At present, the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust has one trainer, Julie Hancox. She believes that training dogs for people with disabilities is specialised work - requiring both a thorough knowledge of canine behaviour and an in-depth understanding of individual disability requirements. 

Julie has always loved dogs, taking on the role of neighbourhood dog walker while still at school, rescuing strays and doing volunteer work with S.P.C.A. Her interest in animals and their impact on people with disabilities became a focus when, as a mother with two young children, she volunteered at the local Riding for the Disabled group.

Julie began her career as a dog trainer as a puppy walker for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind Guide Dog Services. This led to a position as a Guide Dog Trainer and Instructor. During the ten years she worked for the RNZFB Guide Dog Services, Julie obtained her Guide Dog Trainers qualification and her Guide Dog Instructors qualification including the following University Papers:

• Certificate in Rehabilitation  Principles of Canine Behaviour, Individual and Social Psychology, Human Development, Rehabilitation Studies, Issues in Rehabilitation, Health Studies and Sociology of a Disability
• Post Graduate Diploma  Canine Studies for the Rehabilitation Practitioner, Orientation and Mobility, Rehabilitation Practicum, Rehabilitation Theory and Practice, Education of Rehabilitation of Visual Impaired
• UNITEC  Certificate in Animal Care and Handling

Julie trains Assistance Dogs from her home on the side of Pirongia Mountain in Ngutunui. She has 30 acres of land bordering a forestry block where she continues continues her passion for dogs in work, disability and companionship.