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Flow's story

Flow was created with the idea of assisting and guiding people through the principles of (systemic) coaching by using (wolf)dogs as co-coaches. Almost literally looking through the eyes of the pack applying its knowledge in people's lives; that natural instinct of life that asks for movement, for a flow.

Hi! My name is Tahira Tarquini

I am half Italian, half Brazilian and live in The Netherlands since 2014 (yes, I also speak Dutch).

This is my Flow journey with my furry and feathered colleagues. 

 

When I introduced my wolfdog Kira to my work organizing youth exchanges, I noticed how she helped shy youngsters open up and connect with others. This experience showed me how powerful animals can be in creating bonds and improving communication. 

 

With a background in Equine Business and Positive Psychology, I’ve applied coaching and communication techniques in my work with diverse groups. My journey in Animal Assisted Services (AAS) began in 2017 with a Dog Assisted Coaching course, and since then, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge in animal behavior, training, and AAS.

Tahira Tarquini
Wolfdog Kira.jpg

In 2019, I encountered the PADA (Personality Assessment for Domestic Animals) test with Kira, and she passed it, along with other tests, showcasing her brilliance. At the AAS camp in Poland, I learned about the vast possibilities of AAS beyond dogs, and passing the test made me proud. However, it also highlighted that my other dog, Charu, wasn’t suited for this work. Letting go of my expectations and focusing on what made Charu happy led to his thriving and brought peace to both of us.

 

This experience deepened my understanding of the impact of tests on animals and motivated me to get involved with PADA, first as a team member, and later as an evaluator. I also tested my chicken, Rosina, and cat, Shani, with PADA, keeping an open mind and focusing on their true characteristics. Both were recommended for further training in AAS.

 

Kira is now retired, and currently I am training my Bengal cat Sitaare (Siri) to be her "successor".

Education

2014-2024

Courses I followed

  • Bachelor Animal Husbandry, Equine Business and Economics, Van Hall Larenstein University

  • Bachelor Positive Psychology, Hanze University

  • Certified course of Dog Assisted Coaching at Pets4Care

  • Cynological Instructor's course at Happy Tails

  • Course for Pet Therapy at Happy Tails

  • Training regarding preparation of human dog teams in dog assisted intervention and therapy (Poland, subsidised by Erasmus+)

  • Wind Opleiding: Horse Assisted Systemic Coaching at Wind Organisatieontwikkeling 

  • PADA course for technician and leader  at ICofA

  • PADA course for Evaluator (for cats and dogs) at ICofA

  • Do As I Do with cats

  • Cats in AAS at ICofA

  • Psychosocial service dogs at Hondwikkeling​

Currently

Courses I am following

  • Feline Behaviourist at Edupet

PADA tested stamp

Professionally tested

At Flow, all animals inserted in Animal Assisted Services (AAS) undergo PADA testing. Regardless of the outcome, I prioritize responsible screening. If an animal is not recommended, I stand by the decision for professional evaluation either way. 

How it all started...

by combining my work with groups of youngsters/young adults (15-30 years old) and my first dog Kira, I discovered Dog Assisted Coaching, and from there I learned to combine my lessons with animals in developing people's skills. 

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