Assistance dog training is really just the basics done well. It’s not this mysterious area that turns some trainers off doing it.  You are taking on a client as a team, building your relationship with both the human and the dog; in part, you are the client’s support worker as well. As trainers, we need to meet the clients where they are at, so we need a good deal of human skills and patience. It helps to have or gain a good understanding of mental health and physical health. Being non-judgmental is essential, and honing your skills to read nonverbal human body language as well.  From a business perspective its good to have a balance of clients including assistance dog teams.  This is why I also specialise in therapy dog training as well.  

Learning Objectives

About The Presenter

Like many dog trainers, I had a previous career. For me, this was as a nurse, starting in the UK and then continuing here in Australia until I had a family.  Unknown to me then, this was to aid my transition from a pet dog trainer to specialising in assistance and therapy dog training. My business is K9 Potential, which commenced in 2009, and I’m situated on the North side of Brisbane, Queensland. Hilary is one of 25  approved non-organisational trainers, able to conduct a PAT under the ACT Government.  I have had a variety of dogs, and living on a large property, most of my dogs have been working dog breeds. Currently, due to age, I am downsizing, property and dogs, so I only have one small to medium-sized, old girl called Keira, a kelpie X Terrier. I have a passion to teach both pet owners and fellow trainers.