Assistance Dog Training FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Our Assistance Dog Training Programme is designed to support individuals and families through every step of training their own assistance dog — whether your dog is a young puppy or already part-trained.

We know the process can feel a bit overwhelming at first, so we’ve put together a list of our most frequently asked questions to help you feel informed, supported, and confident as you get started.

What proof of diagnosis do I need?

To join our programme, we require a formal letter of diagnosis from a healthcare professional. This must include their name, address, and be presented as an official document.

For conditions such as anxiety or depression, an additional letter from a psychiatrist is needed. This must confirm that the condition is classed as a disability, has a substantial and long-term impact on daily life (lasting more than 12 months), and that the individual would benefit from a task-trained assistance dog.

Can I start training if my child is still awaiting a diagnosis?

If your child is currently on the pathway to diagnosis, you won’t be able to enrol in the official Assistance Dog Programme just yet, as a confirmed diagnosis is required.

However, you're very welcome to join our Online Training Academy in the meantime! This is a great opportunity to give your puppy the best possible start, focusing on socialisation, confidence building, and foundation training. You’ll also begin working on many of the core skills needed for our awards and task training, so when you're ready to transition into the full programme, you’ll already have a strong head start.

Can I train an assistance dog for my child?

Yes — we’ve supported many families in successfully training assistance dogs for children. We’ll work closely with parents or carers to ensure the training is safe, appropriate, and tailored to your child’s individual needs.

Please note that any child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when in public with the dog, and the adult will be responsible for handling and managing the dog at all times during public outings. Our goal is to support the whole family and help build a strong, safe partnership between the child and their assistance dog.

Do you support adults?

Yes, absolutely — we support handlers of all ages, including adults with a wide range of disabilities, conditions, and support needs.

What disabilities do you support with?

We support individuals with a wide range of disabilities, offering guidance and training tailored to your specific needs. Our programme is flexible and inclusive, with task training designed to help mitigate the challenges of daily life.

🐾 Physical Disabilities

We support conditions such as:

• Wheelchair use

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

• PoTS

• Fibromyalgia

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• ME/CFS

• Spina Bifida

• Cerebral Palsy

• Spinal cord injuries

• Brain injuries and stroke recovery

• Amputees and more

  
  

🐾 Medical Alert & Response

Including support for:

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy and seizure alert/response

• Addison’s Disease

• Severe allergies

• Blood pressure fluctuations

• Migraines

• Crohn’s Disease

• Non-epileptic seizures

• PoTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

  
  

🐾 Guiding & Hearing Support

We currently offer resources for light guiding and hearing support, and while these are not full guide or hearing dog training programmes, our trainers are happy to assist you and adapt training to suit your needs.

🐾 Psychiatric & Neurological Disabilities

Our programme supports handlers with conditions such as:

• Autism

• Down’s Syndrome

• PTSD and Complex PTSD

• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

• Bipolar Disorder

• Major depressive disorder

• Severe anxiety and panic disorders

In these cases, your dog will need to be trained to perform specific, reliable tasks that help mitigate your symptoms and support daily function.

If you’re unsure whether we can support your particular condition, feel free to reach out — our team is happy to help guide you.

What age can I start my dog?

You can begin as early as 8 weeks old! While we don’t start formal assistance dog training at this age, it's the perfect time to focus on socialisation, confidence building, and developing your puppy’s ability to learn and problem-solve — all essential foundations for future success. Our programme is designed to give young dogs the best possible start. You can even get started with the programme before you bring your puppy home, helping you to prepare for their arrival.

Is there an age limit?

Dogs of all ages are welcome, but due to the time and consistency required, we recommend starting before 6 years old for larger breeds, and before 8 years old for smaller breeds, as training can take up to 2 years and many dogs begin to retire not long after that point, so you need to consider if it's worthwhile starting the journey with an older dog unless they're already well trained.

Is my dog suitable?

With the right guidance and support, many dogs can be trained to assist in some capacity. The most suitable assistance dogs tend to be calm, confident, and neutral in a variety of environments, showing relaxed behaviour around people, other dogs, and everyday distractions. Our programme is designed to help develop and strengthen these qualities over time.

