Assistance Dog Programme
Specialist training that changes lives
Led by our Head Trainer Siobhan, a DTC Assistance Dog Specialist & Assessor, we run one of very few owner-trained assistance dog programmes in the county.
Owner-trained assistance dogs
Building partnerships that matter
We help owners train their own assistance dogs through a structured, kind, games-based programme - building the calm temperament, focus and reliable skills a working partnership needs. Siobhan works across the UK as a specialist trainer for owner-trained assistance and therapy dogs.
Alongside all the basic and advanced skills, every programme builds bespoke mitigating tasks that mirror the handler's needs - recent teams have trained tasks like interrupting scratching, responding to hyperventilation and crowd control - all working towards the Public Access Test and full certification.
What makes our programme different? It was created by trainers who have assistance dogs themselves. We don't just teach it - we live it. For neurodivergent handlers especially, the right dog offers consistency, grounding, emotional regulation and a reassuring presence when the world feels overwhelming.
- Welfare-first & ethical - your dog's happiness always comes first
- Individualised to your needs, routines & sensory considerations
- Proven success with real, certified assistance teams
- Bespoke mitigating tasks & Public Access Test preparation
- Accessible & affordable, with ongoing guidance - you're never left on your own
What's included
Inside an assistance programme
- Weekly or fortnightly 1:1 sessions
- Socialisation with our demo dogs
- Real-life training & proofing
- Custom training plan & trackers
- Video feedback on your training
- Assistance dog manual & downloadables
- Award scheme & progress reports
- Guidance & support throughout
Some of our programme dogs
Real teams, real results
Assistance dog success stories
Just a few of the partnerships we've celebrated recently - as shared with our Facebook community.
Toffee passed every single element of her Public Access Test - plus all three of her bespoke mitigating tasks: interrupting scratching, a hyperventilating response and crowd control. Not one fail. She's now a fully certified and accredited PFA Assistance Dog.
Tucker is already an accredited therapy dog supporting countless school children - and is now training for one of the most meaningful roles of his life: assistance dog to one of his own young family members.
We never imagined our dog could support our child in this way. The understanding, patience and support we've received has made such a difference to our family.
Think an assistance dog could help?
Tell us about your dog and what you'd like to work on, and we'll be in touch to talk through the right path for you and your dog.