Assistance & Therapy Dog Training
Our selection of services and tailored courses to support those with owner-training their own assistance, in-home therapy or professional therapy dog.
Assistance  Dog Training
The journey to a certified Assistance Dog typically takes 2–3 years and follows three key steps: assessment, learning the fundamentals, and the tailored assistance dog process.
Our program includes:
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a personalised training plan,
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1-1 support to implement techniques,
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detailed session overviews after each meeting,
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a training log for legal documentation,
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public liability insurance during sessions with an Assistive K9s trainer,
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a range of resources, including legal templates for certification and step-by-step guides,
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with successful training, you’ll have the option to take the Public Access Test with Assistive K9s for full accreditation under the DDA.
Therapy Dog Training
Therapy dog training prepares dogs for two possible roles:
In-home support, where a specially trained pet dog mitigates the effects of disability in home or dog-friendly environments,
or Professional therapy, where the dog supports multiple people in settings such as schools, care homes, or therapy offices.
This training is tailored to ensure dogs can provide comfort, connection, and support in their specific environment.
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The course takes an average of 18 months and includes:
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a personalised training plan,
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1-1 support to implement techniques,
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detailed session overviews after each meeting,
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a training log for legal documentation,
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public liability insurance during sessions with an Assistive K9s trainer,
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a variety of resources, including step-by-step guides and templates.
Helpful Free Resources
Check out our Community Support Options
Explore the world with your assistance dog in training, guided by one of our exceptional support workers!
Whether you’re attending a bucket-list event or helping your dog gain essential exposure to fireworks and public transport, our experienced support workers are here to guide you.
With their expertise and encouragement, you can confidently practise public skills and enjoy new, exciting experiences alongside your assistance dog.
Courses
Training options to suit your needs:
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Hands-On Support: 1-1 sessions with the trainer working directly with the dog, with monthly check-ins to transfer skills to the carer or participant, or:
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Coaching Approach: Weekly or twice-weekly sessions to teach carers or participants how to guide their dog’s progress independently.
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Contact us for pricing and tailored options to start your journey!
OR,
Year 1*
Initial AssessmentÂ
This assessment evaluates a puppy or adult dog’s suitability for assistance or therapy work based on personality, temperament, and skills. We help identify dogs with the potential to thrive in these roles or assist in sourcing an appropriate candidate if needed. With insights into the traits and behaviours we’re looking for, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a successful assistance or therapy dog .
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Check out our free online resource to find out What We Look For in an Assistance Dog.
Optional Puppy Prodigy Add-on
Set your mini-assistance or therapy dog up for success with this 10-week course. Focused on providing essential foundations, this course covers all the key puppy basics while also addressing how to prevent future challenges. It includes tailored adaptations to traditional training techniques, ensuring they are suited to your dog's life-changing role. The course is designed for puppies up to 18 weeks of age at the time of their first lesson.
FundamentalsÂ
This comprehensive, one-year* Fundamentals course provides personalised, 1-1 training support to build the core skills necessary for both assistance and therapy dogs. Tailored to the specific role your dog will fulfil, we focus on behaviours that will support you in your day-to-day life or prepare your dog for professional therapy environments. This training goes beyond typical pet dog training to meet the unique demands of both roles. We ensure that your dog develops the skills to become a reliable companion, whether providing practical disability support for your day-to-day needs or offering therapeutic comfort in a variety of environments. This course lays a solid foundation for a balanced partnership that respects your dog’s unique personality and needs, setting you both up for success to continue on to specialised task training.
Year 2*
Therapy DogsÂ
Intro to Role
This course bridges the gap between foundational training and real-world application.
After mastering behavioural and hygiene standards, we’ll help integrate your dog into their role, whether it’s specialised task training to support your day-to-day needs at home or preparing them to seamlessly serve as a life-changing therapy companion in professional environments.
Course Inclusions
Have questions? Contact us to find out more!
Or,
*Terms and Conditions Apply
Assistance DogsÂ
Building on the skills from the Fundamentals course, this one-year* Specialised program provides 1-1 guidance for task-specific training and navigating public spaces. Designed to equip your dog with the skills needed to mitigate your specific disability-related needs.
The program includes all necessary training to pass the Public Access Test and ensures your dog meets essential hygiene and behaviour standards for legal certification as an assistance dog, a certificate of proof and ID card will be issued upon completion of the course & test.
Specialised Training
Both Assistance and Therapy training courses include the following supports:
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Face-to-face sessions, billed individually or in blocks of 8.
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A personalised training plan to meet you and your dogs needs. Accompanied by a training diary to help keep you on track and provide necessary evidence of training for your dogs future role.
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Handy information sheets and step-by-step training tips to implement what your dog has learnt and put it to best use.
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Routines and checklists customised to ensure the best care for your dog and yourself.
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Open contact with your trainer to provide quick answers to any questions or worries.
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​Access to templates, forms and information to help with gathering all legal evidence for assistance dog accreditation and identification.
Billing Options
Private
Our services are open to everyone, with flexible payment options available upfront or on an ongoing basis.
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Contact us for pricing details!
NDIS
We accept NDIS funding for our services, subject to confirmation that they align with your plan goals and funding eligibility.
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Get in touch to learn more.
We accept different billing options. Read our options below to find out which is suited best to you.