It's also important to consider whether your dog is physically suited to the specific tasks you need them to perform. For example, if you require mobility or physical support, a very small dog may not be able to safely or effectively assist with those needs. We’re happy to help you assess whether your dog is a good fit for your intended tasks.

If your dog is generally steady and doesn’t display behaviours such as barking at people or dogs, fearfulness, or aggression, you’re welcome to begin the programme. We’ll support you throughout the journey and help you identify and work through any challenges as they arise.

If your dog is already showing significant behavioural concerns, we recommend completing a temperament assessment before enrolling. This can be done by a local trainer, and you can email us to request the official assessment form they’ll need to complete.

How does the programme work?

Our Assistance Dog Training Programme is a comprehensive, flexible, and fully guided pathway to help you train your own assistance dog — whether you're starting with a young puppy or an older dog.

You’ll gain access to our online platform, which includes over 450 step-by-step video tutorials and webinars covering everything from early puppy foundations to advanced obedience, complex task training, distraction-proofing, and public access preparation. The programme is designed to be self-paced, so you can train around your own schedule, with full support throughout.

As you progress, you'll work through our award levels, submitting videos of each exercise for assessment:

• 🐶 Puppy Award – covering early learning, socialisation, and confidence-building

• 🥉 Bronze Award – introducing basic obedience exercises in quiet environments

• 🥈 Silver Award – advancing skills, building reliability, focus, and calm behaviour in busier settings

• 🥇 Gold Award – polishing skills to a high standard across a variety of environments and getting your dog Public Access Ready

You’ll also complete mitigating task awards, where you’ll choose and teach your dog the specific tasks that support your individual disability. We’ll guide you in learning how to train, proof, and generalise these tasks to different settings and situations.

As part of the programme:

• You’ll complete a temperament assessment with a local trainer to ensure your dog is suitable for public access work.

• You’ll attend an in-person Public Access Test, designed to mirror or exceed global assistance dog standards.

What support is included?

You’ll receive a wide range of support throughout the programme to help you and your dog succeed:

• ✅ Live trainer support 7 days a week for ongoing guidance and questions

• 💻 Optional weekly group Zoom calls for personalised advice and check-ins

• 📹 Video feedback – send in training clips for expert input from our trainers

• 💬 Private WhatsApp chat with our Head Trainers for those who prefer 1:1 support over group interaction

• 📱 Community Facebook group for moral support, trainer advice, and connecting with others on the same journey

No matter your preferred style of learning or communication, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Do you offer in-person support?

Absolutely! While our programme can be completed fully online, we also offer a range of in-person support options across the UK for those who want a more hands-on training experience or extra guidance along the way.

You can choose from:

• 1:1 Private Lessons (£399 for 4 lessons) – Tailored sessions with our expert trainers, focusing on your dog’s specific needs and goals. Ideal for troubleshooting, refining skills, progressing toward your next award or getting some public access practise. These are available in Surrey, West Sussex, Dorset, Stafford and Worcester.

• Assistance Dog Workshops (from £39) – Held regularly in Guildford, these small-group sessions provide practical, hands on support to guide you through the awards, training struggles, task training, medical alert and temperament assessments

• Residential Training Stays (from £750 per week) – Your dog can stay with one of our qualified trainers for an intensive training boost, perfect for building foundations, strengthening focus around distractions, or advancing task work. We have trainers in Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, Essex, Dorset, Worcester, Stafford and Durham.

  
  

You can train fully online, fully in person, or mix and match the two depending on what works best for you and your dog. We’re here to support you in whatever way suits your learning style and lifestyle.

Do I receive anything when my dog passes an award?

Yes! When you and your dog successfully complete each award level — from Puppy through to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the Mitigating Task Awards — you’ll receive a beautiful rosette and a personalised certificate to mark your achievement

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These awards are a great way to celebrate your progress, recognise all the hard work you've both put in, and track your journey as you move through the programme. Many of our members love displaying their rosettes as a reminder of how far they’ve come!

