Assistance Dogs for Multiple Sclerosis: How They Can Change Lives

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can bring daily challenges — from fatigue and muscle weakness to difficulties with balance, mobility, and coordination.

In the UK alone, there are now over 150,000 people currently living with MS, and about 7,100 new diagnoses each year. Globally, the figure is estimated at around 2.9 million people living with MS.

But for many people, an assistance dog can make an extraordinary difference. These specially trained dogs don’t just offer companionship; they provide vital, practical support that helps their handlers live with greater independence, safety, and confidence.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong neurological condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord.

MS can fluctuate — some days may be manageable, while others can bring unexpected fatigue or loss of function. This unpredictability can make day-to-day life difficult and limit independence.

The symptoms vary widely between individuals but often include:

• Fatigue and reduced stamina

• Muscle weakness or stiffness

• Balance and coordination difficulties

• Tremors or mobility issues

• Numbness or pain

• Cognitive challenges such as “brain fog”

• Vision or speech problems

How Assistance Dogs Support People with MS

Assistance dogs can be trained to help with a wide range of physical and practical tasks tailored to their handler’s unique needs.

Here are some of the most common ways they support people living with MS:

1. Mobility Assistance

Dogs can retrieve dropped items, retrieve medication, open and close doors, press automatic door buttons, and even help with dressing by tugging off socks or sleeves. For those who experience balance issues, dogs can provide light stability support by walking beside their handler, helping them stay steady.

2. Fatigue Support

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS. Assistance dogs can be trained to pace their handler — reminding them to rest, fetching medication, or helping to carry small bags to reduce physical strain. Many handlers find that having a trained dog reduces the need for constant bending, reaching, or getting up, which conserves precious energy.

3. Alert and Response Tasks

Some dogs can be trained to recognise subtle changes in their handler’s movement, breathing, or behaviour before a fatigue episode or weakness occurs. They may then alert their handler to sit down, fetch help from a family member, press an alarm, or bring a phone in case of emergency.

4. Emotional and Mental Health Support

Living with a long-term condition can take an emotional toll. Assistance dogs offer unwavering companionship, grounding their handlers during moments of stress or frustration. The simple act of having a dog by one’s side can reduce anxiety, encourage social interaction, and provide a sense of security and purpose.

5. Public Access Support

A well-trained assistance dog can accompany their handler into public spaces, providing reassurance and help with tasks like carrying shopping, waiting calmly in queues, or navigating crowded areas. This independence can be life-changing for individuals who might otherwise avoid outings due to fatigue or mobility issues.

Training an Assistance Dog for MS

At Adolescent Dogs, our Assistance Dog Programme supports both Owner Trained and Professionally Trained teams. Every dog and handler pair is unique, so training is fully tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and needs.

Our programme includes over 450 step-by-step video tutorials, live trainer support, and practical guidance for teaching both foundation obedience and disability-specific tasks such as:

• Fetching medication or a phone

• Providing balance and bracing support

• Helping with dressing or undressing

• Opening or closing doors

• Alerting to physical fatigue or sudden weakness

• Offering deep pressure therapy during pain or stress episodes

We also ensure dogs meet or exceed global public access standards, helping them remain calm, focused, and safe in public environments.

Choosing the Right Dog

While many breeds can become successful assistance dogs, temperament is key. Ideal dogs for MS support are typically:

• Calm, confident, and resilient

• Eager to please and motivated by food or toys

• Physically capable of the tasks required

• Comfortable in busy environments

Our trainers can guide owners in selecting suitable puppies or assessing existing pets for suitability before beginning formal training.

The Life-Changing Benefits

Assistance dogs give far more than physical support — they restore confidence, freedom, and dignity.

Many handlers with MS describe their dogs as “an extra pair of hands” and “a reason to keep going.”

Beyond the practical help, the emotional bond between handler and dog brings comfort through the ups and downs of living with a fluctuating condition.

How to Get Started

If you or someone you know has Multiple Sclerosis and would like to explore training an assistance dog, our Online Assistance Dog Programme provides accessible, step-by-step support from puppy to fully trained dog — with options for residential training, workshops, or one-to-one sessions.

We welcome handlers worldwide and support training for a range of disabilities, including neurological, physical, psychiatric, and medical conditions.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

You can learn more about our Assistance Dog Programme, or speak with one of our trainers to find the best route for your individual needs