Family Dog
Workshops and guidance to help families explore how deeper connections with a pet dog can benefit everyday life.
What is our Family Dog programme?
Family Dog is a unique programme that helps families explore how a pet dog, either your current companion or one you are thinking of getting, can provide emotional and practical support at home.
The programme is specially designed for families with autistic children, individuals with a physical disability or dementia, and anyone supporting a family member with diverse or complex needs.
Join the programme by signing up to a workshop series that suits you and your family’s needs. Our workshops are available online and in-person for just £60. You can preview the content before booking and choose from a range of dates.
See how pet dog, Max, made a difference for Emma and her family...
Emotional and practical support
Joining the Family Dog programme gives you the guidance, tools, and community support to help your dog become a true companion for everyday life.
Through our supportive learning space, we help you to build a special bond with your dog that can provide meaningful emotional and practical support for your family.
Guidance and community support
When you join the Family Dog programme, you’ll benefit from engaging workshops to learn practical skills and strategies for life with your dog, personalised guidance from our expert trainers and specialists, and become part of a supportive community of families to share, learn, and continue to grow together.
Proven to make a difference
Our programme has already helped over 2,000 families experience life-changing benefits.
Research shows that dogs can have a transformative impact on family life, helping to reduce parental stress, enabling families to enjoy more outings together, and creating a positive change in a child’s emotional regulation – all thanks to their companion dog.
Meet our team
Meet the two passionate experts behind Family Dog. As qualified trainers and behaviour specialists, they bring years of experience supporting families with a wide range of needs, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and create positive, lasting connections with their dogs.
Hannah Beal
Family Dog Service Instructor
Cari Miles
Family Dog Service Instructor
This has been the most accessible and welcoming course that I’ve taken on my journey with my dog. Cari and Hannah are so knowledgeable, approachable and interesting. They really put you at ease and make you want to learn more. I’m sad that the course has come to an end! I’ve really enjoyed the sense of community and regular chance to check in with other people in similar situations to me. It’s been great to have contact with you all and I can’t thank you enough for your time and patience.
Our Family Dog workshops
Whether you have an autistic child, a relative with dementia or yourself or a family member has a physical disability, our workshops offer a supportive space to better understand your dog’s needs and strengthen your bond.
Autism workshops
The bond formed between an autistic child and their pet dog can unlock opportunities for connection - improving wellbeing and social interactions, and reducing stress.
find out more
Physical disability workshops
A strong bond with a pet dog can bring much-needed emotional and practical support for people with physical disabilities - and their families.
Find out more
Dementia workshops
The human-dog bond can bring so many benefits to families living with dementia - helping them to live with more confidence, motivation and joy.
Find out moreAre you a professional working in health, education, or with dogs?
We run dedicated sessions for professionals interested in learning how our Family Dog workshops could benefit the people they support, or the dogs they work with.
Join us to discover more about the programme and chat with our expert team to see how it could help the people you work with.
Got a couple of questions before you book? Take a look at our FAQs or reach out to our Family Dog team using the form below.
Can't find workshop dates that fit your schedule? Wondering how the programme works or whether it's right for your family? Fill out our contact form, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.
