Welcome to Therapy Dog Academy
Whether you’re a pet owner, a teacher, a nurse, a care worker, a support professional, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, the School of Dogs® Therapy Dog Academy gives you and your dog everything you need to become a safe, skilled, and confident therapy dog team. Our Academy is designed for real people with real lives — offering flexible learning, expert guidance from one of the UK’s leading therapy dog educators, and practical training that builds the calm, reliable, and compassionate skills your dog needs to help others. If you dream of bringing comfort, connection, and emotional support to those who need it most, this is where your journey begins. Give us a call: 07388126729 Office Mobile
Is Your Dog Right for Therapy Work?
Every therapy dog starts with a heart full of kindness—but not every dog is suited to this special role. This course is designed to guide compassionate dog owners who want to explore therapy dog training and build the calm, connected team it requires. Your dog should be: Calm and composed in busy or unfamiliar environments Sociable—enjoys human attention without jumping up or overwhelming people Emotionally resilient—able to settle, reset, and stay grounded in new situations Bonded to their owner—trusts and listens even around distractions Friendly toward dogs and animals Show curiosity without excitement or reactivity
Are you able to do this course?
The Therapy Team - Two Halves of One Heart. Becoming a therapy team is more than training cues and brushing coats—it’s about emotional presence, self-awareness, and long-term partnership between human and dog. Do you have the time to visit people once you have completed the course? Do you have a caring nature? Do you have Good Emotional well-being? Do you have self-awareness, recognising your own stress, triggers, and emotional limits? Do you have emotional regulation? Your energy affects your dog and those around you. Do you have commitment to learning, open to feedback, evolving as a team, listen to instruction and take guidance? Do you have people skills? Are you able to engage with warmth and professional boundaries which supports both dog and clients equally? Do you have resilience and can remain steady and focused even when clients cry, vent, or behave unpredictably?
On Completion
Our LANTRA-accredited customised training course, offers more than just training—it’s a gateway to meaningful volunteering and professional recognition. What You’ll Gain - A nationally recognised LANTRA Customised Award that showcases your commitment to high standards in therapy dog training. Specialist Knowledge - Learn ethical, welfare-focused techniques to train your dog for therapeutic visits in schools, care homes, hospitals, and community settings. Volunteer as a Therapy Dog Team - Make a real impact by supporting emotional wellbeing in educational, healthcare, and social care environments. Join our Growing Network - Become part of our community of trained therapy dog teams advancing professional standards across the UK. Enhance Your Career - Whether you're in education, care, or animal welfare, or just want to make a difference, this course adds a valuable credential to your portfolio. Open to all, members of public & professionals
Pet Business Insurance
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Pet Business Insurance, a leading provider of specialist cover for pet professionals. They share our commitment to excellence and have recognised the high standards of the School of Dogs® Pet Therapy Course. As part of this collaboration, graduates of our course will receive an exclusive discount on Public Liability Insurance when purchasing through Pet Business Insurance. This means you can protect your therapy dog work with trusted, comprehensive cover—at a reduced cost. Look out for the Pet Business Insurance logo on our site as a mark of quality and support for professional pet therapy services.
Approach and Learning Structure
Approach and Learning Structure The School of Dogs® Therapy Dog Academy is delivered through a blended learning model designed to build deep understanding, high‑level practical competence, and reflective professional practice. Across 6–12 months, learners follow a structured, evidence-based therapy dog curriculum that integrates multiple modes of delivery for maximum impact. E‑Learning Modules Learners progress through a carefully sequenced series of online lessons grounded in: canine psychology welfare science behaviour theory best practices in animal‑assisted interventions Our online learning platform provides: 150+ lessons and HD training videos Evidence-based modules Interactive content and practical tasks Self‑paced progression with academic rigour Dog Training Skills Participants learn to train their dogs to an exceptionally high standard of obedience and stability, ensuring they can work safely and confidently across varied environments. Training develops: positional and movement cues environmental confidence distraction-proofing emotional resilience advanced handler skill sets Monthly Live Classes Learners attend interactive, tutor-led online sessions each month with Lee Ferry — one of the UK’s leading therapy dog educators. These sessions provide: real‑time feedback structured peer discussion reinforcement of key concepts practical guidance for ongoing development Intensive 3‑Day Practical Workshop Towards the end of the Academy, learners and their dogs participate in a hands‑on residential workshop. This immersive experience allows them to: apply theoretical knowledge in real‑world environments practise structured therapy dog activities develop confidence under close supervision receive personalised coaching from experienced instructors Ongoing Support & Mentorship Throughout the Academy, learners benefit from direct access to Lee for professional advice, guidance, and mentorship. To progress to the required standard, participants must commit a minimum of 20 hours per month to study, reflection, and structured dog training. This ensures every graduate becomes a confident, compassionate, and competent therapy dog team. Accreditation & Professional Development Upon successful completion, learners receive a nationally recognised LANTRA Customised Award and full membership to the School of Dogs® Therapy Dog Academy, joining our professional network of therapy dog teams. The Therapy Dog Academy is more than a course —it is a complete professional development pathway for those who want to make a meaningful impact through therapy dog work. Specific School Support Package For schools who wish to receive on‑site, in‑person support, we offer a dedicated package to help teachers train their school dog to a professional standard. What this package includes: Monthly in‑school visits from Lee Ferry, 90‑minute duration of practical training session, delivered over six months. Focused on supporting the designated teacher within their working environment Ensuring high standards of welfare, professionalism, and therapy‑readiness for the school dog Geographical Availability In‑school support is available within the North East only, including: Durham Sunderland Newcastle Schools outside these regions are welcome to join the programme — however: ➡️ Additional travel charges will apply based on location. This package is ideal for schools wanting a structured, supported, and professionally guided route to becoming a fully trained school therapy dog team.
