Welcome to Fetch Wellbeing
Fetch Wellbeing offers a unique programme for neurodivergent young people, and those with additional needs. We provide safe, positive dog interactions, with each session tailored to support personal development, sensory processing, and emotional wellbeing.
Service Overview
Fetch Wellbeing sessions offer a supportive and relaxed environment for young people. They can engage, observe, and interact with our friendly dogs in private dog park sessions or on guided walks.
Each interaction is carefully supervised by Ross, an experienced dog walker with years of experience supporting a neurodivergent young person with complex additional needs, ensuring the safety and welfare of both the young person and the dogs.​
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All services are offered with full insurance and an Enhanced DBS check for peace of mind.
Therapeutic Benefits
Our sessions help reduce anxiety and promote emotional regulation. The calming, unconditional presence of a dog creates a safe space for young people to build trust, helping them to feel both calm and energised.
Educational Support
​We use canine-assisted activities to help young people improve focus and develop communication skills. Our sessions are designed to be a supportive part of a young person's wider network of support. We work collaboratively with professionals to ensure our work contributes directly to educational objectives and EOTAS plans, making it a fun and interactive way to meet personal goals and engage with the world.
Confidence & Self-Esteem
We provide a safe and nurturing environment for young people to build confidence. By learning new skills with our dogs, they can discover a sense of accomplishment and self-worth that lasts long after the session.
Social & Emotional Skills
Our dogs are excellent partners for building emotional literacy. We help young people practice empathy, understand boundaries, and communicate more effectively in a supportive setting. We also understand the simple power of a casual chat. With a dog by our side, these sessions are a great opportunity to build confidence and develop rapport in a pressure-free environment.
Activities
Duration: Sessions are available for up to 55 minutes, with both individual and group options. Sessions can be extended if required. ​
Location: Pudsey, Leeds. Future sessions will be available in the Wharfedale Valley - more info to come.
Engaging in play
Games like throwing a ball or tug-of-war foster positive interaction. They can be as structured or relaxed as needed.
Behaviour & care
Understanding dog body language, responsible pet ownership, and the needs of an animal.
Obstacle courses
​Guiding the dog through a simple agility course enhances coordination and problem-solving. By giving clear commands and seeing the dog respond, young people gain a valuable sense of agency and control, a feeling that can be incredibly empowering.
​Training and command work
Practising basic obedience commands (sit, stay, paw) with the dog, promoting communication, focus, and a sense of accomplishment.
​Sensory input/exploration
​Experiencing different textures of the dog's fur, the warmth of their body, or the gentle vibrations of their breathing. This is particularly beneficial for sensory processing.
Interactive Story Creation
Developing and sharing simple narratives or stories with/about the dogs, fostering communication, imagination, and social-emotional understanding.
Comfort & Companionship
Our sessions provide a calming environment where young people can simply be with the dogs. Without pressure, they are free to interact and express themselves authentically, experiencing the comfort, reassurance, and happiness that our canine friends naturally provide.
Basic grooming
Brushing a dog's fur, offering gentle pats, or giving treats provides a calm, sensory experience. This simple act of care can help young people develop focus and a sense of responsibility. It also strengthens the bond with the dog in a gentle, low-pressure way.