FAQs - About Obtaining a Dog

These dogs provide a much needed role in assisting persons with a physical disability. Typically, these dogs are trained to carry out a number of tasks that the person cannot carry out.

What factors should I consider in deciding whether a Assistance Dog would be appropriate for me?

Some of the questions that you might like to consider are:

• Have I ever dropped something and not been able to pick it up until a carer comes?
• Do I fall over and need a phone fetched or person for me?
• Would a dog be able to help me do simple dressing, household and shopping tasks
..and therefore enable me to be more independent?
• Do I go out and no-one talks to me?
• Do I want a conversation starter?
• Do/would I like the company of my own trained dog?
• Do I like working with and regularly training a dog?

Also consider:
• Dogs need to be cared for every day and night of the year. They need to be given the
..opportunity to toilet when out, and always have fresh water available when at home and when out.
..These dogs need to be exercised freely daily and groomed regularly.
• Dogs are hairy and drop hairs in the house.
• Dogs need to be reminded regularly of their training.

What type of on-going support can I expect from ASDOG after I receive my dog?
ASDOG is committed to your ongoing success. We are available via in home visits, e-mail or phone to answer questions as they arise. After initial team training, an ASDOG trainer will spend 2 weeks teaching you additional skills in your home and outside environment. During this time the trainer
will develop how the dog will work with you to encourage a good working team.Assistance Dogs must be re-accredited annually. A trainer will come to your home on an ongoing basis and assess the dog’s progress and assist you.

How do I get an Assistance Dog?
If you have a physical disability and believe that an assistance dog would be beneficial, contact ASDOG by telephone, fax or email or complete the application form on this website. The completed application form should be returned together with the application fee. You will then be contacted
by ASDOG and an interview arranged. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Do recipients need to be in wheelchairs to obtain an Assistance Dog?
No. Not all physical disabilities require the use of a wheelchair. Some recipients may be walking with the aid of crutches. Assistance dogs can aid such a person with the retrieving of an out-of-reach or dropped crutch or other object. Other physical disabilities, such as arthritis, may require help with retrieving of objects and such. An Assistance Dog may be the answer.

Do Assistance Dogs ever get to be just dogs and play?
Yes. They need downtime and fun just like other dogs. Work time has to be balanced with rest time. The strong bond between recipient and dog means that the recipient gets as much pleasure from seeing the dog having fun as the dog does.

Can there be other dogs living in the house?
No. Other dogs distract the Assistance Dog from its work and reduce the bond necessary between the recipient and his or her dog.

© 2005 ASDOG Assistance Dogs Pty Ltd