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!
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Look at these gorgeous graduates!
Another brilliant group has completed Adolescent Academy. 🎓
I am again, SO proud of how much this bunch has progressed in just 3 weeks.
Congrats to:
🐾Alfie the Goldendoodle
🐾Birdie the Australian Labradoodle @superdogstanley
🐾Coco the Working Cocker
Send a DM if you’re keen to join a group class in #richmonduponthames new classes coming soon! 😊
#dogtrainingLondon #dogtrainingclasses #positivetraining
Feb 9
Enrichment doesn’t have to break the bank! 💸
Try keeping a box of goodies next to your recycling and encourage your dog to have a play.
Follow for more dog-related tips and advice! 🐶
#teatimetrainingtips #dogtrainingtips #dogenrichmentideas
Feb 6
Walked around @kewgardens today
Only barked at the ducks once! 😂
Such a good girl ❤️
Thank you Kew for allowing assistance dogs in training!!
@guidedogsuk
#guidedogintraining #assistancedogtraining #kewgardens
Jan 30
It’s a two-for-one! 👍🏻
(And I’ve got a cuppa so everyone’s happy! ☕️
@guidedogsuk
#socialisationtraining #guidedogtraining #dogtrainingtips
Jan 29
Me? Training chin rest? What a surprise! 😂
Frances has a great chin rest already so I’m slowly starting to incorporate some handling by moving my hand close to her head and toes.
She is SO keen to train and learn. Such a clever pup ❤️
@guidedogsuk
#guidedogpuppy #consenttraining #dogtrainingtips
Jan 26
How long do we think this cleaning regime will last? 😂
#dogtrainerproblems #januaryintheUK
Jan 18
Look at this absolutely adorable group of puppies! 🐶
Surely I need a licence to have this much cuteness in one room…
Welcome to @puppyschooluk
🐾Echo the Belgian Malinois
🐾Meadow & Maeve the JackChi siblings
🐾Benson Bone the Hungarian Viszla
🐾Rusty the Mini Labradoodle
🐾Louie the Cavalier King Charles
🐾Moose the Flat Coat Retriever
🐾Tallulah the Fox Red Labrador
Very excited to see this group grow 😊
@lady_andthe_hound
#puppyschooluk #puppytraining #dogtraininglondon #positivetraining
Jan 12
A little late to the recap party! 😂
Just got back from America where I was avoiding the fact that the holidays are over, but now it’s time to head full-speed into 2026!
These are a few fun snapshots of what last year looked like. Lots and lots and lots of doggos basically! (And can’t forget Spice the crocodile 🐊)
Thank you to anyone who was a part of 2025 with Encore Dogs, human or animal! ❤️
#2026recap #positivedogtrainer #dogtraininglondon
Jan 8
Happy puppies in the snow!
#husky #germanshepherd #dogsinsnow
Dec 28
So proud of the progress these two have made so far!
Ushuaia is on her journey to becoming an assistance dog, and I think many of the skills she is learning are extremely useful for pet dogs too!
Skills like:
🐾 waiting at the door/general door manners
🐾 calm lead walking
🐾 calm greetings (only when cued)
🐾 duration on positions like sit, down and middle
Even if you’re not training an assistance dog, think about skills that could be useful every day that your dog may not know already.
For training support, get in touch via DM or kaitlin@encoredogs.com!
Follow @encoredogs for more free training content 🐶
@darguelloa
#assistancedogtraining #servicedogtraining #dogtrainingadvice #positivetraining #dogtraininglondon
ALT TEXT: Video montage of a small golden coloured Aussie-doodle practising training techniques with her owner both inside and out on a suburban pavement.
Dec 17
Shopping for dog gifts? Try these ideas instead! 🎄
🎁 Dogs don’t always need fancy toys, they’ll love a good cardboard box, toilet roll, plastic bottle, etc. Pop some treats in them to make them extra exciting! Just be sure they’re not one to ingest things!
🎁 A sniffy walk where the nose knows which way to go! Walks can often be dictated by us, so let your dog decide this time! It’s fun to see where they decide to go.
🎁 Instead of taking your dog out to the busy pub, try a cosy night in! You’ll both appreciate the snuggly cuddles.
For more dog advice , follow @encoredogs 🐶
#dogchristmaspresent #doggiftsideas #dogtrainingadvice #londondogs
Dec 9
Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating today! 🦃
Taffy was always the kitchen supervisor and sous chef. There are a lot more crumbs left on the ground without her around!
I hope you have a lovely, relaxing day no matter what you get up to! I’m headed out on a walkies and then will park myself in front of the Macy’s Parade 😍
#thanksgivingdog #Americansinlondon
Nov 27
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