Each certificate is tailored to your dog and includes the award level and date of achievement. They’re not just keepsakes — they represent important milestones on the path toward becoming a qualified assistance dog team.

Where is the Public Access Test held?

The Public Access Test is held in person at carefully selected locations that reflect real-life working environments. These typically include large shopping centres with access to shops, cafés, public areas, and busy pedestrian spaces — the types of places your dog is likely to accompany you in daily life.

Our main test locations are in Guildford & Brighton. We can also offer Birmingham in March each year at Crufts, but we may be able to offer other locations on request, depending on trainer availability.

We’ll work with you to find the most suitable option based on your location and travel needs, and we’ll provide plenty of guidance to ensure you and your dog feel confident and fully prepared.

If you're unsure whether there's a test location near you, just get in touch, and we’ll do our best to accommodate or suggest suitable alternatives.

How many mitigating tasks do I need to teach, and which ones should I choose?

To complete the programme, you’ll need to teach a minimum of 3 mitigating tasks that directly support your disability.

We offer a comprehensive video library of task training tutorials, allowing you to mix and match the tasks that best suit your individual needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all — your dog’s tasks will be as unique as you are.

You’re welcome to teach more than three tasks if they’re helpful in your daily life, but for assessment purposes, we’ll only formally assess your top 3.

If you’re unsure which tasks are best suited to your needs, our trainers and community are here to help guide you in choosing the most appropriate and impactful options.

How long does it take?

Most dogs are ready to take their Public Access Test around 18-24 months old, depending on the consistency of training and individual progress. There’s no time limit — you train at your own pace.

What if my dog is already part-trained?

That’s a fantastic starting point! If your dog already has a solid training foundation, we’ll help you refine and build on those skills, focusing on areas like distraction-proofing, task work, and public access readiness.

You’ll still need to work through and pass each of our award levels — including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and your chosen mitigating task awards — but if your dog already knows many of the required skills, you’ll likely move through the programme more quickly. We'll guide you in polishing those behaviours and ensuring they meet the assistance dog standard across different environments.

Do you provide trained dogs?

No, we don’t provide fully trained assistance dogs. Instead, we support owners in training their own dog, offering expert guidance every step of the way.

For those looking for extra hands-on support, we offer a comprehensive residential training programme specifically for assistance dogs. This includes a full 16-week programme spread over 18 months, designed to guide puppies from their early foundations right through to Public Access Test level by 18 months of age.

Our residential programme is completely tailored to your dog’s needs and can be combined with our online training and in-person support to ensure the best possible outcome.

Does my dog need to be neutered?

No — we don’t have any neutering requirements. We’ll work with your dog as they are, while giving advice tailored to their development.

Do you offer just the Public Access Test?

No, we don’t offer the Public Access Test as a standalone service. To maintain the high standards expected of our programme, all members must first complete and pass our award levels — including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and relevant mitigating task awards — before becoming eligible for the Public Access Test.

This structured approach ensures that every dog working under our name is fully prepared, consistently trained, and meets the highest standards, helping to build trust with service providers and the wider public.

Can I use my membership for more than one dog?

Membership covers one dog at a time. If you’re training multiple dogs, ask us about our multi-dog membership options which offer a discount on your 2nd or 3rd dog.

Does the programme provide certification?

Yes! While there is no legal certification or official register for assistance dogs in the UK, our programme provides certification upon successful completion of the Public Access Test and required task work.

Our training standards mirror and often exceed global assistance dog guidelines, and once certified, your dog will have legal access rights as an assistance dog under the Equality Act 2010.

Can your programme help with air travel?

Yes, we can support you in preparing your dog for air travel, including guidance on training for flight environments, writing airline letters, and helping you navigate the necessary paperwork.

While many of our teams have successfully flown with airlines like British Airways, it's important to note that some airlines require assistance dogs to be trained by ADUK or ADI-affiliated charities. We are an independent organisation and not affiliated with these bodies.

Because airline policies can vary and change frequently, we strongly recommend contacting your chosen airline in advance to check their specific requirements and destination policies before making travel plans.

