At Macleay Valley Dog Services (MVDS), we recognise the important role assistance dogs can play in supporting people with disability to live more independently, confidently and safely.

We offer individualised training, assessment and ongoing support for people wishing to train their own assistance dog. Our focus is on developing reliable skills, appropriate public behaviour and a strong working partnership between dog and handler.

Every assistance dog partnership is unique. Our approach considers the individual needs of the handler, the suitability and capabilities of the dog, and the specific disability-related tasks the dog may be required to perform.

While the MVDS Assistance Dog Program is newly established, our experience in the assistance dog industry is not. Our team brings years of experience in dog training, assistance dog training and supporting people with disability.

We're excited to bring this experience together in our own structured program, providing individualised training, assessment and ongoing support for owner-trained assistance dog teams.

Introductory Offer – First 5 Teams

To celebrate the launch of our program, we're offering special introductory rates to the FIRST FIVE teams accepted into the MVDS Assistance Dog Program.

• Initial expression of interest (EOI): Free

• Initial assessment and home visit: $400

• Individual training sessions: $120

• Public access assessment: $250

All prospective teams must submit an initial EOI and undergo a suitability assessment before being considered for acceptance into our program.

Training is tailored to each team's individual needs, and the number of sessions required will vary depending on their existing skills, experience and progress.

Public Access Assessments are available only to teams participating in our program who have demonstrated readiness through ongoing training and evaluation.

Acceptance into the program and successful completion of a Public Access Assessment are not guaranteed.

Our assistance dog training program

At Macleay Valley Dog Services, we welcome enquiries from prospective assistance dog teams at all stages of their journey. Whether you're just beginning to explore assistance dog training, have already started training your own dog, or are approaching public access readiness, we may be able to support you.

All prospective teams are required to complete an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) and undergo a suitability assessment before being considered for acceptance into our Assistance Dog Training Program.

Once accepted, teams work with an MVDS-approved trainer to develop an individualised training plan, address any outstanding training needs and work towards the standards expected of an assistance dog.

Our services may include:

• Initial suitability and behavioural assessments

• Individualised training plans and ongoing support

• Foundation obedience and advanced skills training

• Training and evaluation of disability-related assistance tasks

• Preparation for working safely and appropriately in public environments

• Public access assessments and supporting documentation

• Guidance with Transport for NSW permit applications and airline approval processes

We use positive reinforcement and evidence-based training methods, with an emphasis on the welfare, wellbeing and long-term success of both dog and handler.

The duration and extent of training required will vary according to each team's existing skills, experience and individual needs.

Public Access Assessments

Assistance dogs are expected to demonstrate a high standard of behaviour, reliability and control when accompanying their handlers in public environments.

As part of our program, teams may undertake an MVDS Public Access Assessment, designed to evaluate their readiness to work safely and appropriately in public settings.

Our assessment considers areas such as behaviour, hygiene, responsiveness, reliability, environmental confidence and the handler's ability to maintain effective control of their dog.

MVDS does not offer standalone Public Access Tests.

We believe that a single assessment provides only a snapshot of a team's abilities and may not adequately reflect their consistency, reliability or suitability for assistance work.

For this reason, public access assessments are available only to teams accepted into our Assistance Dog Training Program who have undertaken training and evaluation with an MVDS-approved trainer.

This allows us to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the dog-handler partnership, including their training history, behaviour, disability-related tasks and performance across different environments.

Teams that successfully meet our assessment criteria may receive written documentation confirming the standards demonstrated at the time of assessment.

Annual Reassessment

To ensure that assistance dog teams continue to demonstrate appropriate behaviour, reliability and public access standards, all teams are required to complete an annual Public Access Assessment to maintain their assessment status with MVDS.

Assistance Dog Recognition and Travel

We understand that navigating the various requirements for assistance dogs can be confusing, particularly when it comes to public transport and air travel.

Where appropriate, we can assist teams with understanding relevant requirements, preparing supporting documentation and navigating the application process for a Transport for NSW Assistance Animal Permit.

We can also provide guidance and supporting documentation to assist eligible teams seeking approval to travel with their assistance dog on participating airlines, subject to each airline's individual requirements.

Is Your Dog Suitable?

Not every dog is suited to assistance work, regardless of breed, size or previous training.

Assistance dogs must be comfortable working in a wide variety of environments, able to cope with everyday distractions and capable of performing tasks that assist their handler with their disability.

We consider each prospective team individually, taking into account the dog's temperament, health, behaviour and training potential, alongside the handler's needs, capabilities, and goals.

Our priority is to provide realistic, supportive guidance and ensure that the welfare of both dog and handler remains central throughout the process.

Acceptance into our training program does not guarantee that a dog will ultimately meet the standards required for assistance work or successfully complete a public access assessment.

Get in Touch

Whether you're considering training your own assistance dog, have already begun training, or are looking for guidance on public access readiness, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Laura on 0420 981 682, or info@macleayvalleydogs.com.au to discuss your circumstances and find out how we may be able to support your assistance dog journey.

All prospective teams must complete an initial Expression of Interest and suitability assessment before acceptance into our Assistance Dog Training Program. Please contact us to receive the EOI forms.