Ted’s Space founder and presenter, Elizabeth, recently embarked on an extraordinary two-day professional training adventure with the remarkable Bex Tasker of Positively Together (www.positivelytogether.co.nz). Hosted at Bex’s farm, the training immersed Elizabeth in a vibrant world of animal behaviour, featuring an eclectic mix of horses, chickens, sheep, cockatiels, and the inimitable Awhi, the wonder dog. Together, they explored innovative training methods, focusing on consent, wellbeing, and interoceptive awareness. Through observing animal behaviours, analysing interactions, and trialing new ideas, Elizabeth gained insights into adapting activities for Ted’s Space kids, ensuring their diverse needs are met while fostering growth and connection. The experience emphasised reviewing and adjusting approaches to balance the wellbeing of both students and therapy dogs, particularly for those nervous around animals, and introduced games that challenge timing, body awareness, and breathing.
Elizabeth stepped out of her comfort zone, particularly when working with chickens, where she honed the precision of cues and embraced positive reinforcement—complete with plenty of giggles. This hands-on practice highlighted the importance of clear communication and the confusion that arises when cues falter, mirroring the challenges faced by many Ted’s Space learners. Elizabeth’s time with the chickens offered a humbling perspective on the nervousness, tunnel vision, and overwhelm that new learners often feel, prompting ideas and discussions for adjusting Ted’s Space programmes to better support students. The training also explored working with therapy dogs at a distance, ensuring safety and comfort for students while building confidence. A special highlight was working with Awhi, whose incredible patience shone as he helped test Movement Puzzles, engaging Elizabeth in a dance of communication, body movement, and timing. These puzzles, perfect for Ted’s Space kids, challenged both Elizabeth and Awhi to refine their coordination and connection, though Elizabeth quickly learned to stash the treats away—Awhi’s sneaky snack attacks were legendary when no one was watching! These observations are set to shape new activities that prioritise wellbeing and individualised learning experiences, creating a more inclusive environment for all.
A key takeaway was the concept of consent, vividly illustrated through interactions with animals like Ted’s Space therapy dogs, Willow and Daisy, and even a cockatiel named Ash. Elizabeth learned the significance of allowing animals to guide interactions, using the “Pat, Pet, Pause” technique to teach young learners not only dog safety but also the importance of respecting an animal’s choice to engage. Observing Ash communicate his desire for more scratches was astonishing, reinforcing that even the smallest creatures have the right to consent or withdraw from an activity. This powerful lesson underscored the value of co-communication, as animals like Willow, Daisy, and Ash teach students to watch for behavioural cues, fostering mutual respect and understanding that will shape Ted’s Space’s approach to animal-assisted learning.
A standout moment was Elizabeth’s work with Hokey the horse, where she learned to read subtle cues of relaxation and readiness, forging a deep bond through liberty work. Guiding Hokey to walk, stop, and reverse without halters or leads, Elizabeth experienced the power of mindful connection, underscoring how body and mind awareness influence interactions with both animals and humans. This reinforced the need for mindfulness, breathing, and intentional presence in Ted’s Space’s approach to teaching. The training days sparked a wealth of ideas, from games that enhance timing and engagement to activities that promote interoceptive awareness, all designed to enrich the Ted’s Space programme. This transformative experience will inspire new ways to connect, think, and grow, ensuring our students and therapy animals thrive together.
We’re thrilled to bring these insights back to Ted’s Space and trial new ideas with our beloved therapy dogs, Willow and Daisy. Armed with fresh observations, we’re eager to implement adjusted games and strategies that cater to Willow’s and Daisy's needs while supporting the diverse learning styles of our students. By continuing to prioritise positive reinforcement, consent, and wellbeing, we aim to create engaging, inclusive activities that foster connection and growth. This training has ignited a renewed passion for our learning journey, and we can’t wait to see how these adaptations enhance the Ted’s Space experience for both our students and our furry co-educators.
A massive thank you to Bex of Positively Together for sharing her time, wisdom, and a downright dazzling menagerie of marvellous creatures—from agility sheep that zip like woolly Olympians, performing chickens strutting their stuff, Awhi the Wonder Dog and Hokey the horse who taught us to move as one. Bex’s incredible knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm for supporting learners created a wondrous experiences, guiding us to unpack, analyse, and refine our approach. Her dedication to fostering connection and growth made this training unforgettable, and we’re endlessly grateful for her inspiring mentorship. An additional thank you to our grant provider Hutt Mana Trust to supporting us with this amazing training and growth opportunity.
