Who is able to apply for Assistance Dog Training?
The core value of all our behavioural services is to build and strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans. This principle is highlighted when we prepare the dog for assistance work. When the human is facing special needs and challenges the presence of a dog can provide an amazing therapy for the human.
The goal of Assistance Dog Training is to prepare your dog to undertake a Public Access Test so that they can accompany their human to places where dogs are normally not allowed and provide them with the necessary support that human needs.
Prerequisites:
People seeking this form of training require a letter from a specialist who can vouch for their special needs.
Such specialists may include a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, behavioural specialist or equivalent.
The dog will need to be of sound temperament and at an age appropriate for training.
The dog will be required to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place.
Applicants need to understand that the training period for each dog is an individual journey. Some dogs may be ready for their PAT test after six months; for others they may take twelve to eighteen months to be test-ready.
Maintenance:
The PAT attainment certificate from Dr Kathy will be valid for 18 months. To keep your certificate current,
you will need a skills review with Dr Kathy every 18 months.
The Process:
Step 1:
You and your dog will attend an initial assessment and goal-setting session with us. There we will look at the dog’s ability to settle and cope with the distractions of a new environment. The outcome of this session will vary depending on the needs of the person and the abilities of the dog. Possible progress from this session may be
a) Participation in private sessions, to create some necessary foundation skills or
b) Participation in a small group class.
Step 2:
In most cases we recommend you enrol in one round of a 6-week small group class, known as a “Good Manners” class. Your participation in this class allows us to work with you and your dog, getting to know you better and enabling us to see how your dog copes with distractions and impulse control. From this class we can direct you with specific practices that your dog will need for the specialised role for which they are training.
Step 3:
We begin a series of individual lessons in a wide variety of public environments. The number and duration of these lessons will vary according to the needs and progress of the dog. It is essential too that the human be confident in all aspects of handling the dog in these environments. During this time, we will follow specific guidelines which align with the government principles for Assistance Animal Training as per the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Step 4:
We will refer you to our Behavioural Vet, Dr Kathy Cornack who will administer the Public Access Test. This will be a 90-minute assessment which will include a health check of the dog and a practical assessment of the appropriateness of the dog in a variety of public locations.
Upon successful completion of the Public Access Test Dr Kathy will provide a written report and letter of authority to carry with you when you are out with your dog.
Contact Us
You can contact us on 0459 574 428 Monday to Friday during business hours or you can leave a message at any time. It is our goal to return your call within 24 hours. We are also happy to talk to you via our Facebook page.
You can also send us an email, using the contact form below. If you would like us to call you, please remember to include your telephone number in the message.