Certification

I can help you achieve a few different types of certification for your dog.

Certifications

Pet Dog Ambassador Certification

Certification is not only for the working dog. We all gain a little bit of pride when something we, a family member, or friend, has done is recognised by others. How many of us have Certificates that our children have gained, at school or for a sporting event, proudly displayed on our fridge? I feel that same pride when my dog has achievements. The Pet Dog Ambassador program gives you and your dog recognition for the training you do so you can live together in a harmonious family atmosphere. It is very different from traditional obedience training in that it teaches you and your dog skills for everyday life with a family. Each of the levels increases in difficulty and is rewarded with its own certificate. I offer this program as both trainer and assessor.

Assistance and Medical Detection Dog Certification

Firstly, I want to make clear that you will be certified by Assistance Dog Services, not the government. My clients are currently fully protected under the federal Disability Discrimination Act, 1992.

I look at the environment the dogs and pups are in, the health, temperament, and longevity of the line. If prospective owners are planning on purchasing a puppy, I first ascertain where the pup is coming from. If from a breeder, is the pup is already born, or are they are waiting for a litter? I then meet with the breeder to discuss, and meet the sire and dame. I would advise against selecting a dog from a breeder who is reticent to discuss these things, or allow access to the whelping area or pups’ parents.

As an owner trainer, and for myself as your certifying entity, it is crucial that we can show proof that your dog is trained to an exacting standard. When an assistance dog team is working in public, its reputation, as well as the reputation of its trainer and certifier, is on the line. For this reason I require my clients to complete certain qualifications as part of my program, before I am able to certify them. My standards for training and certification are based on standards set by Assistance Dogs International and the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners.

I offer two programs, Certification Only, and Full Training and Certification. Both of these programs require clients to pass all levels of the Pet Dog Ambassador (PDA) program, as well as a task test, a Public Access Test (PAT) and, if you are undertaking detection work, the ODOR standards test.


ASSISTANCE AND DETECTION CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS


Certification Only Program STEPS

  • Initial Contact
    We will discuss your needs, you dogs current ability and, if we both feel we can work together, go ahead with the application process.

  • Application
    Complete nad return the application form.

  • Planning
    After your application is approved I will discuss the plan to move forward with you, and your trainer if you are using one.

  • In Training ID and Patches
    Once you have passed the first PDA test you will be issued with photo ID, and your patches.

  • Training Diary
    It is recommended that you keep a training diary as evidence of ongoing training, and for to use as a diagnostic tool.

  • Training
    Your ongoing training will be done by you and your chosen trainer, if you are using one. We will be in contact regularly and you, or your trainer, will be advised of the standards required to pass each level.

  • PDA
    Pet Dog Ambassador test. As you pass each level of the Pet Dog Ambassador program you will receive a certificate. The length of time between each test is dependant on you and your dog, you will need to satisfactorily demonstrate the skills required in order to pass each level.

  • PDA, Task Assessment and Public Access Test
    The final test for certification.

  • ID Card
    Once you have passed your final Pet Dog Ambassador test, Task Assessment, and Public Access Test, you will be issued with a new photo ID.



Full Program steps

  • Initial Contact
    We will discuss your needs, you dogs current ability and, if we both feel we can work together, go ahead with the application process.

  • Application
    Complete nad return the application form.

  • Planning
    After your application is approved I will discuss the plan to move forward with you, and your trainer if you are using one.

  • In Training ID and Patches
    Once you have passed the first PDA test you will be issued with photo ID, and your patches.

  • Training Diary
    You will be required to keep a training diary as evidence of ongoing training, and for use as a diagnostic tool.

  • Training
    Due to changes for Covid19, I do all training online for the forseeable future. One session per week for assistance dog training, two sessions per week for medical detection training.

  • PDA - Pet Dog Ambassador Test
    As you pass each level of the Pet Dog Ambassador program you will receive a certificate. The length of time between each test is dependant on you and your dog. You will need to demonstrate the skills required to pass each level, before progressing to the next. Remember, slow is fast in dog training.

  • Training and PDA
    Depending on the age of your dog when you start, there can be up to five levels of training and PDA assessment required for certification

  • PDA, Task Assessment, PAT, ODOR
    The final test for certification.

  • ID Card
    Once you have passed your final Pet Dog Ambassador test, Task Assessment, Public Access Test and, if required ODOR certification you will be issued with a new photo ID.


Ongoing Certification

Ongoing certification is the same for every program. Every year you will be required to complete a Public Access Test, Task Assessment and ODOR assessment (if applicable). Every second year, you will also be required to complete the test for the final level of Pet Dog Ambassador, in order to maintain your certification. This will be done at the same time as your PAT.

Fees

Please contact me for fee structure. (Fees are income-based.)