If you already have a suitable dog and would like to register for the In-Training programme, the dog must be no older than 3 years of age. This is due to the time commitment required during the training process. Exceptions may be considered for older dogs on a case-by-case basis, provided the dog is in good health and already has a high level of training. You can register your puppy before they reach 12 months of age, and we will support you through the developmental stages while you and your dog are In-Training Members of PADs.
When choosing a dog, it’s essential to invest time and carry out thorough research well in advance of bringing the dog home. Buying a dog and assuming it will be suitable for assistance work is not advised. Take your time to explore your options carefully. Crossbreeds are also a possibility, but if the breeds are known, it’s important to consider the characteristics of each, as they can greatly influence temperament and behaviour.
Every dog is unique, and even within a breed, there can be significant variations. There is no one-size-fits-all breed for assistance work, as each handler’s needs will differ — from task-specific behaviours to overall demeanour. For some, a calm, steady-paced dog may be the best fit, while others might benefit from a more energetic, highly engaged companion. Understanding your own requirements and researching potential breeds thoroughly will help set you and your future assistance dog up for success.
Rescue dogs may also be a suitable option, depending on their temperament. If you are considering adopting a rescue dog, we strongly recommend visiting a registered UK rehoming or rescue centre. Their staff can help you find a dog with the appropriate temperament and size to suit your individual needs. Please note that many dogs may not reach the training standard required of an assistance dog. For further information and insight, please refer to our pros and cons section.
There are many stages to training, and a dog’s learning is influenced by both genetics and experience. Along your journey, various factors may either support or hinder progress. A skilled trainer will be able to guide you through these challenges. For more information on finding the right trainer, please refer to our “Choosing a Trainer Guide.”
We accept many breeds, however due to health reasons, we do not accept brachycephalic (flat nose breeds) and toy breeds or dogs with strong phenotypical confirmations eg Shar Pei, Basset Hound. Please note, dogs that are crossed with a brachycephalic and/or toy breed may not be suitable and all dogs will need to be cleared by a vet as part of the initial registration process.
Kindly note that part of the application will require a vet sign off to confirm the vet deems the dog suitable as per our requirements.
We have to comply with the law and as such, we cannot accept any banned breeds. These are:
Task Suitability
There are several factors to consider when choosing a suitable assistance dog, with task suitability being the most important. Think carefully about the tasks or mitigating behaviours you will need your dog to perform, depending on your medical needs or required assistance. Certain breeds or sizes may be better suited to specific tasks than others.
If a larger dog is not essential for your task requirements, but you prefer a larger breed, carefully consider how practical this would be in everyday situations, such as visiting a café or navigating public spaces. Think about the behaviours your dog will need to perform and where. For example, if you need your dog to alert you to a stranger at the door, any size dog could fulfil this role. Additionally, consider whether a large dog would suit your physical capabilities, as a bigger, stronger dog may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions.
Some breeds, like Dachshunds, while excellent emotional support dogs, are generally unsuitable for assistance work. An assistance dog must be able to accompany their handler everywhere without requiring assistance themselves. Dachshunds, due to their long backs, are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and often need to be carried up and down stairs to prevent injury. Since assistance dogs must be capable of completing public access behaviours independently — including using stairs — this can present a significant limitation.
It’s essential to thoroughly research potential breeds and carefully consider the tasks your dog will need to perform to mitigate your disability. Choosing the right dog for your needs is a crucial step in ensuring long-term success as a handler-and-dog team.
At the other end of the scale, certain giant breeds may not be suitable. For example, a Great Dane has an average lifespan of around 8 to 10 years, which is an important factor to consider given the time required to train fundamental behaviours, followed by any specialised assistance behaviours you may need. Additionally, dogs of this size can struggle in warmer weather, making outings during the summer months more challenging.
It’s also worth noting that some smaller shops or premises may be unable to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate larger dogs, which could result in being turned away.
Size can also impact your lifestyle. If you require a larger, stronger dog but have limited living space, it’s important to choose a breed that fits comfortably within your home environment. Finding the right balance between your dog’s size, your living situation, and your assistance needs will help set you both up for success.
It is advisable to seek out a reputable breeder who prioritises temperament over appearance. While these dogs may not always match the breed standard exactly, breeding for temperament is an effective way to promote the desired traits through careful selection. Temperament is a key consideration when choosing an assistance dog, as it is essential for the dog to be calm, friendly, and adaptable in order to provide reliable support across a wide range of environments and situations.
Consider your lifestyle and activity level when choosing a dog. For example, if you are an active outdoorsy person, a working breed like a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller) may be a good fit. However, for someone with mobility issues or a more relaxed lifestyle, a high-energy dog with a strong drive might be overwhelming. Choosing an active breed without being able to meet the dog’s exercise and mental stimulation needs can lead to frustration for both the dog and handler, potentially damaging the human-animal bond. In some cases, this can even become a welfare concern for the dog.
Each individual’s situation is different, so dependent upon your circumstances and mental health requirements, the demands of raising a puppy may be too much for someone without extra family support. The commitment that is required to successfully raise a puppy to give it the best chance to become an assistance dog may be too much pressure. In this case trying to find a suitable older dog may be a better option.
According to the PDSA (2020) you should expect a dog may cost anything up to £30,800 for a lifetime. This cost is a minimum estimate and does not include vet fees or required medication if your dog presents with any medical issues (e.g. health problems, accidental injuries etc). Overall costs are variables depending on the size and breed of you dog. Certain pedigree dogs may be prone to health problems which may add to costs.
Please see the PDSA website for more information here.
(All examples listed are “including but not limited to”)
Is the dog physically able to perform the tasks required?
Are they free from personality or character flaws that may impact their ability to perform the essential assistance tasks?
e.g. over friendliness, overly playful, anxious.
Do they have a high frustration threshold?
e.g. They do not bark immediately and excessively in certain situations.
Do they have a desire to please are they bidable? e.g. They enjoy training and follow cues nicely.
Do they have any genetic or physical issues that may/will impact their ability to perform certain tasks?
e.g. Breeds that have long backs; short legs; inappropriate hip scores.
Are they people centred?
e.g. Some breeds are more independent and less social than others
Are they distracted by excessive drive or energy? e.g. High prey drive; easily over stimulated
Are they loud/reactive/timid when faced with unfamiliar or overwhelming situations?
In many cases an assistance dog would generally be more active due to daily assistance requirements. Please see our “Choosing a Suitable Breeder” section for more information.
Hodgson, S. (2019). Puppies for dummies. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Miklosi, (2015) Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition Oxford: Oxford University Press
Miklosi, A., Turcsán, B. and Kubinyi, E. (2017) ‘Owner perceived differences between mixed- breed and purebred dogs.’ PLOS ONE 12(2) pp. 1-13
[online] Available at: < https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 315370532_Owner_perceived_differences_between_mixed-breed_and_purebred_dogs/ references> [Accessed 11 November 2021]
Spadafori, G., 2019. Dogs for dummies. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.
UK Government (2021) Controlling your dog in public, Crown Copywrite, United Kingdom [online] Available at: <https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs> [Accessed 11 November 2021]
