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Owner-Assisted Training

Owner Assisted Training (OAT) for assistance dogs is where we work with you to train your own pet dog to become an Assistance dog for yourself or someone in your household.

Instead of receiving a fully trained dog, the owner works closely with the trainer to teach the dog specific skills tailored to their individual needs, such as retrieving items, providing mobility support, or alerting to medical conditions. OAT can be a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional programs while still ensuring the dog meets the standards required for public access and assistance work.

This is offered both online and in-person to ensure we can fully meet the accessible needs of our clients. Online sessions may be beneficial for those who are too far from a trainer for overly frequent in-person training, having a bad health day/period but still wish to continue training at home or want advice.

In-Person Training is currently available in the following areas:

  • Peterborough & surrounding
  • London
  • Exeter
  • Dorset & surrounding
  • Birmingham & surrounding
  • Nottingham & surrounding
  • Leicester & surrounding
  • Newcastle
  • Sheffield
  • Bristol
  • Scotland

Membership options & Testing.

Please note, you will need to undergo our eligibility assessment prior to joining a membership. You can do this by filling out the form under 'Register Today'.


Hybrid Training Membership - £40/month

A mix of alternating in-person and online sessions per month with a qualified trainer, including member perks. Member perks consist of access to our online on-demand tutorial database, support groups, access to group training trips, database of resources and much more!

In-person Training Membership - £50/month

Consistent in-person sessions per month with a qualified trainer. Including member perks. Member perks consist of access to our online on-demand tutorial database, support groups, access to group training trips, database of resources and much more!

Fully Trained  Membership - £5/month

This membership is for those who have passed a Public Access Test with Canine Allies CIC. This membership provides ongoing membership & support throughout an Assistance Dog's working life.

Public Access Test -  £60

Public Access Test assessed in person once. Examiner will choose the criteria on the day. 

Resits £25

Yearly resit -  £25

Once your dog has become fully qualified, they will need to take an annual retake Public Access Test to ensure they still meet the legal standards of an Assistance Dog.