Training dogs to support vulnerable adults and children

Dogs for Good is a charity dedicated to training assistance dogs for disabled adults and children, as well as for autistic children. The charity also trains therapy and activity dogs to support children with special educational needs, adults with autism and other vulnerable people and communities.

How does it work?

Dogs for Good creates life-changing partnerships between vulnerable people and the dogs it matches them with. These dogs help people to overcome challenges posed by physical disabilities and other special needs, enriching their lives.

For adults and children with physical disabilities, the dogs are able to provide practical assistance as well as emotional support, improving the independence of the people they’re matched with. Dogs for Good trains the dogs to carry out an impressive range of tasks, such as opening and closing doors, loading and emptying the washing machine and even getting dressed and undressed.

For autistic children, an autism assistance dog helps them stay calm and focused in busy environments. These dogs help bring about behavioural change in autistic children in a number of ways, including by introducing routine, interrupting repetitive behaviours and helping them to cope in unfamiliar surroundings.

How we’re helping

In April 2016, the Petplan Charitable Trust were delighted to award a £9,000 grant to Dogs for Good. This has been put to good use in paying for the training of Quinta, an assistance dog for a disabled person. Quinta is a happy and affectionate Labrador-Golden Retriever cross, who has now successfully completed her basic training and been matched with Jacob, a 17-year-old boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We look forward to keeping up to date with how Quinta and Jacob progress together.

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