Comprehensive Foundations of
Dog-Assisted Services:
A Theoretical Course
This course provides a clear and structured introduction to therapy dog work.
You will gain the professional foundations to create services that are safe, responsible, and compassionate — ensuring the well-being of both dogs and people.
A Caring and Professional Pathway to Therapy Dog Training
Have you ever felt the gentle, comforting presence of a dog and sensed a wordless understanding? The bond between humans and dogs is more than companionship—it is a source of healing, comfort, and emotional strength.
This course provides a structured and professional foundation for those who wish to explore the role of therapy dogs in society. Our approach emphasizes safety, responsibility, and standardized quality, ensuring that every participant gains knowledge they can use with confidence.
About Fumi Higaki
Safety and Responsibility
The well-being of both dogs and people is our highest priority. You will learn to recognize potential risks, understand how to support your dog in different environments, and build safe and positive experiences for everyone involved.
Standardized Training for Reliable Learning
The well-being of both dogs and people is our highest priority. You will learn to recognize potential risks, understand how to support your dog in different environments, and build safe and positive experiences for everyone involved.
What You Will Learn
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Understanding the Dog’s Perspective: Learn to recognize canine body language and stress signals.
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Professional Principles: Gain essential knowledge about temperament, socialization, and ethical considerations.
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Positive Training Methods: Develop skills in gentle, reward-based training that fosters trust and respect.
Course Goals
By the end of this course, you will:
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Understand the foundations of therapy dog work from a professional perspective.
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Recognize whether a dog has the right temperament for care-related activities.
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Develop the ability to communicate more clearly and compassionately with your dog.
Anette B. Slinning
«Great course. I warmly recommend this course to all passionate dog owners. I am filled with new insight, inspiration and motivation!»
Monja Sætervik
«It provides a good and concrete overview of factors related to the dog, the handler, and potential user groups. Great course. I think it is well suited both for those who are completely new to the field and for those who already have a connection to or prior knowledge of it. Something for both groups. The progression through the various chapters flowed well, and I liked the combination of video/audio and text.»
Lill-Ann Kristoffersen
«I found it to be an exciting, informative, and educational course to participate in. I look forward to continuing our training going forward, with more tools at our disposal.»
Previous student
«I’ve used to work in AAA as a volunteer for two years. But this course gave me a nice and needed background – now I KNOW (not just guess...) how a good intervention should look like and how to ensure my dogs’ welfare. It was exciting to wait for the next lesson to be unlocked! I definitely recommend the training!»
Nina Sinnes
«So much useful information!! The course is well explained. You don’t have to scratch your head over complicated terms—you can follow along the whole time. Highly recommended, even if you don’t plan to work with a therapy dog. There’s so much valuable knowledge that all dog beginners should know anyway! 👍🐾🐾»
Birte Aaland
«The course has been educational — even if you’ve had a dog for several years, there’s always something new to learn.»
Discover how therapy dogs improve health, well-being, and quality of life. This online course gives you research insights, practical examples, and inspiration to start your journey in animal-assisted services. Access for 2 years and available via mobile app.
€ 20
Discover how therapy dogs improve health, well-being, and quality of life. This online course gives you research insights, practical examples, and inspiration to start your journey in animal-assisted services. Access for 2 years and available via mobile app.
€ 35
Learn how dogs learn and how to use research-based methods to build cooperation, confidence, and motivation. This lecture covers positive reinforcement, practical training techniques, and everyday skills for a happier, well-behaved dog.
€ 45
Learn to understand your dog’s body language and signals. This lecture teaches you how dogs communicate, how to spot signs of stress or insecurity, and how to build a safer, stronger bond with your dog.
€ 45
Learn how to spot early signs of illness and pain in your dog, prevent injuries with proper exercise, and support long-term health. This lecture gives you practical tools for a longer, healthier, and happier life with your dog.
€ 40
Discover the secret to a strong bond with your dog. This lecture explores history, research, and everyday life to show how trust, cooperation, and respect create a lifelong human–dog relationship.
€ 45
Learn how to ensure safe, meaningful, and ethical interactions in animal-assisted services. This lecture covers clear communication, cultural awareness, and practical tools for working with both people and dogs.
€ 40
Learn to plan ethical and safe therapy dog sessions. Gain tools for clear communication, cultural awareness, and handling ethical dilemmas.
€ 40
Please note: This course is theoretical. Practical training and certification should be obtained through recognized Japanese organizations. We encourage participants to use our program as a foundation before seeking local certification.
Our purpose is not to offer dreams, but to share reliable knowledge and provide a trustworthy starting point for your journey with your dog. We warmly invite you to learn with us, and to discover the possibilities of building a safe, respectful, and compassionate partnership.
Handbook
The handbook is included in the course.
Value €35.00
A comprehensive book and foundational text crafted by leading experts in the field. This revised edition, born from the collaboration of various specialists, is an updated version of 'Animal Assisted Activities with Dogs: Guidelines for Basic Requirements & Knowledge,' initially published in 2016.
About ICofA Community
Quality and Welfare in AAS
Founded in 2004 by Dyrebar Omsorg in Norway, ICofA (International Community of Anthrozoology) is a global network for professionals working with Animal Assisted Services (AAS). Our vision is to raise the quality of AAS worldwide and to establish international standards for education and animal welfare.
Our Core Mission
ICofA serves as a central knowledge hub, offering courses, webinars, articles, and a professional network. We support both experienced practitioners and newcomers, providing the tools needed to succeed. At the heart of our work is animal welfare: all certified animals undergo the PADA test (Personality Assessment of Domestic Animals), conducted by ethologists to ensure suitability and well-being.
Expertise and Community
ICofA’s strength lies in its respected international expert panel, including Dr. Christine Olsen and Line Sandstedt, alongside leading researchers and practitioners worldwide. The community connects certified teams, academics, and educational institutions, creating a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Expert Panel
ICofA’s international experts contribute cutting-edge, research-based knowledge:
Line Sandstedt
Vice president of ICofA
Vice President, special educator, coach and course leader.
Christine Olsen
President and Manager
– President, ethologist and PhD in public health, leading AAS expert.
Silje England
Brand & Visual Designer
Managing digital presence, course visuals, and website
Other key experts include
Dr. Dennis C. Turner, Dr. Sandra McCune Chapman, Dr. Amy Johnsen Binder, Dr. Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, Fumi Higaki, Dr. Ruth Newberry, Dr. Alina Simona Rusu, Dr. Daniel Mills, Tracie Faa-Thompson, Dr. Keiko Yamazaki, Dr. Marie-José Enders-Slegers, Dr. Aubrey H. Fine, Nancy Parish-Plass and Melissa Winkle.
Why ICofA?
ICofA-Community builds a solid foundation for Animal Assisted Services through global networking, interdisciplinary expertise, and internationally recognized standards. With a strong focus on quality and animal welfare, ICofA is a valuable resource for both education and practice.