ASSISTANCE
Dog Training

Assistance dogs and therapy dogs serve different purposes, each offering support in their own way. While both provide comfort and companionship, their training, roles, and legal rights differ significantly.

An assistance dog is specially trained to perform tasks that help individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives. These dogs support their handlers by guiding those with visual impairments, alerting deaf individuals to important sounds, assisting with mobility tasks, or even detecting medical conditions such as seizures or low blood sugar. In the UK, assistance dogs are granted full public access rights under the Equality Act 2010, meaning they can accompany their handlers into shops, restaurants, public transport, and other spaces where pets are typically not allowed.

A therapy dog, on the other hand, is not trained to assist with a specific disability but instead provides emotional support and comfort to people in various settings. These dogs often visit hospitals, schools, care homes, and other institutions to help reduce stress and improve well-being. Unlike assistance dogs, therapy dogs do not have automatic public access rights and are only permitted in specific places through invitations or therapy programmes.

The key distinction between the two lies in their purpose. Assistance dogs are individually trained to help their handler with daily tasks, improving their independence and quality of life. Therapy dogs are typically family pets that undergo basic obedience and temperament training to provide emotional benefits to a wide range of people. While both play valuable roles, assistance dogs have a legal status that allows them to support their owners in all areas of life, whereas therapy dogs offer comfort in controlled environments but do not have the same rights or responsibilities.

The time required to train a service dog depends on the tasks they need to learn, the dog’s temperament, and the training programme used. On average, it takes between 18 months and two years to fully train a service dog to perform their duties reliably in different environments. Basic obedience and socialisation are typically completed within the first six months, followed by advanced task training tailored to the handler’s needs.

Some dogs may progress faster, while others require additional time to refine their skills and adapt to real-world scenarios. Training must be consistent, thorough, and reinforced regularly to ensure the dog remains reliable in assisting their handler. While shorter programmes exist, a well-trained service dog undergoes extensive preparation to ensure they can handle distractions, work under pressure, and meet the needs of their owner in all situations.

While many breeds can be trained as assistance dogs, not all are well-suited for the role. The ideal assistance dog has the right temperament, intelligence, and physical ability to perform the necessary tasks. Common breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels, as they are highly trainable, friendly, and adaptable to various environments.

Smaller breeds can sometimes be trained for specific tasks, such as medical alert work or psychiatric assistance, but they may lack the physical strength needed for mobility support. Working breeds with high energy levels or strong guarding instincts can also struggle with the calm, controlled behaviour required in public spaces. The most important factors are a dog’s willingness to learn, ability to remain focused, and temperament that allows them to work confidently and reliably alongside their handler.

In the UK, assistance dog handlers are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which grants them the right to access public spaces with their trained dog. This means assistance dogs must be allowed in shops, restaurants, public transport, hotels, and most other public venues where dogs are usually restricted. Denying entry to an assistance dog is considered discrimination under the law.

Handlers are not required to show identification or certification for their assistance dog, though many choose to carry documentation from recognised training organisations to help educate businesses and the public. Assistance dogs must be well-behaved, under control at all times, and trained to perform tasks that aid their handler’s disability. Employers, landlords, and service providers must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate assistance dogs, ensuring handlers can access the same opportunities as everyone else.

In the past, many people have supplied their own dog for assistance dog training, but 95% of them were not suitable for the role. While some trainers will offer assistance dog training for any dog, the reality is that selection is the most crucial part of the process. Without the right temperament, intelligence, and adaptability, a dog may struggle to meet the demands of service work, leading to disappointing results.

We take great care in sourcing the right dog to ensure they have the natural ability and characteristics needed for the job. By selecting a dog specifically suited to assistance training, we can develop their skills effectively, giving you a confident, reliable, and capable assistance dog that will enhance your independence and quality of life.