Core Therapy Dog
What is a therapy dog? — The main purpose of a therapy dogs is to offer emotional support and companionship to people of all ages who may be experiencing lack of confidence, stress, anxiety, loneliness, or other emotional challenges. The presence of a therapy dog can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of comfort and joy in a non-judgmental and fun way.
What training has Dylan completed? — Dylan is a part of the PAWS Therapy Dog Certification Programme, we began our journey in September 2025. We have been through all the training and currently gaining as much practical experience before we complete our training with our final assessment.
Are you insured? — Yes — The Story Dog is fully insured and operates with clear safeguarding compliance. We hold public liability insurance and all required documentation for working safely with children and therapy animals. This ensures every session — whether in schools, early years settings, libraries, or homes — is delivered responsibly, ethically, and with full protection in place. Upon bookings, we supply risk assessments and service agreement.
What happens during a typical session? —Each session is fully child‑led, with the pace and activities shaped by what feels right for them in the moment. Our gentle Read to Dylan sessions typically last around 20 minutes per child, offering a cosy, calm space for shared stories and quiet connection. Our educational and wellbeing sessions are a little longer — usually between 45 and 60 minutes — allowing time for deeper exploration, confidence‑building activities, and meaningful interaction with Dylan.
How do you tailor sessions to different settings? — Our sessions are available across a wide range of settings — schools, home‑education groups, libraries, early years environments, home visits, wellbeing groups, and phobia support. Every session is carefully tailored to the children we’re working with and to what your setting hopes to gain from the experience.
Before booking, we take time to talk through the different options so you feel confident in choosing what’s right for your children. If you’d like an initial overview, you can request a brochure specific to your setting.
What are the benefits of therapy dog sessions? — A therapy dog offers a calm, reassuring presence that supports children’s wellbeing and learning. Benefits include literacy confidence, emotional regulation, increased motivation, a sense of calmness, improved social connection, and gentle exposure for children who may feel nervous around dogs.
For more details, visit our Reading Therapy Dogs page.
Safety, Welfare & Practicalities
Is Dylan safe around children? — Dylan and I work as a team, and his wellbeing is always my first priority. I advocate for him throughout every session, closely monitoring his body language and noticing even the earliest, most subtle signs that he may be getting tired or feeling uncomfortable. When that happens, I act immediately to ensure his safety, comfort, and emotional needs are fully supported.
Across his seven years, Dylan has completed a variety of training programmes. The PAWS Therapy Certification Programme has helped us advance his skills and deepen his understanding of therapy work. We have achieved Bronze and Silver Kennel Club Good Dog Citizen Scheme, currently working to achieve Gold. He is trained to a high standard and will undertake an in‑person assessment with Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals to confirm his sound temperament and excellent behaviour.
As an emerging canine behaviourist, I am proficient in reading dog body language and ensuring all interactions remain safe, respectful, and positive for Dylan and the children we support.
What is The Story Dog’s safeguarding approach? Safeguarding is central to our work. We create calm, child‑led sessions with clear boundaries, safe interactions, and continuous monitoring of Dylan’s wellbeing. Every session is planned with children’s needs in mind, and we work closely with each setting to align with their safeguarding policies. Our approach ensures children feel secure, Dylan is protected, and sessions remain nurturing and safe.
What hygiene measures do you follow? — We ensure high hygiene standards in every setting. We ask for access to handwashing facilities where possible, and always provide our own hand gel and wipes. Dylan is groomed regularly, and all of his grooming equipment is cleaned frequently to maintain a safe, hygienic environment.
What if a child is nervous or has an animal phobia? — We take a gentle, calm approach to every interaction, ensuring each child feels psychologically safe and fully supported. Children are encouraged to lead the session and share what they feel comfortable doing, with every step taken gradually and at their own pace. Throughout the session, we check in regularly so the child feels seen, heard, and reassured, creating a nurturing environment where they can explore confidently.
What if a child has allergies? — We check allergy information before every session and adapt as needed. If a child has dog‑related allergies, Dylan can stay at a comfortable distance or the session can be non‑contact, we can offer alternative activities. We also ensure handwashing or hand gel is available and keep Dylan well‑groomed to minimise allergens.
How do you ensure Dylan’s wellbeing? — Dylan’s wellbeing is always my first priority. He has regular breaks, and I pay close attention to his consent signals and early signs of tiredness or discomfort. Sessions are kept to a manageable length so he can fully rest between visits. He also has his own bed at every session, giving him a safe, familiar space to relax whenever he needs it.
Literacy & Learning
How does a therapy dog help with reading? — A therapy dog creates a calm, pressure‑free space that helps children feel relaxed and confident. Reading to a dog feels safe and non‑judgemental, which encourages children to try, focus, and enjoy reading. This gentle emotional support often leads to improved confidence, fluency, and motivation.
Do you bring books or resources? — We bring a small, age‑appropriate selection of books for children to choose from, along with puppets that help make our story and rhyme sessions more engaging and fun.
Can sessions support reluctant readers? — Yes — our calm, child‑led sessions help reluctant readers feel relaxed and confident. Dylan offers gentle, non‑judgemental support, making reading feel safe and enjoyable.
Schools, Libraries & Community Settings
How do school sessions work? — School sessions are fully child‑led and shaped around the needs of the class or individual pupils. We work with staff beforehand to understand goals, plan the session type, and ensure safeguarding and wellbeing measures are in place. Sessions may involve reading with Dylan, wellbeing activities, or small‑group storytelling. Dylan has his safe space throughout, and we adapt the pace and structure so children feel relaxed, supported, and engaged.
Do you offer library or community events? — Yes — we love supporting libraries and community groups. We create inviting reading corners, run wellbeing workshops, and offer storytelling and rhyme‑time sessions that help children feel relaxed, engaged, and inspired
Can you support early years settings? — Yes — we offer gentle sensory moments, simple stories, counting games, and calm interaction with Dylan, all kept short and child‑led to help little ones feel safe and engaged.
Home Visits & Individual Support
Do you offer home visits? — Yes — home visits are available and kept simple, structured, and safe. Parents are involved throughout, and sessions are tailored to each child’s needs with clear boundaries and Dylan’s own rest space.
Can you help with building confidence around dogs? — Yes — we support children who feel unsure around dogs through gradual, choice‑led interaction and simple, personalised steps. They can watch Dylan from a comfortable distance, learn his calm body language, and try small interactions when ready. This gentle approach helps confidence grow naturally and at the child’s pace.
Booking & Practical Information
How do I book a session? — Contact Ashlyn either via email ashlyn@thestorydog.co.uk or phone 07525 378 002 to book.
Do you offer different brochures? — Yes, we have schools, nurseries, toddler groups, libraries, early years, wellbeing, and home‑visit brochures.
What is your cancellation policy? – We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to cancel, we kindly ask for 72 hours’ notice. We’re always happy to offer alternative dates and will do our best to accommodate a time that suits you.
