Flossie

Last year, assistance dog charity Canine Partners trained 40 dogs to transform the lives of disabled people – a 50% increase on 2007. With 140 such working partnerships across the UK, Able gives an overview of the training process.

Canine Partners breed many of the dogs it trains, but also take on puppies from other breeders. “There is no particular science to what makes a good Canine Partner,” says Andy Cook, Operations Director at Canine Partners. “However, there are specific characteristics and tendencies that give a pup more potential as an assistance dog.”

“Each puppy is tested in a neutral room on its own, rather than with its litter mates, so we can observe it as an individual,” Andy explains. “Canine Partners look for puppies, especially retrieving breeds or mixes, that want to interact and be with humans but are not over friendly or boisterous. Puppies that are highly noise-sensitive or anxious around people could not cope with the job of an assistance dog.

“We want puppies that are curious and want to know what you’re doing,” adds Andy.  “Polite puppies that come over but are a bit hesitant – as if they’re saying: ‘You look nice; excuse me, can I play with you?’ Unfortunately pups that grab your hands, or try to rip up toys rather than carry them are less suitable. Nor are puppies that are too possessive over toys or food.

“We are really looking for animals that settle down quickly and adapt readily to new things as this means they are more likely to blossom within our training programme.”

Selected puppies are cared for by volunteer Puppy Parents from the age of eight weeks to about 14 months. By attending weekly training classes, Puppy Parents learn how to socialise puppies to every environment an assistance dog might work in, such as busy streets, shops, hospitals, supermarkets and bus stations.

Puppies are taught how to problem-solve, a quality crucial to successfully working as an assistance dog at an exceptionally high level.

Following a successful assessment, young dogs begin their advanced training, which lasts between three to six months. Each day, the dogs are worked in both the Training Centre and in public, developing and honing their skills in preparation for placement.

They learn to use their initiative as well as to respond quickly and reliably when asked. For example, one dog observed his Partner having difficulty reaching for his card at the cash point. Without command, the dog reached up and took the money and card from the dispenser for his Partner.

In addition to this training, the prospective assistance dogs also enjoy extensive exercise and play, which helps prepare them for the rigours of working as an assistance dog.

The final phase of training involves a Residential Training Course where our Partners learn to work with their chosen assistance dog. Training is given on a residential course as well as domiciliary instruction in the Partners’ homes. Aftercare and support is provided for the whole of the partnership’s working life.

For further information on the work of Canine Partners, call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.