All Canine Helpers Assistance Dogs are trained according to Assistance Dogs International standards.  In addition, Canine Helpers applies its own rigorous ethics, standards and testing procedures to all of our dogs before, during and after training and testing.

Canine Helpers dogs are tailor-trained for their future recipient's needs. This is very important.  Some Assistance Dogs are produced according to a set training plan. This only works if your requirements are met by the template training provided to them.  If you have different needs it is important to make sure that your dog will be trained specifically the way that you need.

Although Canine Helpers dogs are all individually trained to each client's requirements, they all still meet - and often exceed - the standards below.

You can expect the highest standard of behaviour from Canine Helpers dogs.  As a sample of some of our minimum requirements, all Canine Helpers dogs:

• Are stringently examined for any signs of aggression. Any dog that shows even the slightest hint of aggression is immediately and permanently removed from our program;
• Will be very well-behaved around your children;
• Will be accustomed to cats and other pets;
• Are desexed (surgically sterilised), microchipped for permanent identification, vaccinated and regularly wormed, de-flead and on heartworm prevention;
• Are given a veterinary health clearance before placement;
• Are thoroughly house trained and trustworthy around the home;
• Are well versed in obedience, responding reliably to the commands Sit, Drop, Stand, Stay, Heel and Come, amongst many others;
• Are tested before being allowed public access and are re-tested on a regular basis;
• Can be trusted off lead.

All Canine Helpers recipients:

• Are required to demonstrate an ability to physically and emotionally care for a dog;
• Are given a thorough training course in how to handle and care for their dog - the minimum course length is five full days;
• Are provided with lifetime support and backup

Each category of dog also fulfills additional standards for each category. For more information about these specific standards please go to the relevant page for the category of dog you are interested in.