Dog A.I.D. Training Scheme
There are 3 levels of training, each level building upon the previous level. The specialised tasks to help the client can be taught to the dog from level one once the dog has basic obedience and the ability to concentrate. Specialist tasks are not formally assessed until the end of the training programme. In order to progress to the second and third level of training, the dog needs to have a steady temperament, to be able to cope with the stress of meeting novel objects/sounds and going into new situations. The client, (and household/family) need to have a commitment to the training and socialisation of the dog.
Not all clients progress beyond Level 1 or Level 2. This may be because the client is satisfied with what has been achieved or because the dog is not suitable to go onto Assistance Dog work.
At Level 2 the dog and owner learn a variety of skills to prepare them for being in public places. Dogs are also required to undergo further socialisation and familiarisation. For suitable dogs it is possible to move onto Level 3. At Level 3 the client will be able to go into public places with a Dog A.I.D. trainer and train both control exercises and specialised tasks in the environment.
As well as passing the assessment at the end of each level the dog will also be assessed for its suitability to progress to the next level. The dog’s temperament, recovery rate, if disturbed by an event or situation, and ability to cope with stress will be important factors in this assessment. The ability of the client to handle their dog outside of their home environment will also be assessed.
Click here: Level 1
Click here: Level 2
Click here: Level 3
If you are an experienced and progressive Dog Trainer please click here
Please note that due to shortage of volunteer trainers, the Dog A.I.D. training scheme and waiting list is frozen in the following areas:-
Yorkshire, South and North
Manchester
Scotland
Kent
Sussex, both East and West
Hampshire
Cheshire
Middx
Essex
Wales and West Country - limited availability depending on area.
We apologise for any disappointment.
It is
important to keep you up to date with our current situation. Dog A.I.D. is composed
entirely of voluntary dog trainers who give their time and expertise freely. The
scheme has become very popular over the last few years, with many more people
applying than we can accommodate. Currently many of our trainers are working to
full capacity. Consequently we are putting many potential clients on a waiting
list, often for a considerable length of time, (1-2 years). Therefore we cannot
guarantee you a place on the scheme. If you do not yet have a dog and intend getting
a dog purely so you can train it up to help you we strongly advise you not to
get a dog unless we have a trainer available for you at that time.
Procedure
for Applying To Dog A.I.D.
1. Register your interest in joining the Dog A.I.D. scheme by filling in and returning the two forms entitled 'Register An Interest
In Receiving Dog A.I.D. Training'
2. If we are able to match you with a trainer
straight away we will contact you to let you know and you will then need to send
in a complete application consisting of completed vet's form, references, contract,
a letter from your doctor and the form 'Information on Potential Client' which
will be passed onto your trainer.
3. If we are not able to match you up with
a trainer we will keep your details on our waiting list and should we have a trainer
available in the future we will then contact you.
Waiting Clients
We have a team of people who are searching for suitable trainers to match up
to clients on our waiting list. Whilst there is no guarantee of finding a trainer
we are doing our best to attract trainers in the areas where there is a need.
