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DAY CAMP
Not your typical dog training class but should you be up for an enjoyable time with your dog this one day program may include street walks, picnics, beach swims primarily in NSW, Australia. (If you are interested yet outside this area let us know and we may be able to put you in touch with people closer to you).

Want to provide something fresh for your clients?

PictureResearch in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy. Are you interested? Contact us.
You know what you need out of an intervention. We know how to integrate a canine or 'dog' theme into the situation safely, effectively and efficiently.

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Research in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy. Are you interested? Contact us.
Competent K9 designs and facilitates Animal Assisted Activity Programs as well as offering a range of fun, leisure based programs for Animal Enthusiasts.


Our services include:
  • Resources and professional development workshops for clinicians and health care providers on incorporating a dog into service provision.
  • Pet Therapy Preparation Program for health care facilities (Includes Pre-screening of patients/clients/staff and pre-education session to your patients/clients/staff prior to a visit from a live animal).
  • Customised Animal Based Program  -  Design or use of one of Competent K9's  existing Animal Assisted Activity or Animal Assisted Therapy Programs such as "Reboot" or "Fido's Fit Friends" - (Includes pre-screening and education, progress documentation and program evaluation).

HEALTH & EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS

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Simpifying your success - dale's slogan
what you need to know


Through the delivery of animal based programs Competent K9 is dedicated to creating, innovative, exciting and life altering opportunities for individuals to live life passionately and contribute to the wider community. 
Motto
Changing lives through better service outcomes and greater client satisfaction 



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Pick yourself up and try again

URGENT - TO DO

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Workshops, E-learning, Upcoming conferences; Research Articles; Podcasts.
  • Proactive Self Care and Suicide Infographic
  • Death of a dog Healthy Grieving Infographic
  • Dogs and Costumes - Is it fair to dress up our dogs? Click here
  • What's in a training method? ...and why is it so important? 
  • Self assessment form on the quality of the pet therapy service at your facility?
  • Foundation behaviours for pet therapy
Social Media
>Twitter
>Linked In
>Pinterest


Workshops, E-learning, Upcoming conferences; Research Articles; Podcasts. Fact Sheets; E-books; Pet Therapy Activity Books; Bookmarks; Infographics.Pet therapy products, dog toys and training equipment; T-Shirts







Format headers 

>Training and games header looks crap
>Header for shop - Enter to win Pet therapy pack

Pet Therapy Referral

Click here to download our referral letter for pet therapy
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Coming Soon

Enter to Win (for shop page)

Win a Pet Therapy Resource Kit FREE!!
To enter simply click here.

IMPORTANT - TO DO

>thinking of getting a dog for a relative or yourself to enhance wellbeing?Click here for a list of things you need to consider (coming soon).

>Self assessment form on the quality of the pet therapy service at your facility?
How to improve the quality of the pet therapy service at your facility?

>Crate Training and Pet Therapy

>Foundation behaviours for pet therapy - "I'm interested in becoming involved in pet therapy with my dog what behaviours should I start to teach my dog first?"

>Online Puppy socialisation course (coming soon)
What training methods should I use and how do I commence therapy dog training with my puppy?

>What's in a training method? ...and why is it so important? 
The training methods you use to train your dog to interact with the world in various human designed environments and perform certain behaviours are crucial to the outcomes of pet therapy.

Mental Health
Why dogs can be good for us - good content
http://www.wc3chaplains.org/cism.php


Cool videos to draw inspiration from

Awesome animation and song - change training principles though
I want a dog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Cf6d2qro0

Slow motion - stress signals video
Like this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wQHrdBURg8

LINKS to CK9 SHOP
Add to educators and clinicians  page - link to shop
These items could be used to create atmosphere in the clinical setting, as prizes, incentives, or as resources to assist in facilitating a back-up activity when your visiting dog cannot attend your facility.


Resources ...for the dogs - link to shop from dog owners and lovers page

E-Book to create

Activity ideas for visiting therapy dogs E-Book
Walking into a room full of people, with every person's eyes on you and being the centre of attention can be nerve racking for even the most outgoing humans. Similarly this can be quite stressful for a therapy dog. This Competent K9 publication provides tips and tricks on how to facilitate an intervention that increases the likelihood of satisfying both the needs of the dogs and people involved. Click here and we will email you when this resource becomes available. 


