Dogs for Good Bringing Joy and Independence to Those in Need

Dogs for Good is a charity that brings joy and independence to people in need. They train assistance dogs to support individuals with a range of needs, from physical disabilities to mental health conditions.

Their work is incredibly diverse, with dogs being trained for tasks such as opening doors, picking up items, and even alerting people to medical conditions. These dogs can make a huge difference in people's lives.

One of the most impressive things about Dogs for Good is the number of dogs they train each year - over 200 dogs are trained annually, supporting over 1,000 people.

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Dogs for Good was founded in 1988 by Frances Hay in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. She was inspired by her own experience of how her pet dog helped her overcome her disability.

The charity was initially small, but it continued to grow after Frances' death, with friends and family carrying on her work. By the time of her death, the charity had already placed 25 working dogs.

In 2000, the charity received a significant boost from the National Lottery, which enabled them to build a national training centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Here are some key facts about the charity's history:

At Dogs for Good, we're dedicated to helping people with disabilities and families in need. We do this by providing highly trained assistance dogs that make a real difference in people's lives.

Our assistance dogs are trained to help people with physical disabilities, such as mobility issues, and those with mental health conditions, like autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Our facility dogs are a vital part of our team, providing support to individuals in hospitals, schools, and law enforcement.

They're partnered with trained handlers who work closely with them to utilize their skills in a variety of situations.

Facility dogs can be found in hospitals, where they help patients and staff alike with emotional support and comfort.

In schools, they provide a calming presence for students and teachers, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

In law enforcement, they assist officers in high-pressure situations, using their keen senses and training to help keep people safe.

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Veterans Initiative program service dogs provide physical assistance, as well as perform tasks that directly disrupt escalation of anxiety, hypervigilance, generalized fear and symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

These service dogs are trained to help veterans with a range of physical and emotional challenges, making a huge difference in their daily lives.

Service dogs can help veterans with tasks such as opening doors, picking up items, and providing emotional support during times of distress.

By sponsoring a future service dog, you can help support the next generation of heroes in training, and receive exclusive updates on their journey.

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Finding the right dog for you both can be a daunting task, but it's essential to consider a few key factors. Different breeds of dogs have different needs and personalities, so it's crucial to think about what you're looking for in a pet.

Some breeds require more exercise, training, living space, and cleaning than others. For example, a Doberman needs a lot more exercise than a Chihuahua. It's essential to consider whether your lifestyle can accommodate a dog's needs.

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You should also think about your resources and means. Can you afford to provide the necessary care and attention for a dog? Some breeds are more expensive to care for than others.

It's also important to consider how much time you'll have to spend training or socializing with a dog. Some breeds require more attention and training than others. You should also think about your own temperament and whether it's compatible with a dog's.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when finding the right dog:

Answering these questions can help you find a breed that's right for you and your lifestyle.

Our trainers and support team are dedicated to helping you and your dog achieve your goals. They provide expert guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

The training process is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and their dog. This means that every partnership is different, but the goal is always the same: to create a strong and lasting bond between dog and handler.

Our trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and discourage bad habits. This approach has been shown to be highly effective in creating confident and capable dogs.

You'll also have access to regular support sessions with our team, who will help you navigate any challenges you may face and provide ongoing guidance and encouragement. These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions, share your progress, and get feedback on your training.

By working closely with our trainers and support team, you'll be able to overcome any obstacles and achieve your goals with your dog. Whether you're looking to become a therapy dog team or a mobility assistance dog, we're here to support you every step of the way.

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Dogs for Good is a fully Accredited Member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). This means they meet the highest standards in their assistance dog work, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their clients.

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They're also a member of Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), a coalition of charities all accredited by Assistance Dogs International. This partnership ensures they're part of a larger community working towards the same goals.

Dogs for Good is a Full member of Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII). They adhere to the AAII standards in their community dog work, which means they're committed to making a positive impact in their community.

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Dogs can help regulate your mood and reduce feelings associated with poor mental health.

Physical contact with a dog can rapidly reduce symptoms of anxiety, slowing your heart rate and alleviating panic attacks.

Dogs are also incredibly intuitive to emotion, offering physical reassurance when they "sense" their pet parent is in a bad place.

Raising a dog can inspire healthy habits that can vastly improve your quality of life, including physical activity and exercise, which is proven to help alleviate depression.

Being in nature, even for a simple potty break, can have a positive effect on your mental health and help with symptoms of depression.

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Having a dog can be a game-changer for your mental health. Raising a dog provides a structure and routine that can be a great comfort and inspire several healthy habits.

Physical contact with a dog can rapidly reduce symptoms of anxiety, and petting a dog can help slow your heart rate, alleviating panic attacks. Dogs are incredibly intuitive to emotion and can offer physical reassurance when they sense their pet parent is in a bad place.

Taking your dog outside for a potty break can have a positive effect on your mental health, as being in nature has been proven to help with symptoms of depression. Dogs promote activity and exercise, which is another proven way to help alleviate depression.

Getting a pet is a huge responsibility, but it can also be a huge boon to your life, helping to regulate your mood and reduce feelings associated with poor mental health.

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Positive reinforcement training is a great way to teach your dog cues and reinforce good behavior. It's also a great way to prevent unwanted behavior, like door-darting.

Before letting your dog outside, it's a good idea to have them sit first. This helps prevent them from making a break for the door.

Having your dog sit before petting them also helps prevent jumping on people. It's a simple trick that can make a big difference in your interactions with your dog.

Giving your dog a treat or a pat on the head when they behave well is a great way to reinforce good behavior. This can be as simple as slipping a treat into a Kong-type toy when they chew that instead of your shoe.

Here are some examples of how you can use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog good behavior: