Power of the Pack - Teen Therapy Dog Group
A Therapy Dog Group for Teens Ages 13-17
Support. Connection. Coping skills. And the healing presence of therapy dogs.
Co-led by Full Vida Therapy and The Good Shepards, this group is designed for teens navigating anxiety, academic pressure, sports commitments, or big life transitions. Each session blends the calming presence of trained therapy dogs with guided therapeutic activities — all in a safe, empowering space where teens can reconnect and grow.
Fall 2025 group forming now. Join the waitlist to reserve your spot.
About the Group
Power of the Pack is a unique therapy group co-led by Full Vida Therapy and The Good Shepards. Designed for teens navigating academic pressure, sports commitments, anxiety, major life transitions, or feelings of isolation, this group offers a safe place to reconnect, decompress, and grow.
Through the calming presence of certified therapy dogs and clinically guided group sessions, Power of the Pack helps teens reduce stress, build resilience, and strengthen emotional wellness — all while connecting with peers who understand the pressures they face. Whether your teen is feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or simply craving connection, they’ll be welcomed with compassion and support — no judgment, just care.
What to Expect
Weekly in-person sessions held at The Good Shepards Foundation’s secure training facility in Yorba Linda, California
Groups typically meet outdoors in a private, enclosed yard. Indoor space is available in case of poor weather or for smaller groups.Co-led by a licensed therapist and certified therapy dog team
Coping tools to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
Peer support in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment
Interactive activities that promote confidence, self-awareness, and emotional resilience
Why Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs offer more than comfort — they help create a safe, grounding presence that supports emotional healing.
Studies show that spending time with therapy dogs can:
Lower stress and anxiety levels
Regulate heart rate and cortisol (stress hormone)
Improve mood and emotional regulation
Increase connection and feelings of safety in social environments
In Power of the Pack, therapy dogs play a key role in helping teens open up, stay regulated, and feel supported — especially when talking about difficult emotions. They offer a sense of calm, nonjudgmental companionship that makes therapeutic work feel more approachable.
“Sometimes the dog is the reason a teen shows up. And once they feel safe, the healing begins.”
All therapy dogs in this group are handled by certified professionals through The Good Shepards and are trained to work in therapeutic settings with youth.
FAQs
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The cost of the full program will be shared prior to enrollment. We aim to keep the group accessible and offer a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need.
Fees typically range from $50–$85 per session, or a flat rate for the full series.
Once you're on the waitlist, you’ll receive full pricing details and priority access when registration opens. -
Sessions are held in person at The Good Shepards Foundation’s secure training facility in Yorba Linda, California. Most groups take place outdoors in a fully enclosed yard. Smaller sessions may be held indoors if needed due to weather.
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The next group begins Fall 2025. It will run for 8 weeks, with weekly 60–90 minute sessions. More details will be sent to those on the waitlist.
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Yes. All therapy dogs in the group are certified and handled by trained professionals from The Good Shepards. They’re experienced in working with youth and carefully selected for temperament and safety.
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Power of the Pack is a great fit for teens ages 13–17 who are navigating stress, anxiety, academic pressure, perfectionism, or feelings of isolation. It’s especially helpful for teens who would benefit from emotional support, peer connection, and the calming presence of therapy dogs in a structured, supportive setting.
Before joining, every teen will complete a brief screening to determine if the group is the right fit for their current needs. In some cases, we may recommend individual therapy first to ensure they feel safe and supported before transitioning into a group setting.
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This is a teen-only group to support open sharing and independence. However, parents are included in the intake process and will receive check-in updates as needed.
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You’ll be the first to receive full program details, dates, pricing, and next steps. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions or schedule a brief call before registering.
Meet The Pack
Theodore “Teddy” Shepard
Teddy is the poster pup for The Good Shepard Foundation! He became a Certified Therapy Dog through Pet Partners in 2023 and has experience providing comfort and connection in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Illinois. Teddy always wants to be part of the conversation, belly rubs are non-negotiable, and his favorite snack? Lizard tails—medium rare, of course.
Breed: Imperial Shih Tzu
Gender: Male
Birthday: September 19, 2019
Wally Wright
Wally’s soft coat, squishy face, and total disregard for personal space make him impossible not to love. He tolerates endless face squishes from humans and has a full-blown obsession with bicycles. While he’s got bursts of energy, Wally also knows the joy of taking it slow—especially if belly rubs are involved. He’s always ready to show off his tricks (for treats, of course) and brings a whole lot of goofy charm to the pack.
Breed: English Bulldog
Gender: Male
Birthday: January 18, 2022
Russel “Rudy” Shepard
Don’t let his size fool you—Rudy is a gentle giant at heart. As a masterful pack leader with The Good Shepards, Inc., he leads group walks with calm confidence and playful charm. Rudy enjoys playing with cats, frolicking with other dogs, sneaking treats, and indulging in long ear scratches. He’s the kind of pup who brings joy to everyone he meets—and yes, his face really will melt your heart.
Breed: Pug/Jack Russel Mix
Gender: Male
Birthday: February 3, 2017
Nugget Patel
Meet Nugget—a cheese connoisseur with a soft spot for English cheddar and a sweet spot for his girlfriend, Sage. The moment someone says “let’s go,” Nugget’s already at the door, ready for a ride. He lives for car trips, sneaky couch naps when no one’s looking, and Fridays—because that’s when his favorite humans take him to hang out with his friends at The Good Shepards. Loyal, loving, and a little mischievous, Nugget is pure joy on four paws.
Breed: German Shepherd & American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
Gender: Male
Birthday: June 3, 2018
Benson Shepard
Meet Benson—the pup who’s always dressed for business, thanks to his perfectly serious eyebrows. Don’t be fooled though—when it’s time to play, he’s leaping from coffee tables to couches like a pro. Benson’s favorite snack is popcorn, his favorite person is Teddy, and he refuses to go to bed without being tucked in wearing his favorite bathrobe. A little bit fancy, a whole lot lovable.
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Gender: Male
Birthday: September 9, 2019
Parker Lyn Dahlman
Parker Lyn is a sassy Gemini with a love for treats, luxury accessories, and spontaneous pool dives. Born in June, she’s got just the right mix of spunk and snuggle. Her favorite foods are eggs and cheese, and she never says no to a stuffed animal (or five). Parker Lyn is happiest when she’s swimming, snuggling, or sleeping upside down with her legs in the air—because style and comfort can absolutely coexist.
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Gender: Female
Birthday: June 6, 2021
Willie Smith
Willie is a fun-loving, adventurous boy with big dreams of finally catching a bird, rabbit, or squirrel in the yard—no luck yet, but his optimism never wavers. His favorite thing in the world is his brother Elvis, and nothing makes him happier than a good post-meal wrestling match or a spontaneous snuggle when he wants attention. Willie brings joy, laughter, and a whole lot of love wherever he goes.
Breed: English Cream Retriever
Gender: Male
Birthday: October 19, 2020
Elvis Smith
Elvis is a kind, obedient guy with a determined mind and a heart of gold. Whether he’s proudly chewing on a tennis ball or gently nudging his humans for head rubs (sometimes using his own paw to make it clear), Elvis knows exactly what he wants. He and his brother Willie are the ultimate wrestling duo—competing for attention, dominance, and the last cuddle of the day. In his mind, he’s the king—and honestly, we don’t disagree.
Breed: English Cream Retriever
Gender: Male
Birthday: October 19, 2020