ON POINT
Training and Behaviour
Assistance dog training
Charity trained assistance dogs
I am a volunteer assistance dog trainer with the ADUK candidacy program RAD Assistance Dogs, where I offer 1-2-1 training, public access tests, and behavioural support.
RAD specialises in training assistance dogs for mental health disabilities and neurodivergence. Applications open a few times a year, but like most charities, there is a bit of a waitlist.
If you are interested in joining RAD, you can find more information here on their website.
Owner Training Services
I offer training through the ADUK candidacy charity RAD assistance dogs, but I understand that long waitlists and strict entry criteria can mean that joining an organisation isn't always accessible. So, I also offer training and public access tests for privately trained dogs.
With several years of experience training assistance dogs for a variety of disabilities, I offer a variety of assistance dog training services including:
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1-2-1 assistance dog training sessions for owner-trained dogs
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Independent public access tests to ADI / IAADP standards
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Temperament testing of puppies and prospects
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Behavioural assessments
All of our services are neurodivergent friendly, and all accommodations will be made to ensure that disability is not a barrier to accessing training.
1-2-1 Training
1-2-1 training sessions are ideal for individuals who are training their own assistance dog independently and need a bit of extra help or just want to ensure that they are on the right track.
In these sessions, we can work on task training, basic and advanced obedience, and public access training.
Please note, I do not currently offer guide work training for the visually impaired. All assistance dog training is subject to your dog having a suitable temperament for the work, and the physical capabilities of performing the necessary tasks. For any weight-bearing mobility tasks, veterinary approval and hip/elbow scores will be required.
Prices for 1-2-1 sessions:
£30 for 1 hour
£80 for 3 x 1 hour sessions
£160 for 6 x 1 hour sessions
Public access tests
Independent public access tests are offered to those who have trained their assistance dog to a high standard and would like proof of their level of training. This is available to independently trained dogs, dogs who have previously trained with me, and dogs associated with organisations with permission from your organisation. Public access tests are not required by law, but provide evidence of your dog's training that may aid in accessing education, work, and air travel.
Dogs are assessed to the standard of the ADI public access test, but please note passing this test does not mean your dog is ADI accredited. Dogs must be at least 18 months old to be assessed, with the exception of toy breeds where they must be 12 months.
The price of a public access test is £40.
This includes a 1-1.5 hour test; a certificate if your dog passes; and support if proof of your dog's training standard is needed.
Temperament assessments
Puppy assessments are suitable for puppies between the ages of 6 weeks and 3 months old. They are not a guarantee that a puppy will become an assistance dog, but provide an insight into the puppy's potential. This service is aimed at those who have yet to choose their puppy, and would like an unbiased third party opinion of which puppy is most likely to succeed.
Temperament assessments are for dogs 6 months and up, to assess the suitability of the dog to be trained as an assistance dog. This is ideal for individuals who already have a pet dog but aren't sure of their suitability, assistance dogs/dogs in training that have had a negative incident and the handler is unsure if they are still suitable for the role, or handlers looking at acquiring a pre-trained or rescue dog.
The price of these services starts from £25, but depends on a number of factors.