assistance Dog isn’t just a companion, they’re trained to notice the things others can’t.

They can recognise early signs of anxiety, create space in overwhelming environments, interrupt distressing patterns, and help their handler feel grounded and safe again.

For many veterans and first responders living with PTSD, these dogs bring more than support, they bring independence, confidence, and a way to reconnect with everyday life.

It’s quiet, powerful work… and it changes lives 🐾

23/04/2026

For many families, the presence of an assistance dog doesn’t just support one person, it helps restore connection, ease the day-to-day, and bring people back to each other.

This research is a reminder of just how meaningful this work can be 🤍

New research highlights the powerful impact of PTSI assistance dogs — not just for veterans and first responders, but for their families too.

A 2026 study exploring partners’ perspectives found that assistance dogs can help restore connection, improve daily functioning, and enhance quality of life — with one partner sharing, “I have my partner back.” These findings also recognise the complexities and responsibilities that come with integrating an assistance dog into family life.

This is an important reminder that animal-assisted services can create meaningful change not only for individuals, but across entire support networks.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2024-0084

21/04/2026

A big congratulations to our latest Learner Teams! 🐾✨

We know how much time, commitment and heart goes into reaching this milestone, and we’re so proud of how far you’ve come.

These teams are now heading into their workplaces for ongoing socialisation and preparation for Level 2, an exciting next step in their journey.

Keep up the wonderful work, we can’t wait to see what comes next!

17/04/2026

Your dog is always communicating… but are you listening? What do your dog's 'quiet no's' look like? 🐾

16/04/2026

Our Therapy Dog group training classes are on again tonight at our centre in Ferntree Gully.

6.30pm Introductory and Puppy Class:
These classes provide a great opportunity to learn more about our training and decide if this pathway is a good fit for you and your dog.

Also perfect for puppies and those that are just getting started in their training journey.

7.30pm Preparation Class:
This class is great for those that are consolidating Level 1 skills and working towards Level 2.

If you would like more information or to enrol in a class please send us a message, email or give us a call on (03) 9761 0973

15/04/2026

Upcoming course dates! Enrolments now open:

Monday 20th April- Level 1, Day 4 (Learner assessment)
Tuesday 21st April- Level 2, Day 1 (Online)
Monday 27th April- Level 1, Day 2 (Online)
Monday 4th May- Level 2, Day 2
Wednesday 6th may- Certification Assessment

We'd love to see you and your dog in an upcoming course. Secure your spot and keep your training journey moving forward.

Not sure what is next for you? Send us a message or an email and we'll help you figure it out 😉

14/04/2026

Are you thinking about working with your dog in disability support? 🐾

These settings can look simple from the outside. But underneath, there’s so much happening.

For many individuals, time with a Therapy Dog can support:

✨ Emotional regulation — helping to ease anxiety or overwhelm
✨ Sensory grounding — through touch, rhythm and calm presence
✨ Confidence and independence — creating opportunities for engagement, choice and connection

Working in these settings is not just about having a friendly, social dog. Its about:

• Having a dog who is comfortable with mobility aids, close contact and varied environments
• Reading subtle body language, from both your dog and the person you’re supporting
• Adapting each interaction in the moment
• Prioritising safety, consent and ethical practice
• Always keeping your dog’s welfare at the centre

If this is a pathway you’re considering, it’s important to understand that this work asks a lot of both you and your dog.

Having the right skills and knowledge means you can show up with confidence and provide support that is safe, meaningful and truly beneficial for the people you work with.

If you'd like to learn more about how we can support you and your dog to reach your goals, check out our Level 1 and Level 2 courses. These courses are designed to guide you from foundations right through to real world experience*

👉 https://leadthewayinstitute.com.au/services/certification-levels-therapy-school-visiting-dogs/

*Therapy Dog and Handler Certification courses with Lead The Way do not provide qualifications in Disability support.

10/04/2026

Are you ready for Level 2? 🐾

If you and your dog have completed your Level 1 training, you might be starting to wonder…

What’s next?

Level 2 is where everything comes together.

It’s where teams move beyond learning the foundations and start stepping into their role as a Visiting Therapy Dog and Handler team.

✨ Learning how to facilitate safe, meaningful interactions
✨ Building confidence in real-world settings
✨ Understanding your dog’s preferences, strengths and limits
✨ And developing a deeply attuned working relationship — with welfare always at the centre

This is the stage where we focus on doing the work, safely and ethically.

💻 Upcoming Level 2.1 – Online
🗓 21st April

Delivered online, this first practicum makes Level 2 more accessible for teams who can’t easily travel, while still setting you up with the essential knowledge before your in-person training days.

Curious if you and your dog are ready?
👉 Send us a message and our Trainers will guide you.

https://leadthewayinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/foundational-visiting-dog-course-day-one-enrolment

09/04/2026

For some kids, social situations can feel like a lot…

Speaking up, joining in, or starting a conversation doesn’t always come easily.

This is where our Social Paws program begins — by creating a space where they feel safe enough to try.

Dogs offer a kind of presence that feels supportive. They don’t rush, interrupt, or expect the “right” words.

For many children, this lowers the pressure just enough to:
• feel more at ease
• begin to trust
• and slowly open up

From there, we can start to build the foundations of connection — with themselves, with others, and with the world around them.

This is at the heart of what we do in our Social Paws program.

A small group space where children can develop social and emotional skills in a way that feels safe, supported… and FUN! 🐾

✨ Term 2 groups are now open and places fill quickly. Send us a message for further info!

07/04/2026

Every term, our Therapy Dog teams spend time in schools working alongside small groups of students, often sitting together on the floor, connecting and learning in a calm, supported space.

But there’s more to it than what you see on the surface.

Our group wellbeing programs are thoughtfully designed and delivered by qualified mental health professionals, combining animal assisted therapy, experiential learning and meaningful interaction with Certified Therapy Dogs.

Within these sessions, students are supported to:
• Build emotional regulation and resilience
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Develop confidence and communication skills
• Strengthen peer connection and engagement

The presence of a therapy dog may help create a sense of safety and calm. Lowering stress responses, improving mood, and making it easier for students to participate and connect.

Our approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed and neuroaffirming… but it’s also engaging, hands-on and (most importantly) SO MUCH FUN!

We’re proud to offer targeted support for students who may benefit from additional wellbeing support in the school environment.

We are also listed on the School Mental Health Menu, meaning schools may be able to access funding to support these programs.

If you’re a school looking ahead to Term 2, we’d love to chat about how we can support your students 💙 🐶

👉 https://www.schools.vic.gov.au/therapy-wellbeing-dogs

02/04/2026

We're taking a little Easter break 🐰

We'll be closed over the long weekend and back Tuesday 7th April.