Gifted Assistance Dogs
Applications currently closed
Here at Adolescent Dogs, we run our Gifted Assistance Dog programme. We are not a charity, so this project is is entirely self funded through the work we do with our Online Academy and Online Assistance Dog Programme. Please join the programmes to help fund the work that we do!
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Each year, we are lucky enough to be donated a couple of puppy's from AG Labradors in the UK. These Labrador puppies are a mix of show and working lines and are hand picked for our programme specifically to become assistance dogs.
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As part of our programme, we provide support for the full training of each of these pups for the first 2 years of their lives so that they can become fully trained assistance dogs for their chosen families (whilst the pups live with their families for this whole duration)
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Unfortunately opportunities to be gifted a pup from our programme are very limited, so not everyone who applies will be successful, but if you are a breeder or know a breeder who would like to donate to our programme, please do get in touch
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Application process
Each year, we open up applications for families to apply for a gifted puppy from us.
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The following criteria apply:
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You will need a diagnosed disability that has a substantial impact on your day to day life - we are looking for Medical Alert placements or for physical disabilities
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You will need to attend training sessions in Ewhurst, Surrey when needed
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You will need to attend monthly classes in Guildford (Saturdays)
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You will need to be physically able to keep up the training
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Please provide as much information about your needs when you apply so that we can match you to a pup
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The puppy will be gifted to a family that needs help with their training journey, which we will support up to fully trained assistance dog (the training journey can take up to 18 months)
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The puppy will receive 6 to 8 weeks of residential training to achieve their Bronze and Silver awards, as well as foundations for tasks before being placed with their families at around 4 months old. We also provide ongoing one to one lessons that will take place in Ewhurst, Surrey as often as needed to help owners to continue working through the award scheme. Additional residential stays will be available to book with a 40% discount
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You will be required to signup for Lifetime membership to the assistance dog programme (£499) to help with supporting the programme and so you can access video tutorials
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The pup will always remain the property of Adolescent Dogs (so the pup cannot be sold or bred from)
If you feel you meet the above criteria, please feel free to fill out the application form
Applications for our current and upcoming puppy for 2024 has now closed
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