This course offers assessments of skills an Assistance Dog should have whilst on and off duty. This assessment is for experienced/trained Assistance Dogs only. They can be used to assess your dogs training to a given standard and highlight areas that require improvement. 

Sign up available: Please contact us to sign up.

Duration: There are three course durations available and optional extensions. You must complete this course within the enrolment duration. 

Entry requirements: You and your dog must be able to complete the activities listed below at time of enrolment. 

Study mode: Online

Training method: No training included

Assessment method: Video upload and written assignments

Award: Detailed activity feedback, overall report and rosette (shipment included) 

Module 1 - This video must be performed in a store or similar working environment with the dog vested and working. Activities included:

• Toilet on cue before entering the building. 
• Enter the building.
• Basic commands. 
• Startling experiences. 
• Distance. 
• Ignore dropped food. 
• Walk past food. 
• Disability mitigation. 
• Ignore merchandise while handler browses. 
• Queue at checkout. 
• Use checkout. 
• Exit building. 

Module 2 - This video must be performed in a public place with the dog vested and working. Activities included:

• Walking. 
• Turns
• Stops. 
• Crossing the road. 
• Pass a person.
• Settle during a conversation. 
• Pass a dog. 
• Leave food on hand. 
• Leave food on the floor. 
• Play and regain control. 
• 30 second stay. 
• Settle under a table/chair for 10 minutes. 

Module 3 - This video must be performed in a relaxed environment with the dog off duty and unvested. Activities included:

• Enter, travel in and exit a vehicle. 
• Navigate area around vehicle. 
• Walking with stops and turns. 
• Toilet. 
• Greet person. 
• Recall.
• Focus on handler. 
• Take treat nicely. 
• Play with handler. 
• Proximity to other dogs. 
• Basic commands. 

Module 4 - This video must be performed at home. Activities included:

• Isolation. 
• Handling. 

Module 5 - This is a written assignment. Activities included:

• Handling access refusals. 
• Legislation. 
• What the law means as a handler. 
• What the law means as a service provider. 

Declaration: I believe my dog is sufficiently able to perform the tasks listed and that I will be able to film/write the needed assignments and submit them within the enrolment duration purchased. If I am unable to complete the all 5 modules within the enrolment duration, I understand that I will be required to purchase additional time. Where the enrolment duration expires, and an extension has not been purchased, PAWtected will remove access to the course and you will loose your progress. Refunds will not be given if you fail to complete the course within the enrolment duration or if you complete the course in less time than you enrolled for. 

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.