This course offers training and assessment of the key behaviours required for Assistance Dog work. They can be used to help track progress and for certification purposes. While optional, we highly recommend that you complete Canine Skills alongside this course. If you wish to use the training resources included, you must have the equivalent level of Canine Skills. 

Study mode: Online

Training method: Written instructions for each activity. You must have access to the equivalent canine skills level to use these training resources. 1:1 help with training is not included.

Assessment method: Video upload and written assignments

Award: Certificate and rosette (shipment included) 

Basic - This is the initial assessment. Upon completion of this level, you will receive a certificate stating that the dog has achieved the status of Assistance Dog Prospect*. Units covered:

• Interactions
• Actions
• Stay and settle
• Food manners
• Walking
• Focus
• People
• Dog
• Equipment
• Theory

Entry requirements: none

Intermediate - This is the development assessment. Upon completion of this level, you will receive a certificate stating that the dog has achieved the status of Assistance Dog in Training*.  Units covered:

• Interactions
• Actions
• Stay and settle
• Food manners
• Walking
• Travel
• People
• Dogs
• Equipment
• Theory

Entry requirements:

• Basic Assistance Dog certificate
• Min age: 8 months

Advanced - This is the final assessment. Upon completion of this level, you will receive a certificate stating that the dog has achieved the status of Assistance Dog*.  Units covered:

• Interactions
• Actions
• Stay and settle
• Food manners
• Walking
• Travel
• Disability mitigation**
• Theory
• Complete outing 

Entry requirements:

• Intermediate Assistance Dog certificate
• Min age: 14 months

* These terms relate to these courses only. There is no legal requirements for an Assistance Dog to have any formal training or qualification. This course is optional and completion does not automatically grant you or your Assistance Dog access under the Equality Act 2010. 

** Training for disability mitigation tasks is not included in this course.