Transforming Lives Across The South West
Assistance dog training across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, delivered by skilled and qualified trainers. Our services are designed to support individuals with a wide range of complex disabilities, ensuring a reliable and professional approach to training.
We are run by disabled people, for disabled people.
Who We Are
At South West Assistance Dogs, we specialise in training assistance dogs for individuals with complex disabilities.
Our experienced trainers are dedicated to providing quality support to all of our clients, throughout the training journey.
25%
Quality Of Life Improvement
Assistance dog handlers have reported their quality of life improving by nearly 25% after being placed with their canine companion.¹
80%
Reduced Anxiety
Handlers with PTSD have reported an 80% increase in calmness, hugely boosting confidence and independence.²³
24%
of the UK are disabled
According to most recent census data nearly 1 in 4 people in the UK are disabled, many of whom are severely impacted.⁴
Enhanced Autonomy, Tailored Assistance, and a Diverse Team to Support you on Your Journey
¹ Shoesmith, E et al. (2024), https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0014
² Veterens With Dogs (2024), https://veteranswithdogs.org.uk/research/a-decade-of-transformation
³ Lloyd, J et al. (2019), https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00166
⁴ Kirk-Wade, E et al. (2024) https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9602/
We have been engaged in the training of assistance dogs for over six years, collaborating closely with various assistance dog organisations both within the UK and internationally.
While we commend the efforts of our colleagues in this field, we recognise that the South West region faces distinct challenges regarding the provision of assistance dog placements.
The predominantly rural nature of many areas in the South West, coupled with the significant distances from major urban centres, results in a scarcity of services extending across a vast geographical area. Additionally, dogs raised and trained in urban settings may find it more difficult to acclimatise to the quieter countryside environment, to be evaluated as stock-safe, or to receive appropriate training for individuals engaged in agricultural vocations.
We take great pride in our ability to train dogs who can successfully adapt to diverse environments and seamlessly integrate into existing dynamics with other working canines.
What We Do
Our approach centres on kindness and ethics, ensuring that every training session is tailored to the individual needs of both the dog and the person they will assist. This commitment to compassionate training sets us apart, as we believe that a well-trained assistance dog not only provides essential support but also enhances the quality of life for their human partners. With our years of extensive and personal experience, we harness the latest techniques in positive reinforcement, creating a rewarding and enriching environment that allows our dogs to become truly reliable companions.
Expert Trainers
All of our trainers come from behaviour-based dog training, with years of experience in the field. The majority of our trainers are themselves assistance dog users, with lived experience of disability.
Programme Training
We raise and train dogs to then be placed with handlers through a careful and considered matching process.
Handler Training
We want our teams to be truly independent, and as part of working with us we train our clients to understand canine behaviour, allowing them to problem solve in novel situations.
Owner Training
In a limited number of cases, we are able to work alongside local clients who have an existing dog in the home, to potentially train the dog to become a qualified assistance dog through our OT Programme.
Supporting Our Work
We operate as a non-profit, and in order to achieve our long term goal of providing trained dogs for as little as possible we rely on the support of people like you!
Whether that be a financial contribution, purchasing products through our shop, sponsoring one of our puppies, or just spreading the word on social media, we are eternally grateful to everyone who helps us to do what we do best.