It takes at least two years to train a dog for service as an assistance dog, and even then, there is no guarantee that he/she is capable and works willingly. Assistance dogs can greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities. By performing tasks such as picking up dropped items, opening doors, turning lights on and off and many more specialised tasks. They allow their handlers to approach life with greater independence and confidence.

Yet, even among dogs that are specifically bred for this work, the rate of success typically ranges from 30-50%. To be suitable, dogs need to be robust to environmental stressors, like large crowds and loud noises. They must be focused on their handler and have the ability to avoid distractions such as other animals, people, food on the ground.

When the puppies are eight weeks old, they are homed with people in the community who are trained to be educators and provide a loving home. The puppy is taught basic skills, socialised, exposed to everyday life and outdoor experiences, as well as good house manners. The puppy is usually not left alone more than 4 hours. At 12-18 months of age the dog is ready to move onto Advanced Training at the National Training School in Sydney. These dogs need to be spayed or neutered.

Most national and international training facilities use two tests to identify good canine candidates for assistance training. One of those tests is the C-BARQ test, done at about 12 months of age to evaluate temperament and behaviour. It has the potential to be a powerful screening tool, incorporated prior to the commencement of more formal training. This test seems to be most useful for identifying the dogs least likely to succeed. The main five variables are barking - low levels required, stranger-directed fear, dog-directed aggression, all requiring a low level of reactivity. Coprophagia (eating poo) is undesirable, but some puppies grow out of this. Trainability is positive indicator.

The other test, IFT (In for Training) is when the dog has passed the first screening test; they are older and are trained further at the institute. At this stage, the dogs need to exhibit some degree of impulse control, flexible sustained attention, appropriate social behaviour and independent problem solving. The training enhances these qualities. Given the extensive resources required to raise and train these dogs, predicting the development and proficiency of these skills as early as possible is crucial to saving time and expense, while providing productive dog placements to people waiting. It costs about $40,000 to train one dog: this includes everything from food, vaccinations and desexing; however the dogs are given free to people in need. The waiting time after registration is at least 2 years.

Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.