Building Confidence Around Dogs
Not everyone feels completely comfortable around dogs and that's perfectly okay. Whether you've had very little experience with dogs, had an unpleasant encounter in the past, or simply want to feel more relaxed and confident around them, Wingoo provides calm, supportive experiences that move at your pace.
Our Confidence & Comfort sessions are designed to help you understand dog behaviour, build familiarity and develop confidence through gentle, positive experiences with Goose and Winnie. There is no pressure to touch, interact or progress more quickly than feels comfortable for you.
As a Kids Around Dogs (KAD) Approved Professional, I promote safe, respectful interactions between people and dogs, helping you build confidence through understanding rather than pressure.
Choose the Experience That's Right for You
Confidence Around Dogs Introduction
A gentle first step for children, teenagers or adults who would like to feel more comfortable around dogs.
This introductory session gives us the opportunity to get to know you, understand your experiences and discuss what you would like to achieve. Together, we'll begin building confidence at a pace that feels right for you, with no pressure to interact with Winnie or Goose before you're ready.
The introduction may include:
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Getting to know you and your experiences around dogs
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Talking about your goals and concerns
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Learning simple dog body language
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Calm observation of Winnie or Goose, where appropriate
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Discussing the most suitable next steps
30-minute introductory session
Confidence Around Dogs Sessions
Following your introductory session, a personalised programme of confidence-building sessions can be created if appropriate.
Each session is individually planned around the person, their experiences, their goals and their progress. There is no fixed programme because everyone builds confidence differently.
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The programme may include:
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Understanding dog body language
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Building confidence through gentle, positive experiences
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Practical strategies for everyday situations
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Gradual progression at a pace that feels comfortable
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Sessions with Winnie, Goose, or without a dog where appropriate
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Regular review to ensure each session continues to meet the individual's needs
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Every session is carefully planned with the wellbeing of both people and dogs in mind. There is never any pressure to progress more quickly than feels comfortable.
Sessions are typically 30–45 minutes, depending on the individual's age, confidence level and what is most appropriate for them on the day
Important Information: These experiences are educational and confidence-building, not therapy or healthcare. Wingoo does not diagnose or treat phobias or medical conditions.
A Controlled, Calm Environment
SAFETY & WELFARE FIRST
Built on Trust
We read every tail wag and ear position. Our sessions are paced to ensure you feel empowered and Winnie and Goose stay happy, relaxed, and ready for connection.
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Following your introductory session, additional confidence-building sessions can be planned if appropriate.
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Every programme is individually designed around the person rather than following a fixed number of sessions. Some people may only need one or two visits, while others may benefit from longer-term support. Together, we'll agree the pace and focus that feels right for you.
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Sessions may include:
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Building confidence through gradual, positive experiences
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Understanding dog body language
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Developing practical strategies for everyday situations
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Progressing at a pace that feels comfortable
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Personalised activities based on individual goals
Confidence & Comfort Programme
Supervision Requirements
For the safety, wellbeing and comfort of everyone involved, a member of the host organisation or accompanying adult must remain present and responsible for participants throughout the visit.
Wingoo visits are delivered as supported activities and are not intended to replace supervision, safeguarding, care, teaching, therapeutic, medical or support responsibilitiesWingoo handlers and dogs are never left alone with participants, pupils, residents, clients or members of the public. Responsibility for safeguarding, behaviour management, medical needs and participant welfare remains with the host organisation or accompanying adult at all times.
Important Information
Wingoo Confidence & Comfort experiences are educational and confidence-building in nature. They are designed to help people develop understanding, familiarity and confidence around dogs through calm, positive experiences.
They are not therapy, counselling, psychological services, behavioural treatment, healthcare, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, childcare or education services.
Where a participant is working towards therapeutic, educational or clinical goals, responsibility for those outcomes remains with the relevant professional or organisation.
How to Book
Every Confidence & Comfort experience is tailored to the individual, so the first step is simply getting in touch.
Click the Book a Confidence & Comfort Session button and tell us a little about how we can help. You may wish to let us know:
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Whether the experience is for an adult, child or family
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What you would like to feel more confident about
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Any previous experiences around dogs that you would like us to be aware of
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Any questions you may have before booking
Once we receive your enquiry, we'll contact you to discuss your goals, answer any questions and arrange the most suitable introductory session.
There is no obligation to book following your enquiry. We look forward to hearing from you.
You can also reach us via the QR code on Instagram if that’s easier.
