How to Become an Assistance Dog Trainer.

Completing day-to-day tasks is something that most of us take for granted, but for those living with disabilities or medical conditions, carrying out a simple task takes a lot of work. To limit these restrictions, people can enlist the help of assistance dogs, who provide daily support, enabling their owner to live the life they choose. 

Assistance dogs are trained to carry out tasks that assist with the day-to-day activities of a person with disabilities or medical conditions. More than 7,000 people in the UK rely on the physical and emotional support of assistance dogs so that they can gain greater independence in their daily lives. 

If you have a passion for dogs and a desire to help others live a better life, you can become an assistance dog trainer. Below, we have explained how assistance dog trainer courses will qualify you to pursue a career in this sector. 

What is an Assistance Dog? 

Essentially, an assistance dog is trained to provide support to individuals living with disabilities or medical conditions. There are various types of assistance dogs, and some refer to them as service dogs. Most of us will know about guide dogs, who are trained to support blind people, but there are other types, including: 

• Medical alert dogs 
• Hearing dogs 
• Autism dogs 

So, someone who has hearing difficulties can live more independently if they have an assistance dog by their sides. The same can be said for those with mobility issues, epilepsy, or medical conditions such as diabetes. Predominantly, an assistance dog is there to assist with daily tasks, but during your assistance dog trainer career, you will learn that they provide emotional support too. 

There are various organisations in the UK, such as Assistance Dogs UK and Assistance Dogs International that register and train dogs for individuals. In some cases, owners will carry an ID book that has all the relevant information about their assistance dog, but it is not a legal requirement to do so. 

How Do I Become an Assistance Dog Trainer, UK-Based? 

To work in assistance dog trainer jobs, you need to become a qualified assistance dog trainer. With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can embark on online assistance dog trainer courses that carry a nationally recognised qualification.  

When you embark on your study towards an assistance dog trainer career, you will learn the methods of training and the levels involved. We have put together an overview of what a puppy and adult dog will learn during their training: 

• Puppies – At a young age, a puppy will be trained in basic obedience, as well as how to retrieve items. An assistance dog trainer will also be taught social skills to give them a well-rounded skillset ahead of further training 
• Advanced Training – At the age of 14 to 16 months, a dog will move on to advanced training, which consists of building core skills and further obedience training. The purpose is to train the animal to be able to open doors, press buttons in a lift, get the phone, and unload a washing machine 
• Further Training – Once an assistance dog has completed their advanced training, they will be matched with an owner. At this point, an assistance dog trainer will likely train the dog in ways that specifically care for the needs of their new owner. For example, a person with mobility issues may require a different type of assistance compared to someone with hearing difficulties 

If you are interested in carving out an assistance dog trainer career, then you should be considering assistance dog trainer courses. With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you have the benefit of gaining a recognised qualification as well as being able to complete your course online.  

Study for an Assistance Dog Training Level 3 Diploma (RQF) and learn essential knowledge and skills that will enable you to apply for assistance dog trainer jobs. The type of people best suited to this role is someone who cares deeply for dogs and wants to make a difference in people’s lives.  

There are 10 units that you will have to complete during assistance dog trainer course, starting with: 

• Communication and Canine Body Language 
• Care of Canines 
• First Aid 
• Behaviour and Influences 
• Dogs and the Law 

The remaining 5 units are: 

• Disabilities 
• Dog Training 
• Managing Volunteers 
• Puppy Development and Behaviour 
• Assessment of the Needs of the Dog 

To successfully obtain the Assistance Dog Training Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will be tested via computer-based portfolio evidence rather than through an exam. The assignments issued to you will be based on each unit that you study. 

Can Anyone Become a Service Dog Trainer? 

To enrol on our assistance dog trainer courses, it is not a requirement to have previous qualifications, but it would be beneficial if you had experience handling dogs. You have to be at least 16 years of age to study our course. Essentially, anyone who meets the age requirement and has a passion for dogs can become an assistance dog trainer. 

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dog Trainer? 

Given that you have control over your studies when learning with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can complete the assistance dog trainer course at your own pace. In fact, it's possible to gain the qualification in less than a year!

When it comes to the dogs, once you have become a qualified assistance dog trainer, it will take around one to two years for a dog to be fully trained, particularly if they are beginning training as puppies. This is because the dog needs to be older than one year when they qualify. 

Are there Assistance Dog Trainer Vacancies? 

Given the important role that an assistance dog plays in the lives of thousands of people, there will always be a demand for assistance dog trainers. When considering your options, with our recognised qualification, you can apply for assistance dog trainer jobs for charities and organisations. 

Eventually, you could work towards a role as an Assistance Dog Training Supervisor or an Assistance Dog Training Manager. Alternatively, rather than work for an organisation or company, you can use these skills to build your own business by going self-employed.  

For example, you may want to provide dog obedience classes or offer private dog training to clients. As you can see, there are a wide variety of career options available once you complete assistance dog trainer courses. 

If you want to use your passion for dogs to progress towards a different career, then we have a range of courses that you may be interested in, such as: 

• Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare Level 3 Diploma (RQF) 
• Combined Canine Behaviour Management Diploma (RQF) Levels 4, 5 and 6 
• Canine Welfare, Training and Behaviour Diploma (RQF) Level 4 
• Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma (RQF) Level 5 
• Introduction to Dog Grooming (RQF) Level 3 Award 

Kick-Start Your New Career Today! 

If your ambition is to become an assistance dog trainer, then Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help. We are one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers, with more than 650 courses and over 50,000 students enrolled at any one time.  

As soon as you sign up to our assistance dog trainer courses, you will be given instant access to all of the materials you need to complete the course. You will also benefit from the following: 

• Flexible study – Learn in your own time and at your own pace, without being restricted to a classroom 
• Study anywhere – Wherever you are, you can learn your courses, as long as you have a computer/laptop and a stable internet connection 
• Unlimited access – Throughout the duration of your course, you will have 24/7 access to all the materials you need 
• Tutor support – A personal tutor will provide support and guidance throughout your learning journey 
• Innovative platform – We have an online platform that keeps everything you need in one place 

To begin pursuing a career as an assistance dog trainer, speak to one of our Course Executives on 0121 392 8288 or contact us online. Take your first steps towards a rewarding career today!