Our Canine-Assisted Wellbeing Journey
Pause With Pause Wellbeing's journey began with a passion for canine-assisted wellbeing. With a focus on providing gentle moments of calm, connection, and emotional regulation, we aim to offer a safe and nurturing environment for both humans and dogs. Our dedication lies in creating meaningful experiences that promote the well-being of both canines and humans, ensuring a harmonious companionship every step of the way.
Mission
The Pause With Paws Promise
At Pause With Pause Wellbeing, our mission is to facilitate psychology-informed, non-clinical canine-assisted wellbeing visits, ensuring that each interaction fosters a deep connection and emotional support for individuals. We strive to create transformative experiences that promote emotional balance, resilience, and well-being for both humans and furry companions.
Through our commitment to canine-assisted well-being, we aim to enhance the lives of both canines and humans, fostering a positive and nurturing environment. Our mission is to spread joy, calm, and emotional well-being by offering gentle moments of connection and support, one paw at a time.
FAQ's
What exactly is a Pause With Paws session?
Pause With Paws sessions are non-clinical, psychology-informed canine-assisted wellbeing experiences.
They focus on emotional comfort, stress relief, and connection with calm, sociable small dogs. Interaction is always optional, gentle, and safe for both humans and dogs.
Who can take part?
Sessions can be tailored for:
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Care home residents
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Workplace teams
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School or college students
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Community groups or small social events
All interactions are voluntary, inclusive, and paced to suit each group.
Are these therapy dogs?
No - our dogs are not medical therapy dogs. They are carefully selected, sociable small dogs trained for calm, regulated interaction. We never claim to provide medical or clinical therapy.
How long is a session?
Session lengths are flexible:
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Short visits: 20–30 minutes
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Standard sessions: 45–60 minutes
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Longer group experiences: up to 90 minutes
We can adjust timing to meet your organisation’s needs.
Do we need special training to attend?
No special training is required.
We provide clear guidance and gentle facilitation so everyone can enjoy calm, safe interaction, whether they are dog lovers or meeting a dog for the first time.
What do we do during a session?
Interaction is optional and flexible:
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Sitting or observing the dogs
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Gentle stroking or petting
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Mindful presence and quiet companionship
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Reflection, journaling, or conversation if appropriate
The focus is on emotional calm, connection, and regulation, not performance.
Can sessions be repeated?
Yes! Many organisations schedule weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits.
Regular sessions help participants build routine, familiarity, and trust with the dogs.
How many dogs will there be?
We usually bring 4-6 dogs per session, depending on the group size and setting.
Dogs rotate and rest regularly to ensure welfare and calmness.
How do you protect the dogs welfare?
Dog welfare is central to everything we do:
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Calm, temperament-assessed small dogs only
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Regular rest breaks and rotation
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Optional interaction - dogs can step away at any time
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Safe, controlled environments for every session
Is it hygenic?
We take hygiene seriously:
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Dogs are clean, groomed, and healthy
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We provide handwashing guidance where appropriate
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We liaise with organisers to identify allergies or sensitivities before sessions
How do we book?
Simply get in touch via our contact form. We’ll discuss:
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Your group size
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Setting and location
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Timing and session length
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Any specific requirements or considerations
From there, we’ll create a tailored session plan to suit your group and environment.
What if a dog isn’t comfortable or a participant is nervous?
All interactions are voluntary.
Dogs may step away at any time, and participants can choose how much or little to engage.
Our trained facilitator ensures everyone feels safe, calm, and included.
About Me
Hi, I’m Charlotte, the person behind Pause With Paws.
I’m a psychology graduate with a lifelong passion for understanding emotional wellbeing and an equally deep love for animals. For me, these two worlds have never been separate.
My Background
I hold a BSc in Psychology and Counselling, alongside specialist diplomas in:
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Mindfulness
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Pet Loss Grief
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Human Grief and Bereavement
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Addiction Therapy
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Pain Management
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Canine Behaviour
And more.
My academic and professional journey has always centred on one core question:
How can we support emotional wellbeing in ways that feel safe, accessible, and genuinely human?
During my studies, my research explored how spending time with dogs can positively impact emotional wellbeing, supporting regulation, calm, and connection, particularly during periods of stress, grief, or transition.
Why Dogs?
I have always believed that animals, especially dogs, have a unique ability to meet people where they are.
Not to fix.
Not to diagnose.
But to offer presence, warmth, and grounding in moments when words are hard.
Before founding Pause With Paws, I worked with puppy socialisation sessions, supporting both dogs and humans to build confidence, calm interaction, and positive early experiences. This work deepened my understanding of dog behaviour, consent, and welfare, and reinforced the importance of slow, respectful interaction for both species.
Why Pause With Paws Exists
Pause With Paws was created to bridge the gap between:
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Clinical therapy (which isn’t always accessible or appropriate), and
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Surface-level wellbeing activities that lack depth or ethics.
This work is psychology-informed but non-clinical.
It is structured but gentle.
And it is always dog-led.
My aim is to create moments where people feel:
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Less overwhelmed
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More grounded
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Seen and soothed
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Able to pause, even briefly
Two Passions, One Purpose
My two greatest passions in life are psychology and animals.
Pause With Paws is where those passions meet - creating gentle, meaningful experiences that support emotional wellbeing without pressure, labels, or overwhelm.
Sometimes the most powerful support begins with slowing down and sharing a quiet moment with a dog.