ABOUT OUR ASSISTANCE DOGS
How we care for our Assistance Dogs
ADNZ uses a registered dog trainer for the training and care of all dogs being trained to meet client's needs. While the dogs are in training they are housed in kennels and walk-in runs, or are inside with the trainer. They are desexed, vaccinated, registered and microchipped, flea treated and wormed, and receive appropriate veterinary care as required. At the training facilities there are 30 acres of land with an adjoining forest. The training and kennel team are able to ensure that all dogs are adequately exercised and given appropriate 'time out' from training.
A thorough assessment of the client's needs, circumstances and environment is completed before an application for an Assistance Dog is accepted. This means that ADNZ is able to assess the appropriateness of the client's need for an Assistance Dog. It also ensures that the applicant understands what is involved in the ongoing care, health and welfare of the dog, and has the ability to provide it.
A signed agreement is required before an Assistance Dog is handed over to a client. The client is given sufficient training (between ten to fourteen days) to ensure that they know how to work with their dog. They receive monthly phone calls for the first six months followed by an annual personal follow-up visit throughout the dog's working life.
Dogs that are trained to become Assistance Dogs but prove to be unsuitable are re-homed appropriately, with the same care that is given to the applicants of Assistance Dogs.
A thorough assessment of the client's needs, circumstances and environment is completed before an application for an Assistance Dog is accepted. This means that ADNZ is able to assess the appropriateness of the client's need for an Assistance Dog. It also ensures that the applicant understands what is involved in the ongoing care, health and welfare of the dog, and has the ability to provide it.
A signed agreement is required before an Assistance Dog is handed over to a client. The client is given sufficient training (between ten to fourteen days) to ensure that they know how to work with their dog. They receive monthly phone calls for the first six months followed by an annual personal follow-up visit throughout the dog's working life.
Dogs that are trained to become Assistance Dogs but prove to be unsuitable are re-homed appropriately, with the same care that is given to the applicants of Assistance Dogs.
How we train our Assistance Dogs
ADNZ have a very comprehensive training program. Only dogs that successfully achieve training standards and meet the temperamental analysis criteria are provided as service Assistance Dogs.
At present ADNZ has one qualified trainer, Julie Hancox, who using many of the same techniques and methods that she used during her ten years working for the RNZFB, Guide Dog Services. Training an Assistance Dog takes approximately six months, during which time the dogs receive assessment, basic obedience, social behaviour, home behaviour and specific task training. Each training session is recorded. Training increases in intensity and difficulty according to the dog's individual temperament and learning pace.
At present ADNZ has one qualified trainer, Julie Hancox, who using many of the same techniques and methods that she used during her ten years working for the RNZFB, Guide Dog Services. Training an Assistance Dog takes approximately six months, during which time the dogs receive assessment, basic obedience, social behaviour, home behaviour and specific task training. Each training session is recorded. Training increases in intensity and difficulty according to the dog's individual temperament and learning pace.
What our Assistance Dogs are trained to do
ADNZ dogs are trained specifically to assist with every day tasks that may be difficult when there is an impairment or disadvantage present. Although not exclusively much of our work to date has been training dogs to assist people with Autism, particularly children. Typically children with Autism look 'normal' but display a wide range of behaviours which makes living difficult for them and for those caring for them. These include a lack of empathy and socialisation, one-sided conversations, pedantic repetitive speech, poor verbal or no verbal skills, 'melt-downs' and 'bolting' behaviours. Each child's individual needs are assessed and a suitable Assistance Dog is trained specifically to meet those requirements.
ADNZ Dogs can trained in the following areas:
ADNZ Dogs can trained in the following areas:
- Retrieval tasks
- Carrying tasks (non retrieval)
- Deposit tasks
- Tug tasks
- Nose nudge tasks
- Pawing tasks (some dogs prefer pawing to nose nudge)
- Bracing tasks (no harness)
- Harness tasks for mobility assistance
- Assistance in crisis
- Medical assistance tasks*
Where we source our Assistance Dogs
The dogs currently in training were donated or sourced through the general population. Assistance Dogs New Zealand is now building the foundation of its own breeding program commencing with the arrival of two puppies that have been donated from Queensland Guide Dogs.
Below are the two puppies from Queensland Guide Dogs
Labrador Retriever Yellow Boy Basil
Labrador Retriever Black Girl Bella
Below are the two puppies from Queensland Guide Dogs
Labrador Retriever Yellow Boy Basil
Labrador Retriever Black Girl Bella
Welcome to Danny
Danny is a pedigree Golden Retriever whom we hope will make a fine stud dog for future generations of Assistance dogs
Sire: Corrievern Doby
Dam: Winterlea Striking the Pose
Thank you to Lauren from Maxgenetics for this lovely boy. If you are interested in sponsoring Danny please visit our online fundraising page
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/AssistanceDogsNewZealand
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/AssistanceDogsNewZealand
Copyright Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust 2010 | All rights reserved