Meet Your Instructor, Lee Ferry
Meet Your Instructor: Lee Ferry Founder of School of Dogs® Degree-Qualified Canine Behaviourist | Therapy Dog Specialist With over 24 years of hands-on experience and a Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training from Hull University, Lee Ferry has helped train more than 5,000 dogs using only positive, science-based methods. Lee’s unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world expertise ensures that every therapy dog team is trained with compassion, professionalism, and proven techniques. Lee's Specialist Areas of Study Canine Behaviour and Training Canine Psychology & Development Inappropriate Canine Behaviour Psychopharmacology Breeding & Genetics Canine Nutrition & Behaviour Canine Welfare & Legislation Dog Training Instruction (Beginner to Advanced) Agility Instruction (to Competition Level) Lee's Professional Qualifications & Memberships Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training (3 years, Hull University) Victoria Stilwell Positive Dog Trainer (VSPDT) (2018–2024) Member of the Professional Pet Guild (PPG) (2018 -2025) Certified Instructor & Assessor – Pet Dog Ambassador (PPG) Certified Instructor – Absolute Dogs Certified Pet Scent Dog Trainer Certified Dog Trainer – Darwin Assistance Dogs School Therapy Dog Trainer – Course Designer & Accreditor Therapy Dog Handler Trainer - Course Designer & Accreditor Lee's Specialist Experience Mountain Rescue Search Dog England – Fully Graded Handler (10 years, retired 2012) Pre-Stage Training Officer – Mountain Rescue Search Dog England (Elected 2025) Natural Way Sheepdog Training – Beginner to Advanced (3 years) Instructor/Demonstrator – Natural Way Sheepdog Training (Ongoing) Work-Based Placement – HMSO Prison Detection Dogs (6 months) Agility Instructor – Certified to Competition Level Designed and developed a School Dog Therapy Course certified by LANTRA, training numerous school therapy dogs across the North East of England Lee's Background in Youth and Community Work Before becoming a dog trainer, Lee gained a degree from Durham University in Youth and Community Work. He worked professionally within youth services for 20 years, culminating in his role as Principal Officer for Sunderland City Council Youth Services. In this role, Lee was responsible for engaging young people in positive activities to help minimise antisocial behaviours.
Unlock the Journey
Therapy Dog Academy – Pricing & Enrolment Options © School of Dogs® – Advancing professional standards in therapy dog training and welfare. Professional Therapy Dog Training – £1,450 Gain 12 months of expert-led training designed to prepare you and your dog for professional therapy work across Schools, Care Homes, Hospitals, and Community Services Payment Options Option 1 – Full Payment £1,475 paid at the time of booking. (Our best-value upfront option.) Option 2 – 4‑Month Installment Plan Deposit: £295 Remaining balance: £1,180 4 monthly payments of: £295 Option 3 – 6‑Month Installment Plan Deposit: £295 Remaining balance: £1,180 6 monthly payments of: £196.67 Option 4 – 11‑Month Installment Plan Deposit: £122.92 Remaining balance: £1,352.08 11 monthly payments of: £122.92 Option 5 – School Dog Training Package Designed specifically for schools appointing a staff member as the dog’s primary handler. Includes: Therapy Dog Academy Full Programme: £1,475 In‑school practical support: £540 Lee attends your school once a month 90‑minute sessions Over 6 months Supporting the designated teacher in their workplace to train the school dog to professional standards Geographical Availability Lee’s in‑school support is available only within the North East, including: Durham Sunderland Newcastle Schools outside these areas may still access the package, however: Additional travel costs will apply, depending on location. Total Price: £2,015 (Schools outside these areas may still access the package, however: Additional travel costs will apply, depending on location.Plus any applicable travel surcharges for schools outside the supported region.) Important Notes Payments are taken on the same date each month following your deposit. All payments must be completed before attending the practical training weekend. Failure to keep up with payments may result in temporary suspension of course access. All transactions are handled securely via our trusted online payment gateway. Confidentiality Notice This pricing content is confidential and exclusively for use within authorised School of Dogs® materials. It must not be shared, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.
Curious to Uncover the Magic of the Therapy Dog Course?
If you’d like to discuss whether the School of Dogs® Pet Therapy Dog Training Programme is right for you, please contact our Course Coordinator. They’ll guide you through every aspect of the programme, answer your questions, and take the time to learn more about you and your goals. 📞 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am – 4:00pm We’re here to help you take the next step toward becoming a confident, compassionate, and professionally recognised therapy dog team. Telephone: 01388 309748
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