We’re Official Trainers & Assessors for Assistance Dogs in Australia
As accredited assistance dog assessors and trainers, we specialise in the comprehensive training of assistance dogs tailored to individual needs. Our expertise extends to both NDIS and non-NDIS assistance dog training, helping dogs become registered assistance animals.
Becoming an Assistance Dog
The process of training and certifying an assistance dog in Australia involves several steps. Keep in mind that the specific requirements may vary depending on the organisation or training program required for your individual needs.
Determine Elegibility
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for having an assistance dog. In Australia, these dogs are typically trained to assist people with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or medical conditions.
Training Program
We use positive reinforcement in our training to build skilled assistance dogs and create strong bonds with their owners. Our programs meet strict and high standards, empowering individuals to live more independently with their trusted canine companions.
Public Access Training & Assessment
Assistance dogs must be well-behaved in public spaces. The training program will include socialisation and public access training to ensure that the dog can behave appropriately in various environments, such as in supermarkets, restaurants, busses, trains etc.
Trained dogs become certified when they:
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perform identifiable physical tasks or behaviours to assist a person with a disability to reduce their need for support
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have passed a PAT conducted by an approved trainer or training institution within 7 days of certification and prior to requesting a handler identity card
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are not a restricted breed under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008
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are de-sexed and vaccinated
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have not been declared a dangerous dog under a local law.
Dogs must also undergo regular skill updating and testing to make sure they stay safe and effective in public places and public passenger vehicles.
Why Choose IdaBoss Dog Training?
Experienced Trainers
With a deep understanding of dog behavior and years of hands-on training, our skilled professionals are dedicated to tailoring solutions that address your dog's unique needs.
Personalised training plans
Our individualised plans ensure a customised roadmap to success for every pooch we work with. Your dog's journey to well-rounded behaviour starts with a plan crafted just for them.
Comprehensive Support
Choosing IdaBoss Dog Training means embarking on a journey of ongoing support. Beyond our private and group training sessions, we provide you with the tools and resources needed to reinforce positive behaviours at home.
Our extensive training program ensures you and your assistance dog achieve your goals of living your best life without barriers.
FAQ
Who can have an assistance dog
Anyone who has a disability as defined by the disability discrimination act and their medical professionals have advised that their disability could be managed with the support of an assistance dog. https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/disability-discrimination
What sort of assistance dogs do you train?
IdaBoss Dog Training assists mental health sufferers to train and certify psychiatric assistance dogs. These dogs assist people with mental health disorders whose lives are often severely compromised by anxiety and fear.
How long does it take?
At IdaBoss, we think each dog and handler is a team, and training is done at their pace; each team is different, and some come to us with the basics covered, and some start right from a puppy. There is no timeframe, and how many lessons are needed is individual to each team.
What do we need to get started?
To get started, we need to know a little more about you and your dog. Please fill in the contact details form below, and we will be in contact. The first step is a phone call with our assistance dog trainer, Jody. Jody will then come to your home to meet you and your dog at this meeting, we will discuss your training history and your goals. We will then discuss whether your dog is suitable to participate in the program. We will discuss options for further training either as an assistance dog or to help them to be ready (if possible)
I am already with an organisation, how can you help me?
If you have been referred to us by either MindDog or Assistance Paws then please book an appointment via these links: Self funded: https://www.idabossdogtraining.com.au/service-page/assistance-dog-training NDIS Funded: https://www.idabossdogtraining.com.au/service-page/ndis-assistance-dog-training Please note their timelines and policies will be applied
Can you do our Public Access Test?
Jody is an ACT-accredited trainer and assessor, so can train and do the test. Across Australia state and territory accreditation is recognised alike under s9.2A of the Commonwealth law equally for GHAD, ACT, SA and WA. This means that people who rely on an assistance animal to alleviate the effects of a disability will be able to have their assistance animal tested, accredited, and registered as an assistance animal and issued with an Accredited Assistance Animal card (ID card) for a period of up to two years. Assistance animals - City Services (act.gov.au)
What is the difference between Assistance Dog, Service Dog and Therapy dog?
An assistance dog and a therapy dog are not the same thing. As stated on our definition of an assistance dog page, an assistance dog is trained to assist with a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (abreviated DDA). There are many different terms used to describe the different jobs that a dog may do and they are not all equal. Service dog: This is an alternative term for an assistance dog. Service dog is a term generally used in America while assistance dog is more often used in Australia and in legislation. Emotional Support Dog: Emotional Support Animals (abbreviated to ESA) are not recognised under Australian law. This term is vague and there are no requirements for an ESAs role or behaviour standards. This is because ESAs are not guaranteed access under the DDA, unlike an assistance dog. An ESA may support a person through depression, anxiety or another medical condition but this does not mean that the animal is specifically trained to do so; rather, they do so merely by their presence. ESAs under law are pets while assistance dogs are medical aids. ESAs are not required to meet any legislated standards, while assistance dogs are required to meet behaviour and hygiene standards. These dogs may also be called companion dogs. There are many benefits of having a dog for your psychological health and many experience increased mental wellness from owning a dog. ESAs are valuable in their own right, but they are different to assistance dogs. Therapy dog: A therapy dog is able to access places like schools, hospitals and retirement homes for the purposes of therapy. Therapy dogs are very beneficial for boosting moral and may have a positive psychological effect on the recipients. mindDog does not accredit therapy dogs; for more information regarding therapy dogs please visit DELTA. Other terms you may hear include working or helper dogs. Again, these terms are vague and are not accurate at describing a dogs level of training or role.