Pet Therapy Preparation Program
"All our clients love dogs" ...or do they? Even if they do, do they know how to appropriately interact with an animal that is unfamiliar with them? 
Click here and we will email you when this resource becomes available. 


Social Skills Animal Assisted Intervention
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Is bullying a concern for your clients/students? See our 'Social Skills' Animal Assisted Intervention that can be customised to your health facility or school's needs.

Optimising health through nature and animals 
(my name not copyright from anyone)

What do we mean by nature - sunlight, water, air.
The animals we incorporate - dogs, horses and others that we encounter along the way



Mental Health
Find Inspiration in Nature

1. Go for a walk in nature, practice mindfulness, and lose track of time for a while.

2. Meditate or practice yoga in a nearby park.

3. Watch children playing at the park then make a point to carry their spirit with you throughout the day.

4. Watch your cat or dog in nature and try to emulate your pet’s mindfulness and playfulness.

5. Take a camera outside and photograph everything that looks beautiful to you.

6. Practice deep breathing while listening to nature sounds.

7. Draw or paint a scene outside your window.

8. Watch Planet Earth DVDs to experience beauty of the oceans, forests, jungles, Great Plains, and caves.

9. Get lost in nature photos online.

10. Spend some time contemplating nature-based art.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/50-ways-to-find-inspiration-create-explore-expand/


Infographics to make

NSW Health policy - Claire McKendrick (Lucca)-  What all facilities need to know - legislation that ensures the welfare of dogs and safety of clients to minimise risk

Zoonoses

Pet First Aid for facilities that have a therapy dog

Stress and wellbeing of the dogs involved - stress release activities

How a dog can improve your wellbeing

child abuse / cruelty to animals

Thinking of getting a dog

The Bucket List

Bringing home your puppy

Adolescence

Golden Years

Realities and responsibilities of having a facility dog


Resume of a Therapy Dog

handler training - (canine behaviour and body language)
on and off leash training
CGC award - manners training
Delta therapy dog training
Stress release activities (free running, sniffing.....)



Content to create:

Pet Therapy Page:
Pet Therapy Resource Kit 
Our partners in health and wellness
"What I learnt from my dog" by ....
"My companion in therapy" by Brad -
Generate content surrounding: Mental illness - "Will it ever get better"
Insightful and interesting Pet Therapy reads.
How to implement a desensitisation program with your dog whether it be for the purpose of wearing a costume, harness or head halter. 



"A companion animal's love for life and for its human companions can inspire us to live each day to the fullest, learn to treat others with kindness, and become sensitive to the challenges others face" 
Aubrey Fine

Free Downloads

Thinking of getting involved in the field of pet therapy?
Training, volunteer options, academic research
Free E-Book

I’m so grateful for my dog
What I learnt from my dog
Read ......'s story

MORE CONTENT

However rather than attending a dog training class our events involve mentoring and coaching in a relaxed, fun environment that is conducive to learning and simply being in the refreshing company of animals and like minded people.

Not your typical dog training class but should you be up for an enjoyable time with your dog this one day program may include street walks, picnics and beach swims primarily in NSW, Australia. (If you are interested yet outside this area let us know and we may be able to put you in touch with people closer to you).
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Fact Sheets; E-books; Pet Therapy Activity Books; Bookmarks; Infographics.

The Duck Inn - Dog friendly pub - 74 Rose St,  Chippendale


>Video to make

Make this into a video to put on pet clinicans/eudcators page as an example of a customised animal assisted intervention

CUSTOMISED ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS

We also offer customised animal assisted interventions. Please see the example below and fill out the form adjacent and we will be in contact with you to discuss your needs

Example Customised Animal Assisted Intervention

Client Group:

OSHC /
Primary Schools

Intervention
Title:

Fido's Fit Friends - Active, Healthy Kids Initiative

Intervention
Summary:

A two hour action packed program delivered to Primary Schools and Out of School Hours care providers that entertains, educates and ignites primary school children into action. 

This unique and innovative program is based on the notion that just as *Service Dogs need the right exercise and food to be able to perform well and feel good, so too do humans. All children receive a ‘Doggy Bag’ at the start of the program full of healthy food and drink snacks. The children learn about the dog sport of agility; the demonstration given by the dogs is then mirrored by
the children on their own age-specific obstacle and agility course.

This program helps build self-esteem and confidence in children as Dogs provide acceptance. They don’t care what someone moves like, looks like, or sounds like. They don’t judge. They have a calming effect and promote laughter and joy, all of which serve to encourage and motivate each child to participate.

