Assistance Dogs NSW

Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Program

Now available in New South Wales!

We are pleased to announce that our Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Program has been approved by Transport for NSW for clients across New South Wales. This program operates under the same evidence-based framework and high professional standards as our established model, with delivery adapted to support interstate participants through structured online coaching and in-person workshops.

This expansion ensures clients in NSW can access expert guidance, accountability, and support—without compromising quality or outcomes.

How the NSW Program Works

The New South Wales program follows the same comprehensive training pathway, standards, and assessment criteria as our core program. The key difference is how the support is delivered.

Weekly Live Zoom Coaching

Participants attend weekly Zoom sessions, providing:

  • Structured training guidance and progression

  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting in real time

  • Skill refinement for both handler and dog

  • Ongoing accountability and professional oversight

These sessions ensure you are never training alone and that your dog’s development stays on track.

Quarterly In-Person Workshops – Sydney

To complement online coaching, we deliver four in-person workshops per year in Sydney.

These workshops provide:

  • Practical, hands-on training in real-world environments

  • Public access and distraction proofing

  • Trainer observation and detailed feedback

  • Group learning and peer support

Attendance at workshops is strongly encouraged and forms an important part of skill consolidation and assessment.

Who This Program Is For

This program is suitable for:

  • Individuals seeking to owner-train an assistance dog in NSW

  • Clients who require flexibility due to location, health, or mobility

  • Participants committed to consistent weekly training and engagement

  • Owners who value professional oversight and structured progression

It is not a self-paced or unsupervised program. Active participation is essential.

Professional Oversight, Wherever You Are

Geography should not limit access to high-quality assistance dog training. Our NSW delivery model ensures:

  • Consistent professional input

  • Clear expectations and milestones

  • Ethical, welfare-focused training practices

  • Realistic, outcome-based assessments

You receive the same program, standards, and commitment—delivered in a way that works for New South Wales.

Enrolment and Enquiries

Places are limited to ensure program quality and individual support.

For further information, eligibility, or to apply for the New South Wales Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Program, please contact us directly.

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 our 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 very little 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 must not show excitement or aggression.  

Testimonials 
ASSISTANCE DOGS

Marie and Pie (SA)

"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
ASSISTANCE DOGS

Kristen and Bosco (NSW)

"Bosco is a PTSD Assistance Dog trained to detect and disrupt anxious behaviours, provide deep pressure therapy and emotional support, at home and out in public."

"Bosco was bred and trained by Scott, who worked with us to develop our skills both individually and as a team."   

"Bosco is an exceptional companion whose temperament and training make him an essential part of managing my PTSD" - Kristen

“A Belgian Malinois would not be my first choice, but Bosco is proof that any breed can be an assistance dog. Now he has more frequent flyer points than me! ” - Scott

Online Enrolment for NSW 
Enrol Weekly
Enrol Fortnightly

Learn More About The Program 

Please complete the form below to get started, we will contact you with more information.
Name State Suburb Phone E-mail Do You Currently Own The Dog You Would Like To Train? Dog's Name Breed Age Submit
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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 $2,000 to $6,000 - 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 may cost $4,000 to $16,000.

In most cases you will be looking at a total cost somewhere between $6,000 to $22,000.  

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 before they are ready to be certified. A well trained adult dog may take 4 - 6 months.  
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