Certificates

– Dog will allow physical examination from handler and stranger whilst standing as still as
possible
– Dog has become desensitised to common loud noises and can complete learnt behaviours with loud distractions and without displaying fear
– Dog can walk on a lead and focus on handler can be quickly regained if lost around other
dogs

– Dog will wait to be released to eat food
– Dog can be recalled away from food
– Dog can wipe feet / have feet wiped
– Dog will shake to expel excess water when wet or allow handler to dry with towel
– Dog will target and follow handler’s hand
– Dog can pick up and hold things in mouth
– Dog will drop items when asked
– Dog is cooperative when putting on a harness
– Dog understands the meaning of ‘QUIET’ command
– Beginning of handler specific behaviors to mitigate disability.

** Certificates are achieved when the team has been observed competently completing the listed criteria. Training provides exposure and preparation for a wide range of scenarios to decrease the chance of dog or handler error, however as Assistance dogs are sentient beings it can not be guaranteed mistakes will not be made.
Part of the Pack does not accept legal liability for the actions of the Assistance Dog teams. Instead as ‘Owner trainers’ the teams accept and assume this responsibility themselves.

Road Safety

– Dog is not spooked when walking past busy traffic
– Dog looks to handler for reassurance when walking along busy road
– Dog will sit when approaching a road to cross
– Dog can complete pedestrian crossing calmly. Waiting to walk even if others begin to cross.

Car etiquette

– Dog waits to enter car, enters and settles calmly.
– Handler can demonstrate safe strapping in procedure
– Dog can exit car landing close to its side rather than jumping out wide

New Friends

– Dog is comfortable and calm around children; does not jump up.
– Dog does not react aggressively when stranger takes away their food bowl
– Dog is comfortable around elderly, walking sticks, wheel chairs etc.
– Dog is calm and will sit when approached by other dogs
– Dog can ignore another dog barking at them
– Dog is unfazed by trolleys, umbrellas and bikes

Shopping assistant

– Dog is unresponsive seeing self in reflection or mirror or shop window
– Dog is not scared of flapping signs in wind
– Dog is calm in elevators
– Dog can walk up and down stairs
– Dog is comfortable walking on slippery floors; such as shop tiles.
– Dog can ignore dropped items in shops
– Dog can ignore dropped food or food on other people’s tables
– Dog does not beg for food at their handlers or other people’s tables
– Dog does not sniff or bother others in a close line
– Can settle whilst owner is having a half hour conversation
– Can settle by self for 20 mins off to the side

Medical Appointments

– Dog does not show aggression whilst handler is being examined
– Dog can complete tasks with dry food not raw

Travelling by Plane

– Handler can list requirements to fly with an assistance animal
– Handler understands how to manage fluid intake to ensure dog does not need to release self on flight
– Dog can follow behind handler through narrow passageways

Other

– Dog is calm when approaching doors to enter or exit. Does not pull / walk through until asked.
– Dog will remain calm and with handler around open bodies of water

** Certificates are achieved when the team has been observed competently completing the listed criteria. Training provides exposure and preparation for a wide range of scenarios to decrease the chance of dog or handler error, however as Assistance dogs are sentient beings it can not be guaranteed mistakes will not be made.
Part of the Pack does not accept legal liability for the actions of the Assistance Dog teams. Instead as ‘Owner trainers’ the teams accept and assume this responsibility themselves.

Handler specific behaviours to mitigate a disability. Some examples for current teams are:

– Helps handler undress
– Unloads washing machine
– Opens and closes doors
– Interruption of self harming behaviours