In addition to the development of social skills, the psychomotor (physical), cognitive (intellectual) and affective (psychological) behavioural domains are all crucial elements that have been considered in the design of this program.
Hence this Competent K9 initiative not only promotes physical activity in Primary school aged children but also serves to increase every participant’s ability to live happily, have a positive view of exercise and experience good quality of life.

This program is directed and staffed by degree qualified, highly experienced leisure and health professionals. The Demonstration Dogs are either present or future Service Dogs that have passed rigorous temperament tests and are handled only by experienced Dog Behavioural Trainers.

(*)A Service Dog is any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.

If you are a school or an out of school hours service provider and are interested in this program. Please Contact Us and request a 'Fido's Fit Friends' Information Kit.
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Competent K9 designs and facilitates educational seminars and therapeutic recreation programs that enageg infants to teh elderly by utilising the unique and unreplicable qualities of canines.

benfit and engage a wide variety of client/patient population groups by utilising the unique and unreplicable qualities of canines. (from infants to the elderly)

The lifelong journey of learning ....for us and for our dogs is never complete

Submit
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Fact Sheet Picture
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Animal Assisted Activities Event Calendar
Competent K9 has 'Dog Themed' Event Days they are ideal for: 
  • Residential Care Facilities
  • Day Centres  
  • Hospitals

January

February
Valentines Day 'Puppy Love' Event Day

March
Close the GAP (March ?)
St Patrick's Day Parade (Irish Dog Breeds - Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound...)

April
Easter (delivery of Easter eggs) - Tracking dog demonstration followed by a client Easter egg hunt or dog pulling easter bunny sleigh.

Anzac Day - Dog's of
War - Dog's with Jobs demonstration

May
6-12 May 2013 - Diversional Therapy Week
>Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - Tea-Cup pups
>Wishbone Day12 May 2013 - Mother's Day
13-19 May 2013 - Music Therapy Week
17 May 2013 - 'Food Revolution Day'  (Jaime Oliver's)
>Sun 25/5/14 Vivid Darling Harbour
>Mon 26/5/14 = National Sorry Day / launch of Reconciliation Week - La Perouse 

June
>Queen's Birthday - Corgi's and High Tea

July
Christmas in July Event Day - Sammy Paws
Parade

October
Howl-O-Ween
Be kind to animals week - (www.edgarsmission.org.au)

December
Christmas


A New Leash on Life
Rachael Hale
Priceless photos of dogs and thoughts from well-known figures such as Albert Einstein, Louisa May Alcott, Helen Keller, and Charles Dickens on topics inlcuding attitude, friendship, faith, love, and life. The themes of this book epitomise what Competent K9 is all about.

My Dog Changed My Life
Short stories of individual Dogs working as Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Pet Dogs.



Puppy Love
Children's book



A Friend Like No Other
Life lessons our dogs teach us


 

 

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5 Stages of grief
Denial: "This can't be happening to me."
Anger: "Why is this happening? Who is to blame?"
Bargaining: "Make this not happen, and in return I will ____."
Depression: "I'm too sad to do anything."
Acceptance: "I'm at peace with what happened."

Robert Tornambe, M.D

    Dog Training & Behaviour Assessment 
    Enquiry Form

Submit
Old text - not as inclusive = 
If you love being in the company of animals (whether or not you have a dog of your own) we'd love to hear from you.
Our team includes people who have extensive experience in animal behaviour and training. However rather than attending a dog training class our events involve mentoring and coaching in a relaxed, fun environment that is conducive to learning and simply being in the refreshing company of animals and like minded people.

The competent K9 community includes advocates of pet therapy, animal enthusiasts, health and education professionals and canine behaviour professionals.




Pet Therapy Preparation program

This program includes:
  • 1 hour - Professional development workshop for unlimited number of staff
  • Pre-screening of clients/patients to ensure suitability
  • Practical and interactive pre-visit education to staff and clients to build excitement and equip individuals with the needed skills and expectations on how to interact with the future visiting dog to ensure the welfare of all involved.
Pet Therapy Preparation Program

Professional Development Workshops

Our workshops are designed for health and education service providers facilitating or receiving pet visitations or those simply wanting to tap into the power of animals for their clients.

If you would like Competent K9 to present at your facility click on the link below.

Our team also regularly present at a range of industry conferences. 

