Wellness Wednesday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
Simple Grounding Techniques with Your Therapy Dog
Grounding Techniques with Your Therapy Dog
If anxiety or stress has been pulling you in every direction lately, you’re not alone—and you’re not without support. On this Wellness Wednesday, we’re sharing gentle, effective ways to stay present using something many of our AACI clients already love: grounding techniques with your therapy dog. 🐾
Therapy dogs like Sadie at Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana offer more than comfort—they’re partners in mindfulness, presence, and peace.
What Is Grounding and Why Does It Work?
Grounding is a mental health tool that helps pull your focus away from overwhelming thoughts and brings you back to the present moment.
Whether it’s touch, sound, movement, or breath, grounding techniques can:
Reduce racing thoughts
Decrease panic symptoms
Improve emotional regulation
Strengthen your connection to your body and surroundings
Research shows spending just a few minutes petting a dog can calm the nervous system—lowering stress hormones like cortisol and slowing heart rate
And guess what? Your dog can help with all of that.
Try These Grounding Techniques with Your Therapy Dog
Here are a few simple, calming activities to try this week:
🐶 1. 5-4-3-2-1 With a Pup Twist
This classic grounding technique asks you to name:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Now try it while petting your dog—notice the warmth of their fur, the sound of their breathing, or the weight of their body against yours.
🐾 2. Paw-to-Hand BreathingYour Heading Text Here
Place your hand gently on your dog’s back and match your breath to their rhythm. Count slowly: in for 4, out for 6. Let their calmness anchor you.
Want to learn more about animal therapy’s benefits? This article explains how animal-assisted therapy supports emotional regulation and overall well-being
🎾 3. Mindful Movement Together
Take a slow walk with your dog. Feel the ground under your feet. Notice the way your dog sniffs, listens, responds to the environment. Let it guide you back to the now.
Grounding at AACI with Our Therapy Dogs
At AACI, our therapy dogs play a powerful role in sessions. Her quiet presence helps clients slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves in moments of stress, sadness, or overwhelm.
If traditional talk therapy feels intimidating or too clinical, animal-assisted therapy can offer something softer—a sense of being seen and supported without pressure.
Pets also support routine, social interaction, and emotional resilience—helping individuals of all ages feel more connected and grounded
👉 Learn more about how pets boost your mental health.