Assistance Dogs

Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Program

Professional guidance to help you certify your own dog.

The Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Program supports individuals who wish to take an active role in preparing their own dog for assistance dog certification. Through this structured partnership model, Adelaide K9 Services works collaboratively with each handler to guide them through all stages of training and assessment — from foundation skills to public access readiness.

The program provides professional oversight, evidence-based training plans, and regular evaluations to ensure dogs meet the behavioural and welfare standards required for public access certification. Handlers receive tailored coaching, documentation, and support throughout the process, maintaining shared responsibility for the dog’s progress and performance.

This partnership approach recognises the unique bond between handler and dog, empowering owners to achieve certification under professional guidance while ensuring compliance with national assistance dog standards.

What is an Assistance Dog?

Assistance Dog is an umbrella term to describe a working dog which helps ease one or more symptoms of their owner's disability. An assistance dog can be a guide dog, a hearing dog, a medical alert dog, a mobility assistance dog, or a psychiatric support dog. A certified assistance dog has more access rights than a pet dog, allowing them to accompany their owner in most public places, on public transport, and in the cabin of aircraft (by arrangement with the airline).    

A certified assistance dog has more access rights than a pet dog.

What makes a dog an Assistance Dog?

Any breed of dog can qualify as an assistance dog, although certain breeds are considered more suitable. Selection of a prospective assistance dog is also important so wherever possible consult with us before purchasing a puppy.

To be recognized as an Assistance Dog under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 an Assistance Dog must:

  • Be Trained. You can achieve this yourself, through an Assistance Dog Provider, or private training companies - like Adelaide K9 Services. 

  • Pass the Public Access Test (PAT). The PAT is a test the dog must pass every three years. It is coordinated by the State government and is administered by approved assessors. The primary function of the PAT is to assess the appropriateness of assistance dog teams (dog and owner). To pass the test the dog must meet the standards of hygiene, be well behaved and under control of the owner at all times.    

  • Alleviate the Disability. To be certified an Assistance Dog must be trained to ease the owner's impairment. This requirement is more than just providing comfort - the dog must be trained to perform three (3) particular behaviours, sometimes without a cue from the owner. The types of things an assistance dog might do include: navigating busy public spaces, alerting their owner to certain noises, opening and closing doors and providing pressure with their body when their owner feels anxious. 

How hard is the Public Access Test?

The average pet dog is very unlikely to pass the PAT, because they lack the required level of training and behaviour. Some of the things that make the PAT difficult are:    

  • Obedience. During the PAT the dog must remain in control of the handler at all times, and be able to follow direction in busy public spaces like stores and restaurants. The average pet dog lacks consistent and structured obedience training making them unlikely to comply in these distracting environments.     

  • Inadequate Socialisation. The PAT assesses the ability of the dog to remain calm amid novel sights, sounds and distractions - including crowds, busy shopping centres, public transport, elevators and lifts. Without exposure to these things the pet dog may react inappropriately. 

  • Environmentals. The average pet dog has little to no exposure to the places where a PAT may be conducted - busy shopping precincts, malls, shops, restaurants, cafes, buses, trains, trams. Without controlled exposure this can be overwhelming for the pet dog.  

  • Impulse Control. An assistance dog must have good impulse control so they stay focused on their job. They are not allowed to take food from the floor, solicit attention from people, or sniff merchandise in shops. They must toilet on command and not void themselves inside.  

  • Dog Distraction. An assistance dog must be neutral around other dogs and should not show excitement or aggression.  

Testimonials 
ASSISTANCE DOGS

Marie and Pie

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your incredible help in training Pie, and preparing him for his Assistance Dog certification."

"Your support and dedication in guiding Pie through the process exceeded my expectations. Thank you for your assistance today (PAT day); it was instrumental in helping Pie pass and become certified."   

"I feel I can now start making something of my future with having Pie next to me!" - Marie

“Marie and Pie’s journey is exactly why we started the Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Program — to make this kind of transformation possible for anyone who needs it.” - Scott

Cost 

We are currently offering the following Group Classes:

Tuesdays (Norwood)

11:00am - Foundation

12:00pm - Public Access

Thursdays (Marion)

4:00pm - Public Access

Fridays (Semaphore)

11:00am - Foundation

12:00pm - Public Access

Enrolment in the program includes access to all group classes for just $89 per week, including training plans, coaching and ongoing support.

Individual Classes are $199 and can be booked online below.
Enrol Weekly
Enrol Fortnightly
Book an Individual Session

Learn More About The Program 

Please complete the form below to get started, we will contact you with more information.
Name Address Phone E-mail Do You Currently Own The Dog You Would Like To Train? Breed Age Submit
Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answered the most frequently asked questions below. If you have another one, please don't hesitate to give us a call or contact us.  

Can my current dog qualify as an Assistance Dog?

Yes and No. According to the law as long as your dog is able to meet the criteria they can qualify as an assistance dog. While this approach appeals to many owners it is not without challenges. For example, Guide Dogs are specifically bred for temperament and trainability, traits that increase their chances of completing their training. They are brought up by experienced "puppy raisers" and receive extensive professional training before being matched with a potential client. Even with these advantages less than 50% of candidates become certified Guide Dogs.       

Can you help me buy an Assistance Dog?

Yes. We can help you find a puppy, or adult dog that will be suitable to be trained as an assistance dog.         

Why is it so hard to get an Assistance Dog?

The demand for all types of assistance dogs is currently greater than the number of dogs that can be trained by recognized organizations. This has led to long waiting times for people in need of an assistance dog.

How much does an Assistance Dog cost?

A fully trained assistance dog is valued at $50,000 plus.

To purchase a candidate or green dog (a young dog who has had foundational training and is considered suitable for the role) may cost $5,000 to $10,000 - more in some instances.

Training costs for your own puppy or adult dog depend on the temperament and trainability of your dog, the intended role of the dog, your disability, and how much you are able to assist in the training of the dog. Training can cost $10,000 to $26,000.

In most cases you will be looking at a total cost of $15,000 to $36,000.  

How long does the Program take?

The length of the program varies based on the age of the dog and how much training is required for their role. A puppy will likely take 18 months to 2 years before they are ready to be certified. A suitable adult dog, or green dog, may take 4 - 6 months.  
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