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Assistance dog fetches a toy for a young boy sitting in a wheelchair
Just like the dogs in the other divisions, the puppies, which we breed ourselves, spend their first 18 months with foster families, who provide them with targeted support. At the end of this stage, an Assistance Dog Instructor trains the dog for about six to nine months at our school, using positive training methods which involve verbal praise, play and food. At the end of the training, the assistance behaviour learned by the dog and its conduct in public are both assessed using the internationally-recognised “Public Access Test”.

Introduction to the client

The assistance dog and its owner are settling in together over two weeks, with the help of an instructor, in the familiar surroundings of the owner's own home. At this stage, our approach depends on the individual requirements of our clients, integrating features such as treatments and rest periods.

Our aim for the team is to enjoy working together. Daily walks in the fresh air and playing with the dog are also vital. It’s important for clients to have the type of electrical equipment (such as an electrical wheelchair, Swisstrac, etc.) that will allow them to go on extended walks – along forest paths, for example.

Continuous support

The instructor will visit the team regularly for as long as they are together, and at least once a year. This keeps up the standard of the dog’s training and gives an opportunity to teach the dog new assistance behaviours, should there be any changes in the client’s health status.