ASSISTANCE DOG PROGRAMME
Five Senses is currently accepting new applicants. To enquire about joining, get in contact by clicking here or email fivesensesdogtraining@gmail.com
About the programme
Five Senses Dog Training helps owners train their own pet dogs to become assistance dogs.
Assistance Dogs are trained to support their handler by carrying out tasks tailored to their needs, for example by performing deep pressure therapy, opening/closing doors or retrieving medication.
The service is flexible, allowing you and your dog to work at your own pace towards becoming a fully qualified team. Full support and guidance is provided to help you achieve this using modern, safe, rewards-based methods of dog training.
You will receive 1-2-1 support, taking into account your disability and personal circumstances in order to provide a service tailored to the individual needs of you and your dog.
My Motivation
My primary motivation behind starting Five Senses Dog Training has always been to help people with disabilities. As a disabled person myself, I recognise how life changing the support of an assistance dog can be. I feel honoured that through my work I can help others train their pet dogs to a standard that will allow them to gain greater independence in their day-to-day lives.
Assistance Dog Awards
Assistance Dog Awards (Novice, Intermediate and Advanced) are available to sit online or in person. Public Access Tests can be assessed in person once a team has reached an adequate level of training. Assessments have been conducted in line with the IAADP minimum training standards, and will be assessed by a qualified trainer.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
In Person Membership
£40 per month
- 1 hour in person session (in Knutsford, Stockport or Manchester city centre).
- Tailored programme to your individual needs.
- Ongoing personal support, feedback and guidance.
- Session notes, after every session, to track your progress and increase motivation.
- Access issue support.
- Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Assistance Dog Awards.
- In Person Public Access Tests are available to teams which have reached an adequate level of training.
Online Membership
£30 per month
- Two online video calls per month (up to 30 minutes each).
- Tailored programme to your individual needs.
- Ongoing personal support, feedback and guidance.
- Access issue support.
- Video tutorials can be requested.
- Session notes, after every session, to track your progress and increase motivation.
- Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Assistance Dog Awards.
- Public Access Tests are available to teams which have reached an adequate level of training (please note this must be assessed in person).
Stooge Sessions
£50 per hour
As an additional service, I now have stooge sessions available. During the session, another trainer will join us for a 1-2-1 with their stooge dog.
I currently have Georgie available for stooge work, handled by Abbie who is a trainer at Happy Hounds HC. Georgie is a fully trained assistance dog, perfect for helping your dog learn to be calm in the presence of other dogs.
ASSISTANCE DOG TASK LIST
Here are examples of some of the tasks I can help you train your dog to do, to assist with your disability.
*Please note I do not teach weight-bearing tasks such as bracing, guiding tasks (with the exception of guiding to an exit/seat), nor medical alert tasks.
MOBILITY
Close Door
Open Door
Empty Washing Machine
Load Washing Machine
Get Card Out of ATM
Fetch the Post
Fetch a Drink
Retrieve Dropped Item
Retrieve Specific Item
Take Item to Another Person
Find Person
Help Undress
Push a Button
Remove Duvet
Putting Rubbish in a Bin
Tidying Toys Away
PSYCHIATRIC
Deep Pressure Therapy
Tactile Stimulation
Panic Response
Interrupt Self-Harm
Wake Up Handler
Remove Duvet
Flashback Response
Crowd Control
Lead to Exit
Lead to Seating
Retrieve Self-Care Kit
Watch My Back
AUTISM
Deep Pressure Therapy
Tactile Stimulation
Meltdown/Anxiety Interruption
Picking up Dropped Item
Retrieving Specific Item
Crowd Control
Medication Reminder
Alert Caregiver
Lead to Seating
Lead to Exit
MEDICAL RESPONSE
Fetch Medicine Bag
Find Person
Take Item to Another Person
Lead to Seating
Guide to Exit
Wake Up Handler/Remove Duvet
FAQs
Who can apply?
The programme is available to adults (over the age of 18) with a diagnosed disability. The definition of a disability under the Equality Act (2010) is a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal day-to-day activities.
Do you help train Assistance Dogs for Children?
Unfortunately not, you have to be over the age of 18 to apply to be a part of the Five Senses Programme.
Can I train my pet dog to be an assistance dog?
Yes! Five Senses Dog Training can help you train your own pet dog to become an assistance dog.
What type of assistance dogs can you help train?
Mobility Assistance Dogs, Psychiatric Assistance Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs and Medical Response Dogs. Please note I do not assist with tasks involving medical alert (e.g. for seizures or diabeties), guide tasks nor weight-bearing tasks.
Where are the sessions held?
In person sessions are held in Knutsford, Stockport and occasionally Manchester City Centre. Online sessions are available throughout the UK.
Do you work with other organisations?
I am more than happy to work with other organisations and private trainers, so long as we share simular training methods and ethos. Please message me to discuss.
ASSISTANCE DOGS AND THE LAW
How do I register my dog as an assistance dog?
Can my landlord refuse my assistance dog because 'no pets are allowed'?
And other frequently asked questions are answered here.
Group Classes
Are you looking for more support on your AD journey? Why don't you consider joining our Assistance Dog Group Classes in Altrincham, Manchester?
Classes are run by two qualified and insured dog trainers. Click the link below to find out more and register your interest.