Dog A.I.D.

I am a registered instructor with Dog A.I.D (Assistance in Disability).

Dog A.I.D is a registered charity that helps people with physical disabilities train their own dogs. The training consists of a three tiered system. Level one, Companion Level, is basic obedience and some useful task training. For some people this is all they require. Level two, is the Advanced Companion Level, and for dogs with all round sociability; this is where dogs acquire further skills and continue the training in the useful tasks that are of help to their owner. At Level three, Assistance Dog Level, owners and their dogs go out into public places and practise putting these skills into operation. At the end of each level owners and their dogs are assessed and awarded a certificate from their office to show their achievements.

All training with Dog A.I.D is free; however, they do ask for a donation equal to or towards the cost of the trainers' travelling expenses and in some cases the hire of a venue. The agreement for this financial commitment is made prior to the commencement of training and payments are made to the Treasurer so that it all goes through the accounts as required by charity law.

If you are physically disabled and would like an informal discussion about your dog's suitability and the criteria for becoming a Dog A.I.D client, please email me or call me on 07550012904.

For an application form from Dog A.I.D, please go to their website www.dogaid.org.uk and look for the dropdown tab for clients.

If you don't have a dog but would like to train your own assistance dog, I may be able to help you find a dog or puppy to train under the Dog A.I.D scheme. Please get in touch if this idea appeals to you.

Please see www.dogaid.org.uk for more information.