Autism Anchor Dogs Programme
General
Please note that we are not currently accepting applications for Autism Assistance Dogs.
Assistance Dogs NI requires substantial funding in order for us to be able to open our waiting lists again. This programme places fully trained Assistance Dogs within homes. It takes approximately 12 to 14 months to train these dogs.
Taking on either a fully-trained Autism Assistance Dog is a big undertaking. Life caring for child(ren)/adult with Autism is challenging in the first instance. If there are additional on-going stressors within the home , such as your son/daughter changing medication, work or school tribunal’s , relationships ending or having additional caring roles for parents. Adding a dog into the mix is not advisable.
Whilst the dog is fully trained , it is an additional workload and our assistance dogs have their needs to be met such as:
- Exercised for at least one hour a day regardless of the weather
- Groomed daily
- Fed and cared for
- Training maintained
Please be advised that it is essential that you read through all documents carefully to ensure your family and your son/daughter meet the necessary criteria to be able to pursue your application. It is vital that both parents/guardians are in agreement to the application.
The Autism Assistance Dog Programme relies on our ADNI Foster Volunteers, who take on the full-time responsibility of caring for and training an ADNI puppy. Training takes approximately 12 to 14 months to train it is a 24/7 commitment. Foster carers attend a weekly puppy training class which lasts approximately one hour. As the puppies grow training extends to outside the training hall. This socialisation training is a vital component of the dogs training. At present training classes are in Belfast, other venues can be arranged throughout Northern Ireland, subject to acquiring adequate numbers of foster carers.
When the puppies are approximately 5 months old the recipient family are introduced to our ADNI Dog Training classes. Attendance at these classes is required on either on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
An ADNI puppy will be identified for the family (however sometimes changes will have to be made). Initially at the training classes you will be observing the foster carer and your puppy, and gradually you will be taught how to control the trainee pup/dog using the relevant commands.
Where possible recipient families will care for their pup/dog over a week-end, this will give families the opportunity to experience first hand the commitment and work involved in having an Assistance Dog within the family home.
It will allow families the opportunity to make an informed decision whether they want to proceed with their application. Throughout the whole process you will be supported by ADNI.
We have four types of Assistance dogs - Autism Assistance and Autism Companion Dogs, Disability Assistance Dogs and Therapy Dogs.
Click on an image below for more information.
Autism Companion Dogs
Assisting individuals to gain more independence.
Disability Assistance Dogs
Learn how our dogs can help full-time wheelchair users.
Therapy Dogs
Exceptional dogs bringing comfort and happiness to people.
