Rachel Sadler
I am a Chelmsford based APDT and IMDT-qualified dog trainer, as well as a trusted trainer for Therapy Dog Training UK and The Dog Trainer School. I am also a qualified Veterinary Nurse with 29 years of experience and have been training dogs since 2013.
I have had the pleasure of assisting one of my privately engaged clients in achieving her certification through PADs, enabling her to live independently with the support of her canine companion. The benefits of having a highly trained dog to assist during moments of vulnerability are truly invaluable.
Working alongside the Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation to secure this certification has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Their rigorous training and access testing procedures are thorough, well-structured, and easy to follow. They maintained regular contact and provided support whenever needed.
I would be more than happy to collaborate with them again to help another individual gain independence with the support of their canine companion.
www.puppypotentialdogtraining.co.uk
Loki and Caz
On 1st October 2023, Caz adopted Loki, a 15-month-old rescue Hovawart.
“When Loki arrived, it was difficult for him — nothing was calm, peaceful, serene, or tranquil. Everything felt chaotic and in turmoil. Despite this, I never doubted that he would stay by my side, no matter how things turned out. I knew the journey I had planned for us would be challenging, with no guarantee of success. My goal was to work alongside a qualified trainer/behaviourist and train Loki as my assistance dog.
Thankfully I discovered Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation. When I contacted PADs I was honest about both myself and Loki’s background and it was made clear that the training standard was high and that not all dogs made it through the PAT testing. With the support of my doctor and PADs Team, we became PADs In Training members. As soon as we found a trainer who understood our needs, we began our training journey.
Due to Loki’s background, he was, at first, understandably uncertain, so we worked consistently with our trainers and had multiple training sessions each week. In just one year, Loki earned his Kennel Club Certificates, and with the dedication of our trainers, we reached the high standard required to meet PADs criteria. It was a tough process, but every effort was worthwhile to know Loki was the best he could be. Our PADs adventures took us to many places, including a visit to the Cutty Sark in London. Loki leant to be comfortable at the Vets and around many other animals and distractions. Then, in January 2025, after an intensive PADs Public Access Test, we officially qualified as a PADs assistance dog and handler team. We now have our ID cards (one for Loki’s harness and one for me), a certificate and are having a made to measure PADs harness for Loki.
I wish I could say it was easy, but it wasn’t. However, building our bond and growing together made the journey incredibly rewarding. We still regularly refresh our training, but now Loki has more free time and enjoys activities like agility. We will always be grateful for the faith, generosity, and support of everyone who helped us accomplish our goals. Thanks to their dedication, I am more confident in everything I do, and Loki helps break down barriers, making explanations unnecessary.
We’ve learned so much on this journey, and now we hope to give back by supporting others going through similar experiences.”