Assistance Dog Training

Empowering you to train your own assistance dog, with ethical, inclusive support every step of the way.

At Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC, we support disabled and neurodivergent people to train their own assistance dogs using force-free, welfare-based methods that prioritise both your needs and your dog’s wellbeing.

We believe that assistance dog access should be affordable, accessible, and inclusive, not limited to long waiting lists or charity placements. That’s why we offer structured, supportive training designed around you and your dog’s unique journey.

What is Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Support?

Instead of applying for a pre-trained dog, you work with a dog you already live with (or one you choose), and we help you train them to assist with your specific disability-related tasks.

You’ll receive:

  • One-to-one training tailored to your needs
  • Guidance in task training, behaviour, and public access readiness
  • Support navigating legal rights and access advocacy
  • Ongoing welfare checks and ethical decision-making around suitability

What Can Assistance Dogs Be Trained to Help With?

Every team is different. We help dogs learn tasks that support:

  • Mobility and physical access (e.g. retrieving items, opening doors)
  • Medical alert or response (e.g. seizure, fainting, migraine, or anxiety support)
  • Autism or sensory regulation (e.g. deep pressure, disruption of repetitive behaviours)
  • Mental health support (e.g. grounding, waking from night terrors, routine reminders)
  • Cognitive or executive function support
    And more, depending on your lived experience.

What Makes Our Support Different?

We offer:

  • Trauma-informed, force-free training only
  • Supportive, non-judgemental guidance for disabled and neurodivergent people
  • Inclusive formats: in-person, remote, Easy Read, and sensory-adapted sessions
  • Flexible pricing, payment plans, and community-funded places
  • An ethical, welfare-first approach – if your dog isn’t suited to assistance work, we’ll help you explore other options without pressure or blame

We Can Help With:

  • Puppy and dog selection advice
  • Early training and socialisation
  • Public access preparation
  • Task training for disability support
  • Assessments for temperament and public access
  • Documentation to support self-advocacy
  • Training support for teams already working independently

What You’ll Receive

  • A bespoke training plan tailored to your goals
  • Regular progress reviews and support
  • Access to Public Access and Task Readiness Assessments
  • Optional written reports for housing, education, or service access
  • Continued support for changing needs

How It Works

  • Initial assessment (£50)
  • Ongoing one-to-one sessions (£70)
  • Optional assessments and written reports
  • Flexible formats: in-person (Leeds area), remote, or hybrid
  • Funded and low-cost places available – ask about current availability

Important Note

We are not ADUK-accredited, but our assessments are structured, evidence-based, and built to help you navigate your rights under the Equality Act 2010. We advocate for the recognition of owner-trained assistance dogs and provide documentation to support you.