Event: Skills in Action – Dog Centered Training for Meaningful Client Outcomes

Date: 6 November 2025

Time: 5 PM Central European Time (CET) | 11 AM Eastern Standard Time (USA) 

Description:

This session will explore the multifaceted role of dogs within AASI, focusing on how their contributions vary depending on the field, setting, and population served. We will discuss:

• Expectations and Selection Criteria: What we look for when selecting dogs for AASI work.
• The Human-Canine Bond: Emphasizing the importance of a strong, daily-nurtured relationship between handler and dog as the foundation for effective AAS.
• Skill Development – Key competencies to nurture, including:
  • Habituation to diverse equipment and environments
  • Effective communication 
  • Confidence 
  • Responsiveness to subtle cues
  • Agency and expression
  • Gentle client interactions

This forum aims to provide a thoughtful space to reflect on best practices and share insights into building meaningful partnerships with our canine colleagues.

Speaker Bios: 

Natashya Sheppard is a qualified canine behaviourist and trainer. She is a community dog handler for Dogs for Good. She is currently working to make positive changes on the Dementia Dog Project.

Mercedes Iacoviello has been an AASI Associate Member since 2018. Her day job/experience includes: Canine Assisted Interventions Specialist (IHAC Denver), Leader of Proyecto Salta Violeta since 2006, an AAS team that offers educational programs on responsible animal care, bite prevention, and animal well being. She has been a Pet Partners international evaluator since 2018, and developed a local volunteering program in Argentina. She is also a senior researcher and university professor in public management.