OUR POTENTAIL FUTURE HERO DOGS

At Veterans With Dogs, our potential future Hero Dogs are specially bred and selected Labradors, Retrievers, and Spaniels. Their training journey begins at the age of eight weeks when they settle into their new homes. During their first year of life, they are cared for by our amazing socialiser families.

The socialiser families provide a loving and nurturing environment where the puppies engage in a daily routine of fun, sleep, exercise, house training, and the learning of basic skills and manners. They are immersed in various socialisation experiences and interact with the public, helping them become well-rounded and confident dogs.

Throughout this period, the puppies are part of our PALS^TM Puppy Programme. This programme focuses on their basic training, which they undertake at their own pace under the guidance of their family and a Trainer. The puppies learn important foundations such as obedience, impulse control, and appropriate behaviour.

Once the puppies reach around 12 to 18 months old and have developed a solid foundation, they are matched with a Veteran and transition into the Advanced Training Programme. This programme builds upon the skills they have already acquired, tailoring their training to the specific needs of their future Veteran partner.

The Advanced Training Programme prepares them to become assistance dogs capable of providing the support and assistance required to mitigate the symptoms of mental health conditions.

Through careful breeding, selection, socialisation, and comprehensive training programmes, we aim to produce exceptional Hero Dogs who will make a profound difference in the lives of our Veterans.

Unleashing the Power of Assistance Dogs

In recent years, the role popularity of assistance dogs has become increasingly recognised and valued in aiding individuals facing various challenges, particularly those related to mental health. These remarkable canines are trained to provide invaluable support and assistance to their handlers, offering not just companionship, but also a sense of security and independence. In this post, we'll delve into the world of 'assistance' dogs.

Assistance dogs are specially trained to perform tasks and provide assistance to individuals with disabilities or medical conditions. While they are commonly associated with physical disabilities, such as guiding individuals who are visually impaired, assistance dogs also play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions.

Training and Certification

One of the key aspects of assistance dogs is their rigorous training. Programmes for assistance dog training focus on teaching dogs specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers. This can include tasks such as alerting to impending panic attacks, providing deep pressure therapy during moments of distress, or providing medication reminders and retrieval.

Appropriate and credible certification for assistance dogs provides validation and assurance to handlers and for publicly accessible businesses and services. Dog owners should always opt for certification programmes that assess the dog's training and behaviour in various real-life situations. This process ensures that the dog is well-prepared to assist its handler effectively.

Types of Dogs

Assistance dogs cater to a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and mental health conditions. Some common types of these dogs include different descriptions of the same thing:

Mental Health Assistance Dogs or Assistance Dogs for Mental Health: These dogs offer vital support to individuals with mental health conditions, helping them navigate daily challenges with confidence and independence.
Guide Dogs Assist people who are blind or visually impaired
Hearing Dogs Support people who are deaf or hard of hearing, alert their handlers to important sounds like doorbells, alarms, or phone calls
Mobility Assistance Dogs Aid individuals with physical disabilities or limited mobility, tasks include picking up objects and opening doors
Medical Alert Dogs Trained to detect and alert to specific medical conditions

Emotional Support Dogs: Are not legally recognised in the UK and are considered pets, these dogs provide emotional support to their handlers.
Psychiatric Service Dogs: Are a US version of Mental Health Assistance Dogs and the term is NOT USED IN THE UK.

The Benefits of Assistance Dogs

The presence of an assistance dog can have profound benefits for individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. These benefits may include:

Increased Independence: Assistance dogs enable individuals to perform daily tasks and participate in activities they may otherwise struggle with, promoting independence and autonomy.

Emotional Support: The companionship and unconditional love provided by assistance dogs can significantly improve emotional well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Improved Quality of Life: By assisting with specific tasks and providing constant support, assistance dogs enhance the overall quality of life for their handlers, allowing them to lead more fulfilling and active lives.

Assistance dogs play a vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions. From providing practical assistance to offering emotional support, these remarkable animals truly are life-changing companions.