How Online Assistance Dog Training is Helping by Changing Lives.

TDT UK – Family Foundation Training for Assistance Dogs

Empowering Independence through Owner Training Your Dog:

Sarah Ellis June 2025

There’s something profoundly special about the bond between a person and their

dog—especially when that dog is trained to help them live more independently,

confidently, and joyfully.

Before setting up Therapy Dog Training UK in 2019 and more recently TDT UK, I

was lucky enough to be invited to work as a volunteer dog trainer with the fantastic

Assistance Dog Charity Dog A.I.D.

I had the privilege of supporting people with physical disabilities as they trained their

own assistance dogs. Often my clients were wheelchair users, others relied on

mobility scooters, but all shared one powerful motivation: the dream of greater

independence, companionship, and the confidence that comes with having their loyal

pet partner by their side.

.

For these people, who all lived in my own

community in west Wales, their dogs were so much more than helpers. They were lifelines - retrieving dropped items, assisting with shopping, helping with laundry, and offering a reassuring presence in public places. They not only brought practical support, but also opened doors to social connection. Many clients shared how strangers would approach and strike up conversations,

leading to new friendships and a deeper sense of belonging.

One client’s story has always stayed with me. She was incredibly anxious about our first meeting, worried she wouldn’t be ''good enough'' at training her dog. With a quiet voice, she confided that she would have felt so much more confident if she’d had the chance to complete some foundational training online first—something to help her feel prepared and a little more confident before our in-person sessions began.

She wasn’t alone. For many clients—especially those living in remote or rural areas

of west Wales where I live—attending frequent face-to-face sessions just wasn’t

practical. Travel was exhausting, costly, and sometimes simply impossible and for

some people their lack of confidence being with others makes dog training classes a

complete no-go.

That’s why, when we created the training framework behind Therapy Dog Training

UK, we felt inspired to take things further—by developing a new Owner-Trained

Online Assistance Dog Programme.

This online training allows people to start their assistance dog journey from the

comfort of their own homes. It’s flexible, affordable, and designed to meet people

where they are—geographically and emotionally. It gives clients time to build

foundational skills, grow their confidence, and form a stronger bond with their dog

before moving into more advanced training.

And we didn’t stop there.

We know that not every person who needs support has a visible or physical

disability. That’s why we’ve expanded the programme to include training that

supports individuals living with anxiety and other hidden conditions. From grounding

techniques to providing comfort in overwhelming situations, these specially designed

tasks guide dogs to offer emotional reassurance when it’s needed most.

Our mission is simple: to make assistance dog training more accessible and

affordable than other programmes, more inclusive, and person and dog

centred.

We have developed in the last 6

years a wonderful 70 strong UK

network of qualified and experienced

dog trainers called the TDT UK

Trusted Trainer Network who can

help out when needed and to

undertake the TDT public access

assessment (if the human is eligible

and the budding assistance dog

clearly shows they are happy and

willing to support their guardian in

public places).

Whether you’re dreaming of greater

independence, emotional support, or

just want to build a closer connection

with your dog, our online programme is here to help you take the first

step—confidently, and at your own pace.

Because everyone deserves the chance to feel happy, seen, supported, and

included in their community.

Sarah Ellis is one the Dog Training and Assessment Director of TDT UK which produces the

online Family Dog – Foundation Training Programme for Owner Trained Assistance Dogs.

The online foundation training for Assistance Dog programme costs £120.00 and additional

live training support can be provided by the TDT UK Trusted Trainer network as well as a

Public Access Assessment if you are eligible (additional charges apply for these additional

live services).

More information can be found on www.tdtuk.co.uk