Phoenix Assistance Dogs is dedicated to working one on one with individuals with disabilities that are seeking out having the help of assistance dogs. We offer two programs to fit nearly anyone desiring an assistance dogs needs. First we offer fully trained assistance dogs free of charge to individuals with psychiatric and physical disabilities. We dedicate ourselves to locating healthy young puppies living within shelters of the east coast. Before choosing a puppy to work with we conduct a series of temperament evaluations on site and over a period of days with each puppy, as well as have a veterinary consultation to ensure the puppies health. In addition, we get to know our partners which allows ensure we have puppies suitable for their needs in training. This can range from size, hypoallergenic needs, temperament, and more. Puppies are raised and trained by the same individual, reducing stress for that puppy by eliminating bouncing between volunteers, a kennel, and lastly their partner. They are in basic training until one year of age, at which time they begin advanced training. In Advanced Training we find their niche in the assistance dog world. This is when their partner is matched with their future assistance dog, and the magic truly begins…
The second and extremely unique program we offer at PAD is our Owner Training program. Individuals that wish to train their own assistance dog, will find this program unlike any else on the East Coast. In this program we offer: a General Need Assessment, Assistance Dog Candidate Search, Owner Training Private Lessons, Owner Training Group Classes, Owner Training Assistance Dog Certification. These unique services are explained in detail on our website. Owner Trainers in our program are required to uphold the high standards of assistance dogs which we hold our Program Trained dogs to. This means that they are evaluated on a monthly basis, while their handlers are required to fill out monthly training and behavioral forms, attend a minimum of 2 monthly private lessons, 1 monthly group class, and keep their assistance dog in training at a high level of physical standards. When PAD feels the team is ready they must pass a 3 page Public Access Certification in order to graduate as an official working team.
For more information or to ask specific questions please contact us at info[at]padcentral.org
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