Frequently Asked Questions​

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How do I sign up? Simply fill in the questionnaire below and email us proof of your diagnosis. You'll be approved within 24 hours and can then choose to setup either monthly or yearly membership

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How does the programme work? Once signed up, you'll gain instant access to over 450 video tutorials covering obedience exercises and tasks. You can work through our Award levels from Puppy to Gold by submitting videos of the training exercises. We also offer an 'access test' level which is done with our trainer in Guildford (or within 50 miles)

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What if I don't live in the UK? We accept teams from all over the world. You will need to check your local laws regarding assistance dogs. You can take your awards via video submission and utilise a local trainer for your Access Test (this needs to be recorded)

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Is there a waiting list?  We have NO waiting list to join our programme

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Is my dog suitable?  As long as your dog is under 6 years of age (depending on breed), in good health and without any concerns over their temperament, you can begin your training journey. If you are concerned about any of the above, please send us a message. We offer free assessments. There is a mandatory temperament assessment before dogs can take their Silver Award. This can be done with a local trainer

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Does my dog need insurance? Yes, your dog must have public liability insurance that specifically covers your dog as an assistance dog. Agria, Many Pets and Petplan cover assistance dogs

What age can I start my dog? We accept puppies from 8 weeks of age. You'll find video tutorials covering all of your puppy's needs throughout their first year, from puppy socialisation tips, confidence building, obedience and the foundations for tasks.  As the journey can take 2 years, we don't recommend commencing training with dogs over the age of 6 (depending on breed).

How long does it take to train a dog? To train your dog from puppy to fully trained (ready to pass an access test), takes a minimum of 18 months. You should expect the entire process to take roughly 2 years (depending on how much time you put into training and how suitable your dog is)

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Can I train more than one dog? We don't recommend training more than one dog at a time. This is due to the amount of time and commitment required to train each dog. As well as the on-going training needed throughout your dog's life to keep the training in place. If you do decide to train more than 1 dog, please ask us about a price to have 2 dogs on the programme

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Does my dog need to be neutered? We don't recommend neutering your dog unless there is a medical or behavioural need to do so. With girls, you may prefer to neuter after the 2nd season to reduce how often your dog will need to rest from supporting you

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Will my dog become a registered assistance dog? There is no official registration or certification for assistance dogs in the UK. As long as your dog is well trained and mitigates your disability, you are covered by the Equality Act 2010. We have no association with ADUK or ADI​

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Can your programme help with air travel? Yes, British Airways have previously accepted our supporting letters for training as proof for travel. However, their rules changed at the end of 2023, so you would need to check their updated requirements. You will also need to check with other airlines. This is subject to change based on Airline rules, we recommend checking prior to signing up if this is a goal for you.

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Will I be able to buy training vests? Yes, once your dog has passed their Bronze Award from 6 months (or earlier via a residential stay), you can purchase an 'assistance dog in training' vest, settle mat and lead slip with our logo on it. You can fully customise your gear with your own preferred colours and design. This will help you with access whilst your dog is still training. An 'Assistance Dog' jacket can be purchased once your dog passes the Access test & temperament test level

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Can you support with access issues? Yes, we can provide official letters confirming your membership with our programme and the level of training your dog has achieved, as well as providing membership cards. We are also happy to email any establishments refusing you access such as Universities, Businesses, Colleges and Services.

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Do you offer In Person support? Yes, we offer 20% off one to one lessons in Surrey with Mike and 10% off one to one lessons in Guildford and Stafford. We also offer a 10% to 20% discount off our residential training stays which are a popular choice for fast-tracking your training, overcoming training struggles, teaching tasks or preparing your dog for public access training

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What if my dog is already highly trained? You can still join us, but you'll still need to submit videos for Bronze to Gold before taking your Access Test