At A&T Trained Dogs we are proud to offer assistance dogs for individuals with autism and other disabilities. We understand the profound impact these dogs can have on the lives of those in need, providing companionship, support, and increased independence.
What is an Assistance Dog?
Assistance dogs are specially trained that can help people who have a disability or illness, for example, blindness, epilepsy, deafness, or autism. Assistance dogs are a lifeline for their owners as they help them to get out and enjoy life independently, rather than relying on other people.
How are Assistance Dogs Trained?
Assistance dogs require the highest levels of dog behaviour and obedience training as they must be immaculately behaved in public, good around people, and not get distracted from their work. As well as this, they need to have the calmest of temperaments and a lot of patience.
Of course, an assistance dog can still be lots of fun, and be as loving and loyal a companion as any other pet. However, it is essential that they know the time and the place for fun, and are totally dependable at all other times.
At A&T Trained Dogs, all our specialist dogs go through the same high standards as our family protection dogs and our fully trained dogs, to produce well-balanced, thoroughly obedient animals.
Our Training Process for Assistance Dogs:
1. Temperament Testing
We begin by carefully selecting dogs with the right temperament for the role of an assistance dog. Our experienced team evaluates each dog’s personality, adaptability, and sensitivity to ensure they are well-suited for working with individuals with autism and other disabilities.
2. Specialised Training
Once we have identified dogs with the appropriate temperament, we embark on a comprehensive training programme tailored to the specific needs of individuals with autism and other disabilities. Our trainers utilise positive reinforcement techniques to teach the dogs a range of skills and behaviours that will assist their future owners.
3. Customised Training for Individual Needs
We understand that each individual with autism or other disabilities has unique requirements. Therefore, we work closely with the future owners and their families to understand their specific needs and challenges. This allows us to customise the training programme to address those specific requirements, ensuring the dog is a perfect match for their new companion.
4. Assistance Dog Skills
Our training programme focuses on developing a wide range of skills for our assistance dogs. These skills may include but are not limited to:
- Sensory support: Dogs are trained to provide comfort and support during sensory overload situations.
- Social interaction: Dogs are taught to assist individuals in social situations, promoting social engagement and confidence.
- Safety and security: Dogs are trained to provide a sense of security and alert their owners or caregivers to potential dangers.
- Emotional support: Dogs are trained to provide emotional comfort and companionship, reducing anxiety and stress levels.
- Task-specific training: Depending on the individual’s needs, dogs can be trained to perform specific tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors, or alerting to medical conditions.
5. Ongoing Support
Our commitment to our clients does not end with the placement of an assistance dog. We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure a successful partnership between the dog and their new owner.
They need to be trained in how to get the best from their assistance dog, including what commands to use, how to read their dog’s guidance, and how to respond to the dog. This helps to create a powerful partnership based on mutual trust, which is essential if you are going to ask them to hand over responsibility for their sight or hearing.
Why Choose Us for Your Assistance Dog?
Expert Team and Training
A&T Trained Dogs specialises in many types of dog training services including family protection dog training and dog behaviour training. Our team of experts have industry-leading knowledge and extensive experience in training dogs to a high standard.
Carefully Selected Dogs
We have a detailed dog selection process, only selecting from the finest breeders. We ensure the necessary preparation and tests are carried out through each step of the process, from our initial contact to importing to the UK for training, to selling. This is because we want to offer the very best assistance dogs for you and your family.
Leading Dog Training Facilities
Our spacious dog training location in Lancaster, UK, contains state-of-the-art facilities. With huge surrounding grassland and indoor space, the dogs are treated with the utmost care by us. Find out more about our facilities.
Assistance Dog FAQs
What Qualifies As An Assistance Dog?
An assistance dog is specially trained to be able to help the owner with a range of disabilities and long-term illnesses to ease the hardship of symptoms or everyday tasks. To be an assistance dog, they must undergo particular dog training programmes to be able to support a person in regaining partial or full independence and confidence in carrying out tasks they now have difficulty with.
What Is The Difference Between A Support Dog And An Assistance Dog?
Different types of dogs can help their owners or the people around them. Support dogs typically can help ease emotions and provide comfort to those around them, whilst assistance dogs are trained specifically to help an owner with a specific disability. There are often different restrictions in public places depending on the level of training and type of support the dog provides.
Contact Our Expert Team
If you or someone you know requires an assistance dog for autism, or other disabilities, please contact us at A&T Trained Dogs. Our assistance dogs range between £9000 & £15,000, and we are dedicated to matching individuals with the perfect assistance dog to enhance their quality of life and provide invaluable support.
Together, let’s make a positive difference in the lives of those with autism and other disabilities through the power of our trained assistance dogs.
Our Payment Plans
At A&T Trained Dogs, we offer finance plans for a minimum of £500 up to £55,000. Please visit https://shorturl.at/fitER for more information. Terms & conditions apply.
