Q/ How long does training take?

A/ The time frame hugely differs depending on the dogs age, personality and previous training. A puppy joining the course before 6 months old usually takes between 10 months to 2 1/2 years to become a fully trained assistance dog.  Well socialised older dogs with previous obedience training would usually complete assistance training quicker than a puppy. 

Q/ What breeds do you accept?

A/ We accept all breeds on our assistance dog program with the exception of brachycephalic dogs (such as pugs, shihtzu etc). The only other exception is that we do not accept guarding or herding breeds where the dog is being trained for medical alert/ response or the young person has a medical condition which causes acute medical events. 

Q/ How old must my dog be to join the assistance dog program?

A/ Dogs must be between 6 months and 6 years old at the point of application to join the assistance dog program. Applicants wanting to join through the full membership option can join the pre-application course from 16 weeks old.

Q/ Do I have to travel to Nottingham or Derby for assessments?

A/ Yes, all applicants need to travel to Nottingham for their bronze, silver and gold assessments while in training then every year for annual reassessments without exception. Unfortunately, if you're unable to travel for the assessments then our program is not suitable for you.

Q/ My disability means I find group training and assessment environments difficult, can I receive training one to one and/or have assessments on my own?

A/ Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual training or assessments

Q/ My child is on the autism pathway but doesn't yet have a diagnosis (or a diagnosis of any other prescribed disability) can I still apply for the assistance dog program?

A/ We are unable to accept applications for young people on the autism diagnostic pathway who do not have another disability. This is because not all young people assessed for autism spectrum conditions are diagnosed with autism or any disability after assessment.