Can you support with access issues?

Yes. If you experience discrimination or challenges while out with your dog, we can advocate on your behalf and provide documentation to help resolve issues.

Will I be able to buy training vests?

Yes — 'in training' jackets and vests with our logo are available to purchase after your dog passes the Temperament Assessment and Silver Award (from 9 months of age).

'Assistance Dog' Vests can only be purchased once your dog has passed their Public Access Test.

All of our vests are made to order and fully customisable, allowing you to choose your own colours and design

Can my dog be an 'at home assistance dog'?

Absolutely! Not all dogs need to work in public. Many of our members train their dogs for tasks and support at home, which is just as impactful and important.

If I don't have a dog yet, what breed of dog should I get?

Choosing the right breed is an important step, and we’re here to help you make the best decision for your needs. The most suitable breed will depend on your specific disability, the tasks you need the dog to perform, and even the age and capabilities of the handler.

While confident, trainable, and sociable breeds like retrievers, spaniels, and poodles often make excellent assistance dogs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

You can use the WhatsApp chat function on our website to speak directly with our team about your situation. We’ll help you explore different breed options and guide you toward a choice that best suits your lifestyle and goals.

You can also read this blog: www.adolescentdogs.com/post/which-breed-makes-the-best-assistance-dog

How do I find a good breeder?

We’re here to help you choose a responsible, ethical breeder who prioritises health, temperament, and early socialisation — all essential traits for a future assistance dog.

We have a helpful blog post that covers what to look for in a breeder and which breeds are best suited for assistance dog work. See here: www.adolescentdogs.com/post/finding-a-good-breeder

You can also use the WhatsApp chat feature on our website to get personalised advice on selecting the right breed and to share breeder profiles for feedback. We're happy to help you make an informed and confident choice.

What happens if my dog isn’t suitable?

Not every dog has the temperament or resilience required for public access work, and some dogs may struggle with the pressures of life as an assistance dog. This isn’t always clear during puppyhood — some traits only become apparent as your dog matures. In other cases, a negative experience may lead to the difficult decision to retire a dog early.

We’ll support you every step of the way, providing honest feedback, ongoing guidance, and help in assessing your dog’s suitability throughout the programme.

If your dog turns out not to be the right fit for public access, you can still train them as an ‘at-home’ assistance dog, focusing on tasks that support you in your daily environment. Many families find this just as meaningful and helpful.

In some situations, it may be necessary to start again with a new dog — and while this can be tough, it's why we place such importance on helping you choose the right breed and breeder from the beginning to give you the very best chance of long-term success.

Whatever the outcome, every dog has value, and we’ll help you find the path that works best for both of you.

How much does it cost?

We offer flexible membership options to suit your needs and budget. Here's a full breakdown of the costs:

🐾 Membership Options

• Pay Monthly: £29.99 per month (billed until your dog passes the Public Access Test)

• Pay Yearly: £240 per year (billed annually until your dog passes the Public Access Test)

• Lifetime Membership: £600 (one-time payment)

  • Includes: Public Access Test, one custom-made vest, and a membership card with lanyard

• Lifetime Membership Plus: £995 (one-time payment)

  • Includes: Everything in the standard lifetime membership plus free access to all monthly assistance dog workshops

🐾 Additional Costs

• Public Access Test: £120

• Optional Monthly Workshops: £39 per workshop

• Custom Training Vest: £45–£65

• Member Card & Lanyard: £30

There are no hidden fees, and you can upgrade your membership at any time. We're here to help you choose the option that best fits your journey!

Can I change my membership later if I start with monthly payments?

Yes! If you begin with a monthly membership, you can easily upgrade to a yearly or lifetime plan at any time. Just let us know when you're ready to make the switch.

How do I sign up?

Simply complete the registration form on the website and receive approval within 24 hours. You can then setup your membership and get started right away!

Sign up here www.adolescentdogs.com/assistancedogs

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

Chat to us on Whatsapp via the website or pop us an email to info@Adolescentdogs.com