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Learning / A New Zealand perspective

Training that belongs in your everyday.

Three ways to build skills with your dog. Discuss your starting point, the support you need and a New Zealand dollar quote before making a commitment.

Explore the training directions
AI-generated illustration of a grey standard poodle practising a calm settle in a New Zealand café courtyard
Begin with a focus.Build from there.

The course collection

Three directions for your next step.

Compare the focus and timetable.
Ask for a tailored quote in New Zealand dollars.

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01 / A broad training focusComprehensive focus

Assistance Team Training

Build your approach to assistance work around everyday behaviour, consistent practice and the needs of the handler–dog team.

Consider this direction ifOwner-trainer teams looking for a comprehensive assistance dog training focus.

Training themes

  • 120 hours / 10 weeks
  • Assistance dog training
  • Public behaviour practice
  • New Zealand access information
02 / Purposeful assistance tasksTask-focused

Psychiatric Task Training

Explore training focused on psychiatric assistance tasks, including deep pressure work and support relevant to the handler’s needs.

Consider this direction ifTeams focusing on trained tasks that assist a handler with psychiatric disability.

Training themes

  • Psychiatric assistance tasks
  • Deep pressure task training
  • Handler-focused practice
  • New Zealand travel preparation
03 / The everyday essentialsEveryday foundations

Everyday Manners & Therapy Foundations

Give basic commands, recall and lead manners a clear place in your routine, with foundations for therapy dog preparation.

Consider this direction ifDogs developing everyday manners and a foundation for therapy dog work.

Training themes

  • 40 hours / 4 weeks
  • Sit, stay and recall
  • Lead walking skills
  • Therapy dog foundations

The catalogue outlines training themes and published course details. Ask the team about the current arrangements and suitability for your goals before committing to a course.

Choosing with care

Start with what
your team needs.

Assistance tasks and therapy dog foundations have different aims. Describe the skills you want to work on and the settings where you expect to practise when you contact the team.

Course participation and private record services do not themselves establish government accreditation or public access eligibility.

Talk through the options ↗
The training notebook

Something to practise between lessons.

Browse 15 free guides to reward timing, lead walking, settling, recall and everyday preparation for New Zealand assistance dog teams.

Read the training guides
Questions about private records?

Contact the team for guidance about an existing or proposed private record.

Talk to the record team