'An Introduction to Assistance Dogs' course - May 2022

Are you considering applying for an Assistance Dog from Autism Dogs CIC, wondering if an Assistance Dog is right for you, or seeking to learn more about Autism Assistance Dogs?

Our online course is a great place to start!

Email: courses@autismdogs.co.uk

Course content:

The course includes access to a live Q&A with our CEO Caroline Preston, two interactive zoom sessions with our Marketing Coordinator Ruth Gregory, and a pre-recorded interview with our Training Director Andrew Preston!  

You will also gain access to exclusive online learning content that you can download, print and keep! The course content is split into three units:
- Preparing for your Assistance Dog
- Caring for your Assistance Dog
- Interacting with your Assistance Dog.

Every applicant who successfully completes the course also receives a digital certificate!

Pricing:

The course costs £44.99

Dates and times:

Monday 9th May 7pm- ‘Preparing and caring for your Assistance Dog’ with Ruth Gregory

Monday 16th May 7pm- Q&A with Caroline Preston and Ruth Gregory

Tuesday 17th May 7pm- Interview with Andrew Preston (Introduced by Ruth Gregory)

Monday 23rd May 7pm- ‘Interacting with your Assistance Dog’ with Ruth Gregory#

How to secure your place:

If you are interested in a place on the course, please send an email to courses@autismdogs.co.uk.

About Andrew Preston:

Andrew is Autism Dogs CIC’s Founder and Head Trainer.

He is a highly knowledgeable, experienced and acclaimed Dog Trainer, and qualified Canine Behaviourist. He is also a KC Assured Breeder of 10 years + (UKAS Accredited), Licensed Micro-Chipper, and is qualified in Animal Assistance Therapy.

Andrew was named Kennel Club Instructor of the Year 2020.

Andrew is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and uses positive reward based techniques to train happy, healthy and highly skilled dogs that are fully equipped to assist their autistic handlers.

About Caroline Preston:

Caroline is both founder and CEO of Autism Dogs CIC. She is dedicated to providing autistic people and their families with life-changing Assistance Dogs, and celebrating the gifts, interests and beautiful uniqueness of each and every autistic person.

Her extensive qualifications include membership of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists and International Association of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Coaching IANLPC, qualification in Animal Assistance Therapy, and a Diploma in Autism Awareness. Caroline has also undertaken training in Makaton.


Frequently asked questions:

Q: Will this course help me to train my dog to become an Assistance Dog?

A: The purpose of this course is educating potential Assistance Dog handlers - and the general public - about the considerations needed when thinking about getting an Assistance Dog, as well as how to interact with an Assistance Dog if somebody got one. Please note that this course will not teach you how to train a dog you already own to be an Assistance Dog.

Q: Will the Zoom calls be recorded if I cannot attend them?

A: Yes. The links to the recordings will be sent out in the week following the Zoom call.

Q: How long will I have access to the online course content?

A: You will have access to the course content and Zoom recordings for 3 months after the final Zoom call.

Technical requirements:

⦁ Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge are supported although they may need to be updated to a more recent version.

⦁ JavaScript enabled

⦁ PDF plugin

⦁ Graphic and audio output capability

⦁ Broadband internet connection with minimum speed of 5MBps

⦁ TLS 1.2 supported by browser

⦁ Zoom application needs to be downloaded if using a smartphone or tablet for the Zoom calls.

Disclaimer

Successfully attending and completing courses, seminars, short-term internships, volunteering, or workshops with Autism Dogs CIC does not signify that the attendee is a service/assistance dog trainer or qualified to train and/or place service/assistance dogs.  Assistance Dog International has specific standards that an individual must meet in order to be an assistance dog trainer - and taking part in these activities does not meet these requirements.

‍