Assistance Dog Training
Are you working through an owner-trained assistance dog program and need extra support? Or maybe you’re unable to find a charity that can help with your specific needs?
I have experience working with clients towards a variety of access tests and am dedicated to making assistance dog training accessible to everyone who needs it. I am here to help throughout the whole journey — from choosing the dog that is right for you to completing your final assessment.
As an assessor for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) and a volunteer trainer for DogAID, I understand the rigorous training required and how to manage it so you and your dog don’t feel overwhelmed.
I work with partnerships in-person across West London and Surrey and can adapt all the training to online sessions so I can easily support anyone based in the UK.
Do I qualify for an assistance dog?
If you are not registered with an ADUK charity and would like to train your own assistance dog, you will need to have a letter from your GP or healthcare provider before we can start.
It would also be helpful to consider what tasks you will require from your dog. Some examples include:
- Deep Pressure Therapy
- Blocking / Creating space
- Finding Exits
- Alerting a handler to a seizure / medical episode before it occurs
- Picking up dropped items
- Retrieving specific items (e.g. phones or medication bags)
- Locating a person in an emergency medical situation
- Pressing an alert button in an emergency
The tasks your dog performs should mitigate daily obstacles that you currently face.
Anyone I train with outside of an ADUK charity will be working towards the ADAA public access assessment.
Start your assistance dog journey now
Let’s get the ball rolling with a free 15-minute phone chat. Just pick a time below:
Welcome to Encore Dogs! If you are looking to prevent and manage unwanted behaviours, or to provide fun, enriching life experiences for you and your dog, then you are in the right place!
Quick Links
Join Quinny and I real-time on a Train for You walk! 🐕🚶♀️
This quick video shows just how much training is happening when you’re out and about! (Especially on this busy Richmond road).
I always say to my clients who are dealing with difficult walks that you have to be SO aware of your surroundings and ready to be proactive.
When Quinny and I first started working together, she pulled like a train and could not relax around the busy road. Now she is walking like a superstar! ⭐️
Train for You walks and 1:1 sessions are FULL for the rest of the year, but if you want to be first on the waitlist for January, send me a DM or email me at kaitlin@encoredogs.com 😊
#trainingwalk #positivesogtraining #reactivedogs
Alt text: video shows trainer and dog on a busy road. Firstly stopped at an intersection where two vans are backing up. The trainer rewards the dog for waiting at the crossing, then they cross when it is safe. The dog stays in a calm heel the whole time. Once they cross the dog is directed to move to the left of the trainer, and they continue walking with the dog to heel. The trainer then instructs the dog to walk freely ahead by motioning forward with her left hand.
Oct 23
3 fun skills you can teach your dog, even if they’re not an assistance dog! 🐕🦺
1. Clothing removal - a sock is a great starting point 🧦
2. Closing doors - very convenient if you have a habit of leaving doors open! Also great if the door or drawer is low and you can’t bent down. 🚪
3. Hold (&drop) - need help tidying? Teach your dog the hold & drop! 🐶
Follow @encoredogs for more training ideas!
#tricktraining #assistancedogs #dogtraining
Alt text:
3 separate clips of a dog and trainer doing tricks. The first is a brown poodle-type dog taking a sock off the trainers foot. The second is a border collie closing a kitchen cabinet door with his nose. The third is a border collie holding a toy then dropping it into a basket when cued.
Oct 16
🐶New Puppies!🐶
Welcome to @puppyschooluk
Lolly the #cockapoo
Lola the #GoldenRetriever
Scooby the #Cavapoo
Cormac the #SpanishWaterDog
Coco the #Spaniel
And Maverick the #GoldenRetriever joining next week!
We already had a great first class, I can’t wait to see this group grow!
@lady_andthe_hound
#puppyclass #puppytraining #puppyschooluk
Oct 13
🎃Tricks for Treats!🎃
Come join me at @pet_people_vets East Sheen for a fun evening of tricks 👻
Open to all levels, a chance to just have fun and teach your dog something new!
Sign up by getting in touch on email (kaitlin@encoredogs.com), heading to encoredogs.com or clicking the link in my bio
See you there! 🧙♀️
#tricktraining #doghalloween #positivetraining
Oct 9
@dogaidpics needs our help!
Link is in the bio or you can go to dogaid.org.uk
#emergencyappeal #assistancedogs #dogcharity
Oct 2
Why Puppy Pre-School?
Think of it as baby sensory class, but for puppies! 🐶
A gentle introduction to socialisation through play and exploration.
2 x 45 minute sessions that let your puppy grow in confidence and teaches you how to set them up for success before starting more formal training.
Sessions will be limited to a very small group and take place at @pet_people_vets in East Sheen, where pups will also have an opportunity to explore a vet clinic stress-free!
First course is October 16th & 23rd
Head to the link in my bio, sign up via encoredogs.com or send me a DM to join!
#puppyclass #puppysocialisation #puppytraining
Sep 25
🌙✨ Walking your reactive dog at night can take away a lot of stress for both of you.
Just remember: safety first! Wear reflective gear or stay on well-lit paths.
#dogtrainingadvice #reactivedogs #nightowl
Sep 23
HUGE congrats to the September Adolescent Academy graduates!!
🎓 Rocky the #cavapoo
🎓 Pilchard the #Jackapoo
🎓 Crumble the #cockerspaniel
🎓 Olive the #labrador
I am so proud of how far they have all come in such a short amount of time! Each team worked so hard and it really showed 😊
October class starts on the 11th! DM me to join 🐾
#dogtrainingclasses #positivetraining #dogtraininglondon
Sep 21
Look out! It’s a Tea Time Training Tip! ☕️
Retriever not retrieving? 🎾
Here are 3 reasons why your dog may not be bringing the ball/toy back.
Have a dog? Then follow me! I’m always posting free advice on socials.
Get in touch via DM if you want to work with me 🐶
#teatimetrainingtips #dogadvice #fetch
Sep 18
Struggling to get calm lead walking from your puppy? 🐾
A lot of puppy clients are able to perfect lead walking skills at home, but it all falls apart when they step outside.
My #1 tip when teaching calm lead walking to a puppy is to let them get their `sillies` out first! 🤪
What I mean by this is:
1. choose small length of pavement (In this video, I chose the space between 2 trees)
2. go up and down that length 2-4 times and let your puppy explore by sniffing, chasing leaves, etc. 🍂
3. Then, practise your loose lead walking skills for 2-4 lengths in the same spot.
Notice a difference? We are now setting our puppies up for success and not having too high expectations of them too quickly!
If you mastered this and want to move to the next level, DM me and we can work on it together! 🤩
#puppyadvice #dogtraining #looseleadwalking
Sep 8
Hoopers Taster with @happy_buddies_ !
Benny and I had a blast doing a beginners hoopers session with Amanda at Happy Buddies!
It’s always so useful to be on the other side in a group class and just get to learn and play 😊
It reminded me how important it is to just do something fun with your dog! Whether that’s playing at home or going to a dog sports class.
Did you know there are loads of classes like hoopers that can accommodate any dog at any age? And you don’t have to compete, it can be just for fun!
#dogsports #hoopers #dogtrainingclasses
Sep 4
🎓Puppy Graduation! 🎓
Another round of lovely puppies have graduated Puppy School #teddington 🐶
Congrats to:
Molly the #goldenretriever
Pilchard the #jackapoo
Jude the #aussiebernedoodle
Misty the #staffy
Miffy the #cockapoo
I love that they all showcased a fabulous trick! ⭐️
Join us in October for the next round of @puppyschooluk classes
@lady_andthe_hound
#puppytraining #puppyclass #positivetraining
Sep 2
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