Competent K9 will be presenting at the following upcoming conferences: TBA

Competent K9's Animal Assisted Interventions

Competent K9 has an extensive history of designing and facilitating Animal Assisted Interventions throughout Australia. 

Examples of population groups we service include children, youth, individuals with various disabilities including those with a physical, sensory and/or neurological impairment, persons requiring physical rehabilitation, individuals residing in short and long term accommodation and persons who have experienced trauma.

Currently we have two programs available for purchase that can be customised to your client group:
  • Anxiety Management - 6 weeks
  • Social Skills - 6 weeks

We also offer customised animal assisted interventions. Click on the link below for more information.
Animal Assisted Interventions
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Coming Soon

Facebook entry
Have a resource suggestion?

We are constantly on the look out for new items to add to this page. Should you have a favourite resource or learning outcome. Let us know the details and we will endeavour to share your recommendation, learnings, success story or any other item you feel may be of interest to others for the enhancement of pet therapy interactions.  Alternatively join our community on Facebook.

Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder

Dalepartridge.com

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Become a Prince Accredited facility

How does it work?

"This workshop provides all the essential information for anyone thinking about or already involved  in the field of Pet Therapy". 

Websites that may interest you

Mesothelioma
Pet Therapy Prescription
Choose from a variety of posters to stick on your work desk; Or on the wall next to your patients bed; Or to give your relative that may be receiving healthcare support to stick on their fridge/bedroom door so healthcare workers can become aware that they have an interest in dogs.
Not just for dogs
Stress is important to recognise not only in the dogs you're working with but also moments when it is displayed by the child or adult that the dog is interacting with.
Crate games/safety zones

..think CSI, the detective is never on the side of the table furthest from the exit) and regular visual 'check-ins' with their handler (where the dog makes eye contact with it's owner without being prompted) should be two essential behaviours of any animal involved in pet therapy.

 

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Dog costumes that aren't costumes
Click here to view a range of alternative costume options for you and your dog.

Dog costumes that aren't costumes
Click here to view a range of alternative costume options for you and your dog. Also click on the image adjacent to take a look at some pictures to see whether you can identify any signs of stress in the body language of the following dogs in costume. At Competent  K9 we only use and endorse the use of collar costumes. However if an individual has a clinical goal of  needing to wear something that they initially are not comfortable with such as a prosthesis or an an oxygen mask a gradual desensitisation process implemented effectively using positive reinforcement can be useful to simultaneously or first demonstrate with a dog so that they have a fellow living being taking a similar journey to themselves and can see firsthand that over a number of sessions the dog loves to wear the item as there is something in it for him/her (eg lots of treats, playtime). Typically almost all dogs do not like wearing costumes if not first desensitised to them. For this reason no dog should be made to wear an item external to its body whether it be a costume or head collar without first being desensitised to the item. Particularly if then required to visit a novel and unpredictable environment such as a health care facility. The individual dog, the individual item, and the implementation of the desensitisation process itself will dictate the length of time it will take for a dog to become comfortable (...or under what criteria). Until this point in time the particular item should not be used. 


Fun and educational workshops and seminars - Our workshops enable individuals to take the time to understand and embrace the power and wonder that happens between animals and people and grasp a complete understanding of the role and place dogs can play in human service delivery

Many people have no concept of how a dog thinks or feels, what their general needs are, and what it takes to live and work together. By hearing a series of lectures, attending dog training classes and receiving various resources, workshop attendees come to understand much more about his or her dog, their role in the professional setting, and therefore, is able to recognise and solve problems, anticipate and overcome future obstacles and (in the case of Therapy Dog Handlers), to enhance their dog's training in an effective and humane manner using purely positive reward based training methods.

Our interactive approach enables those at our workshops to gain a true appreciation and experience firsthand the healing power that animals have on humans and the happiness and sense of well being that they engender.

The lessons that are learned through the force of the human/canine bond are never ending - consistently inspiring a new respect, appreciation and celebration of life.
We owe it to the amazing dogs and people we work with who put their trust in us to constantly improve and enhance the way we and our dogs work, rest and play.

Training Clicker

A$3.00
Add to Cart
This simple device provides an easy way to reinforce positive behaviors and communicate more effectively with your dog during training sessions.
Free Download

"You don't know, what you don't know"

Here's how you can discover...

