The Calais Method

The Calais Method, developed by The Calais School, is a therapy dog/handler training approach that capitalizes on the power and proven success of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) to help children of all ages navigate and cope with life’s complexities during school and beyond. Through a first-of-its-kind AAI training program designed specifically for the education environment, Calais-Certified therapy dogs/handlers are trained over a six-to-12-month period and specialize in working in educational settings to achieve learning and therapy  objectives.

The Calais Method is a revolutionary program created and spearheaded by educators and certified dog trainers that focuses on training Calais-Certified therapy dog/handler teams exclusively to support students of all learning abilities in their educational environments. Our therapy teams undergo the highest caliber of instruction with a pioneering approach to training. We know the powerful, positive impact AAI can have in education.

That’s why we are passionate about redefining the way we engage and educate students at every stage of development and every level of ability. We meet them where they are and help propel them to a promising future.

“With the inclusion of AAI, my students have steadily moved up in their academic levels.”
– Calais Elementary Teacher

Academic Engagement

Crisis Management

Young Calais School male student sitting with a therapy dog

Occupational Therapy

Young male student working with a therapy dog on OT skills

Speech Therapy

Male High School student working with a therapy dog in a Speech and language session with teather

Counseling

Female High School student woring with a therapy dog during a counseling session

Reading Remediation

Male Middle School student working on reading remediation while sitting with a therapy dog

The Calais Method fosters a positive environment where students reap social-emotional and cognitive benefits, inside and outside of the classroom.