Playful Paws®
Assistance Dog Training
Assistance dogs are trained companions that work alongside a person to help them gain independence in their lives. Playful Paws® specialises in assistance dog training programs tailored for the unique requirements of the individual and dog. We are accredited under GHAD (Guide, Hearing, Assistance Dog).
Assistance dog training program
We support your dreams of having a fully qualified assistance dog, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and personalities can be trained to support psychosocial disabilities (such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and similar).
Our assistance training is an “owner-trained” program which allows you to be predominantly responsible for the training. Our approach helps build a strong relationship between you and your dog, providing you with confidence and skills to handle different situations and take them everywhere you need to go.
We are proud to meet the standards and requirements set by the NDIS, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality support. Other funding options may be available on request.
Assistance Dog Training
We believe that in order to achieve success in assistance dog training, you and your dog need to work together, for you both to reach your full potential to become a qualified assistance dog team.
We believe in positive training methods which create a strong, fun foundation to learn the skills needed as a team.
To help you understand more about our program, training methods, equipment, and training guidelines, we have prepared a comprehensive Assistance Dog Training manual that you can download for more information.
Join our Assistance Dog training program
The assistance dog training program was developed with love by Playful Paws® owner and head trainer, Megs Hopman, who has a specialty in both the disability field and animal behaviour.
Headed by Emily Gasko, one of our amazing team members, whose passion is improving the lives of people with a disability through education.
Our application process is tailored to find the perfect match between you and your future assistance dog. Start by submitting an application form and scheduling an initial consultation with one of our qualified assistance dog trainers. Following this assessment, our dog trainers will design a personalised training plan for you and your dog.
To download the application form, click the button below.
Assistance dog training program rates
- Application Fee (non-refundable): $250 (includes suitability assessment and training plan)
- First Yearly Assessment (PAT): $500 (includes jacket and identification badges)
- Hourly rate for other sessions: As per individual session rates
Please be aware that additional costs may be associated with training, such as regular grooming, vet visits, and third-party liability and pet insurance.
We may be able to support you through various funding bodies, including NDIS, which you can discuss with your dog trainer during your initial consultation.
For more information or inquiries, please feel free to contact Megs by emailing via our contact page or by calling 0421 641 138.
Our therapy dog training program
Dogs can naturally sense when we need them! Some dogs have a beautiful temperament which love to help people in a calm way. They can identify physiological changes in people and help them through company, body pressure and pats.
Our 10-week therapy dog training course provides an in-depth understanding of how dogs can be utilised in a therapeutic capacity. The class focuses on both off-lead and on-lead skills, teaching advanced tricks and training under increased distractions.
Our program teaches both you and your dogs to work together to support individuals in a professional setting or at community events.
Therapy dog training course includes:
- Training your dog to come when called, even with distractions
- Teaching your dog to stay in the same position when you leave the room
- Helping your dog to settle and relax while you engage in conversation
- Making tough decisions off-lead, such as not eating something thrown on the floor
- Performing targeting exercises like placing their head on a lap, shaking paws, and more
- Teaching both you and your dog to identify stress and anxiety in people
- Learning passive and active skills to engage people
For more information about our therapy dog program, please contact Megs, our Head Trainer, by email via our contact page or by calling 0421 641 138.