What you are prepared for, what never had crossed your mind prevent issues 
Service providers
Eg nursing homes, schools

Reources
Fact Sheets / products / research

Theapy Dogs
Current and future Handlers

Workshops
Getting the most from your therapy dog

Service Providers

Eg. Schools; Nursing Homes...

 Workshops

'Getting the most from your therapy dog'


Resources

Fact Sheets; Products; Research...

Intervention History

Examples; Testimonials


Therapy Dogs

Current & Future Handlers




Dog Training
I Pet Dog & Therapy Dog Training I
I Dog Training Brochure I
I Pet Dog Training Topics I

    Group Booking Enquiry Form

Submit

Group Bookings

Book three or more places on the one day camp and receive a 5% discount per person.

Book a group of 10 or more and receive a 20% discount
Competent K9 caters for groups of all sizes

Whether you’re organising an internal excursion (we come to you), a client outing, or an experience for family and friends, Competent K9 gives you a 20% discount on your camp fee.
(Terms and conditions apply.  Does not apply to all Dog Camps.)

To book your group, just call our Program Manager:

Dayna Veraguth
Ph: +61 468 590 635
Email: dayna@dogcamp.com.au

Or alternatively complete the form below.

    Fill in the form below to register your interest

Submit

Coming Soon .... Youth Dog Camp

Canine Training and Sports Program
Ages 12-25

The critical facts you need to know about Dogs and Pet Therapy

Topics include:
>An Introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
>AAT - The Facts
>Physiological basis and practical application of the Human Animal Bond
>Incorporating a dog safely and effectively
>Training and selecting a dog for Animal Assisted Therapy / Animal Assisted Activities
>Quality Indicators for Animal Assisted Interventions



Getting the most from your Therapy Dog
Topics include:
>How to "operate" your dog
>Identifying "balanced" teams
>Observational Skills
>Environmental Elements
>Role of stress
>Trick Training

Where: Sydney, NSW
Contact Us to register your interest and we will advise you via email when this workshop series next becomes available.

Pet Therapy

You know what you need out of an intervention. We know how to go about integrating a canine or 'dog' theme into the situation safely, effectively and efficiently. At Competent K9 ensuring that the therapy is not at the expense of a dog's physical and/or psychological welfare is of paramount importance. Our Intervention Management Team assists private organisations, Government Departments, individual practitioners and corporate companies deliver safe and effective leisure, health and educational Animal Assisted Interventions to a wide variety of population groups. 

Pet Dog Training & Therapy Dog Training

Customised dog training lessons to suit your dog's specific training needs. Get started on the path to good behaviour now!
private_consultation_topics.pdf
File Size: 238 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

brochure_private_consultations.pdf
File Size: 433 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Customised Animal Assisted Interventions
Themed Modules Include:

Goal Setting
Care for Others
Physical Fitness
Communication Skills
Personal, Daily & Social Living Skills


Disability Organisations:

Personal, Daily and Social Living Skills Program. Delivered through a variety of dog themed recreational activities with an emphasis on community participation.

>What are the considerations required if I want to take my own pet dog to work

>I am a therapist and have a client that would benefit from Pet Therapy do you provide a service that would allow me access to one of your Therapy Dogs?

 

Have a question that is not above?

Thank you, your message has been sent


Frequently Asked Questions

Careers at Competent K9
Competent K9 is an expanding business and we are continually on the look out for great new individuals and/or dogs to join the team.
Complete the form below and you will be sent an Expression of Interest Form by reply email.

Thank you, your message has been sent

News & Events:

*Youth Crew Recruitment - Applications close 30 April 2010 [contact us]
*October School Holiday Kids' Camps [more]
*New program for 'Youth at Risk' [coming soon]
*Book back in stock - 'A new leash on life' [more]
*Pet Therapy Research Update [more]


oshc_program_brochure.pdf
File Size: 288 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Enter to WIN!

Competent K9 Pet Therapy Resources
Win a Pet Therapy Resource Kit FREE!!

Competent K9 Program Design
Win a customised Animal Assisted Intervention FREE!!

Competent K9 Dog Camp
Win a day at Jr Dog Camp FREE!!
(children grades 1-6)

To enter simply click here.
In the comments section please detail the following:
1. How did you hear about Competent K9?
2. Field of work
3. Phone Number
4. Competition Code
(Resource kit = wp0309;
Program Design = ws0309; Day at Dog Camp = wc0309)

Prize will be drawn 30 Nov 2011, winner notified by phone and/or email.
*Privacy Policy
*Conditions Apply

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