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Assistance Dog Training Program (conditions apply)

Our training focuses not only on obedience but also the development of the bond and understanding between you the owner and your dog, in order for the dog to do what their owner needs.

We teach you how to train your dog to do the tasks they need you to do and work through distraction, while remaining attentive and responsive.   This is done through positive reinforcement (praise and treats) and balanced reinforcement (positive leadership of the dog by using the tone of your voice to communicate and correct the behaviour if not what you want.

The trust and understanding that results from the close relationship between you and your dog creates a good quality of life for both you and your dog.

Our Assistance Dogs are working dogs.   They are trained to help people who are living with mental health issues, Austism and physical disabilities, to do everyday activities and taksks.

This enables owners to be more independant and have a better life.

Some of the tasks we teach the owner and their dog to perform are :

  1. Helping people to balance themselves when walking or if they have a fll to get back up
  2. Turn on lights
  3. Open and close doors, drawers or fridge, etc.
  4. Push the pedestrian button at street crossings
  5. Find and pick up items, such as mobile phone or keys
  6. Alert their owner to seisures or other miedical conditions, before or while they happen
  7. Stop self harming behaviours
  8. Help their owner feel safe – block/cover in a crowded event or at ATM
  9. Wake owner up when have a nightmare (or night terrors).

The above behaviours reduce the need for carers, the owner has greater freedom and self-confidence.

They are a constant emotional support and companion.

When

Every Wednesday at the Melton Girl Guides, 1 Pinkerton Street, Melton.

Enrolling in the Assistance Dog Training Program

  • Owner must have own dog.
  • Dog must be at least 5 months of age and under 7 years to participate in the program
  • All dogs must complete the 10 Week Basic Class
  • Owner and dog must pass the assessment by the Instructor week 8 of the Basic Class
  • Owner must attend a minimum of 8 weeks in the Basic Class

A home visit will be arranged prior to attending the Assistance Program.   This is to ensure the dog has the right environment.

Dogs must not exhibit any of the following :

  • Boisterous behaviour
  • Hackles-up
  • Growling
  • Showing Teeth
  • Lunging
  • Biting
  • Inappropriate elimination

If your dog exhibits any one of the above behaviours you will not be accepted into the program.

Training Levels

Level 1 – 10 Week Basic Class

Level 2 – Work towards getting Assistance Training Jacket with “L” (Learners) on it

Level 3 – Work towards getting the Full Assistance Jacket and ID Card

Level 4 – Continue training to maintain high standard

Once you are accepted for the Assistance Dog Training Programming you will learn the following:

  • blocking
  • covering,
  • rest
  • and a lot more.

Included in this program will be outings to Shopping Centres, cafes, Supermarkets, Cinema’s and other venues that you will need to be assessed for the Public Access Test (PAT).