Sovatraining

SOVA Training is a dog-assisted training service in Geesteren, led by Karina Leus. Drawing on her higher professional education in social pedagogical care, TOP Dog qualification and registration with SKJ, Karina brings extensive experience in youth care to her work with children and young people. The programme uses practical activities with dogs to help participants explore their own behaviour and develop skills they can apply in relationships with others.

Rather than focusing on lengthy discussions, sessions encourage participants to learn by doing and building positive experiences alongside a dog. Dogs respond to body language, tone of voice and personal presence without judging, offering immediate feedback that can help participants recognise how their signals come across. The training consists of 12 meetings, with the format tailored together to suit each participant.

Karina works with Max, a trained small dog who is qualified to work with young people, and Pip, a Labrador–doodle cross who is still learning.