Training techniques based on behaviour, play, praise and reward develop eight-week-old puppies into highly skilled and talented Canine Partners.
We created the Puppy Education system so that our dogs can work with a variety of disabilities. This enables them to rapidly adapt to changes in a Partner's condition and gives them the ability to readily work off their own initiative when necessary.
On completion of their training, Canine Partners can respond to approximately 100 commands, including:
Operating a pedestrian crossing or lift button - Loading a washing machine
- Retrieving a wide variety of items as required, for example keys, an inhaler, crutches or a phone
- Picking chosen items off supermarket shelves
- Handing over a purse and items at the checkout
- Assisting with dressing and undressing
- Carrying out a range of emergency response procedures
The Well-Being of Our Dogs
Our dogs receive a huge amount of praise, love and affection throughout the training programme, and a Partner takes up this responsibility once they graduate with the dog. Canine Partners ensures each dog achieves its full potential to lead a full and rewarding life by providing the best possible care and overseeing their well-being at every stage of the partnership and retirement.
The Training Process
Puppy Education
Puppies are carefully selected using specially developed aptitude tests, which help to identify potential assistance dogs. Essential qualities include a gentle, co-operative nature, curiosity, a strong desire to be with people and a steady temperament. Most of our puppies are from the Retriever-type breeds.
The puppies are cared for by volunteer "Puppy Parents" from the age of eight weeks to about fourteen 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 workplaces.
Puppies are taught how to problem solve, a quality crucial to successfully working as an assistance dog at an exceptionally high level.
Advanced Training
Following successful assessment, the young dogs begin their advanced training which lasts between four 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 with reaching for his card at the cash point. The dog, without command, reached up and took the money and card from the dispenser for his Partner.
Apart from all the hard work, the dogs enjoy extensive exercise and play. This helps to prepare them for the rigours of working as an assistance dog.
Partnership and aftercare training
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 home. Aftercare and support is provided for the whole of the partnership’s working life.
