Owner trained assistance dogs have the exact same rights in the UK as those trained by other organisations as long as the owner has the need for them and is considered disabled under the definition in the 2010 equalities act. www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

 

Training an assistance dog requires the highest standards and can be a long commitment as they normally takes at least a year to fully train. The training covers puppy, basic, and advanced obedience as well as the specialised training for emotional support, skilled assistance, and public access. Desensitisation and socialisation will be a big part of the training in order to get the dog used to the sort of situations and environment that they will be working in. The training is done on a 1 to 1 basis with each session being a maximum of 1 hour depending on the dog.

 

Pricing will depend on how regular the sessions are needed.

- One offs: £20 per session

- 1 session per month: £16 per session

- 1 session per week: £12 per session

 

Eligibility

 - To train all the way up to public access you must provide proof from a medical professional that states the need for the dog and that the condition constitutes a disability.

- If the condition does not class as a disability, the dog can still be trained in emotional support and skilled assistance but will not be trained in public access.

- If you wish to train a your dog in skilled assistance or emotional support but do not have a diagnosed health issue that a dog could help mitigate, please use the '1 to 1 General Obedience' service.

- You must provide evidence from a vet that the dog is in good health and able to carry out the required work.

 

The first session will be an initial assessment to see what level of training the dog is at, to make a training plan, and to check for suitability. If you are unable to carry on due to the dogs suitability, you will be offered a refund minus £5 for the initial assessment.

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Please ask for help and advice on finding a suitable dog if you have not yet got one.