Assistance Dogs
What you need to know.
Assistance Dog & Handler Coaching.
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As a handler of your assistance dog, you will learn to understand your dog’s natural ability to alert to your emotional, physiological and metabolic changes.
You will learn how to navigate the world alongside your assistance dog with confidence.
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Both Ends of the Leash meets each individual team where they are.
Our Program begins the journey right from the moment you bring your puppy home. However, we also collaborate with teams regardless of their current point in the training journey. So, if your dog is a bit older, that is perfectly fine too. -
The cost of working with us is subject to variation based on your specific needs and those of your dog. Feel free to contact us, sharing some information about yourself, your dog, and your goals. We would be delighted to discuss with you about how we can assist you with your request.
Assistance Dog Training done differently.
With our Training and Coaching Program We take the time to understand each individual’s needs and craft a personalised plan to assist you in reaching your goals.
What is an Assistance Dog?
Assistance dogs are specifically trained to help alleviate the effect and restrictions experienced by a person who lives with disability therefore reducing their need for other (usually human) supports.
Because assistance dogs are permitted in public places (all the places a Guide Dogs can go) they must also be trained to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place. A public place is anywhere that is not pet friendly and includes accommodation and public transport.
The law in Australia views assistance dogs as a disability aid, not a pet.
Am I eligible for an Assistance Dog?
In order to be eligible for an assistance dog, an individual must have a disability. For the definitions explaining a disability please follow this link.
What methods do we use?
We are relationship based - positive reinforcement trainers that focus on the human-animal bond.
We believe the relationship between the dog and it’s human(s) is the best foundation on which to build the training program.
We prioritise, safety, well-being and relationship responsibility when it comes to working with our teams. We use methods such as capturing natural behaviours and reinforcing them with positive rewards such as food and our feed-back loop response method.
Is your Assistance Dog and Handler Coaching Program right for me?
There are two main methods to reaching your goal of living alongside your assistance dog.
Owner Trainer - This Is where the owner trains their assistance dog by themselves and/or with the help of a training organisation to train their dog to Public Access Standards.
Pre Trained Assistance Dog - This is where an organisation has trained and certified the dog before it is received by the owner, the process takes approximately 2 years from the time you are placed on the organisation’s wait list.
At Both Ends of the Leash we use the Owner Trainer Method, we do not supply assistance dogs.
We believe and have seen the benefits that come from training your own assistance dog, however this method isn’t for everyone.
The owner / handler must be able to implement the training provided during the session between sessions, this will help the process of training your assistance dog.
If you are questioning which method is right for you, please feel free to reach out.
How long is the program?
It is challenging to determine the exact number of sessions required for each team, as their individual needs vary.
Once we gather additional information about you, your goals, as well as the age and specific requirements of your dog, we can provide you with a more definitive response
Where are you based & Where are sessions held?
We are located in Brisbane and extend our services to the surrounding areas of SEQLD, including the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay Region, Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and Gold Coast.
Our sessions will be conducted either at the participants home or at a designated location near them, essential for the progression of the training program.
While we also engage with remote teams, certain criteria must be met to qualify for a remote training program.
Feel free to reach out if you would like more information.
Each session typically lasts between 60 to 75 minutes. We will accompany during all public access socialisation and proofing outings, until you as a team reach your confidence building phase.