When you decide to purchase a puppy or adopt a rescue dog, with the intention of him or her becoming an Assistance Dog, please contact me as soon as you can, as I am willing to come with you (distance permitting) or just advise you on the characteristics to look for. Ensure that you visit your potential puppy or dog at least twice before committing to them.
Assistance Dog training can start as soon as you bring your puppy home, with positive socialisation sessions and basic training with 1-1 sessions, then on to group classes, Beginners and Intermediate. By the time your dog or puppy has completed these training milestones they should be ready for more specific training . Please ensure that you read all the sections carefully, so that you are aware of what the Assistance Dog Training requires from you as well as your dog.
FOR THE OWNER Have a disability as defined by the Definition of Disability under the UK Equality Act 2011 "A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities" The legal guardian of the dog is 18 years of age or older Able to participate in training lessons over an extended period of time. The initial training can take a year, two or even longer. Able to commit time to practicing with your dog regularly between appointments. Aware that you may end up with a dog that can only help at home or in places pets are allowed. Up to 50% of service dog candidates in programmes are not able to complete training and work in places pets are not permitted. Willing to wait until I evaluate your dog's suitability and help you to train your dog foundation skills before putting Assistance Dog identification on your dog and before taking your dog to places pets are not permitted. Have support from your licensed Healthcare provider for use of an Assistance Dog FOR THE DOG No history of aggression towards dogs, people or other animals. Easily trained. A breed or mix likely to have characteristics suitable for Assistance work such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles and other such breeds that are more likely to exhibit characteristics suitable for Assistance work than others. No history or any serious behaviour problems like fear or separation anxiety. Under age 4 and physically healthy
This will begin with a 45 minute virtual appointment. This is where I will answer your questions, gather information about your dog and your needs, give you important information about service dog training as well as training recommendations to get started. Cost £40 If you would like to book, please please copy and past the link below into your browser and click on Appointments. http://adogsbestfriend.kibook.co.uk
I will conduct a 1 hour evaluation of your dog. This is when I will look at how your dog responds to some minor stressors in a new situation, to see if it is appropriate to begin training him or her for assistance work. The location will be somewhere mutually agreed. Cost £65 If you would like to book, please please copy and past the link below into your browser and click on Appointments. http://adogsbestfriend.kibook.co.uk
Training for service work starts if your dog is suitable. This process usually takes 1 - 2 years but can take less or more time. The process may include virtual and in person appointments, day training, private 1-1 training sessions (and Board & Train as an additional option). Each Assistance Dog's training is specific to the person the dog is assisting and therefore training durations, options and cost will vary. Packages will be put together as per the requirements. Cost £ See hourly & package rates If you would like to book, please please copy and past the link below into your browser and click on Appointments. http://adogsbestfriend.kibook.co.uk
Follow-up support to help maintain your dog's training throughout your Assistance Dog's working career. Cost £ See hourly & package rates If you would like to book, please please copy and past the link below into your browser and click on Appointments. http://adogsbestfriend.kibook.co.uk
Your Essentials Pack will include: Lever Arch File with contract, help sheets, PAT test sheet etc Assistance Dog In Training Jacket with relevant badges sewn on Assistance Dog In Training ID card with dogs name, Assistance Dog In Training ID card with your name & number Lanyard with Card Holder In Training Lead Clicker The cost for this is £85
If you would like to book any of the services offered, please copy and past the link below into your browser and click on Appointments. If you need a different time to those offered let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your requests. http://adogsbestfriend.kibook.co.uk