Assistance Dog Training

The Dogz 4 Life Assistance Dog Training pathway (D4LAD) is a tailored training program for you and your dog, as we believe the relationship forms the foundation of a great working team. Our experienced trainers will work with you to develop a specialised program of support. And, remember we’re not just trainers, we’re partners in your journey!

Dogz 4 Life Assistance Dog (D4LAD) Pathway

We understand that starting something new can be daunting so we have tried to make the Dogz 4 Life Assistance Dog (D4LAD) Pathway as fun and straightforward as possible to achieve. The Pathway has seven distinct, easy to follow steps to take you from the beginning of the journey to the final destination as a qualified, working Assistance Dog team!

Step 1 – Assess Eligibility

The Assistance Dog pathway at Dogz 4 Life starts with assessing eligibility. The eligibility form will take you through all you need to know about what you need to be eligible to enter the Assistance Dog training program. Filling out this form and sending it back to us will start the process for you.

Step 2 – Suitability Assessment

If you are eligible, the next step is to have a suitability assessment which will help us to determine if you and your dog are suitable for the program. This is an essential part of the process, takes one and a half hours and usually occurs in your home, in person or via zoom.

If you don’t already have your own dog and need help selecting an appropriate puppy we can assist through the Bonded Beginnings – puppy selection support program. A specialist Dogz 4 Life trainer can assist you in the selection of the appropriate puppy for your family or the specific role you have in mind for your furry friend. We will perform a comprehensive 1 ½ hour assessment of you and your proposed puppy to ensure they have the appropriate temperament, motivations and resilience to set them up for success in their chosen pathway. This service is available for D4LAP, D4LAD clients and pet dog handlers wanting to ensure a good match for their family.

Step 3 - Relational Awareness and Wisdom

At Dogz 4 Life we emphasise the importance of the relationship between you and your dog. The next step is a four-week, low cost Relational Awareness and Wisdom program designed to set you up for success! This also gives you the opportunity to decide if you would like to continue before committing to the full training program.

Steps 4 and 5 - Basic and Advanced Training

Once you have completed the entry level Relational Awareness and Wisdom training, your suitability assessment and committed to the program you will enter the Assistance Dog training pathway, D4LAD. This involves two distinct stages of training SIT and PATT

D4LAD Basic training – Situational Awareness, Interactions and Teamwork (SIT)

D4LAD Advanced training – Public Access, Assistance and Task Training (PATT)

Step 6 – Public Access Test

Your trainer will decide when you and your dog are ready to undergo the Public Access Test (PAT). Once you have completed all requirements you will be an official Dogz 4 Life Assistance Dog ‘D4LAD’ Team! You will then be given an official working jacket, ID and be eligible for ongoing support and advice from the organisation should you have any access issues.

Step 7 – Follow up and Re-testing

There are follow up support and annual re-testing requirements. Assistance dogs have public access rights that are regulated by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 – Federal Register of Legislation and the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009. You will need to comply with legislative requirements, animal welfare standards and any specific requirements set out by your organisation to maintain your status as a D4LAD working team.

Duration (average) 12-18 months

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