When professionals take over – and a team is formed
Assistance dogs can open doors, provide security and change lives. But how do they actually become reliable helpers?
One of the most tried and tested methods is external training – i.e. training by experienced trainers. This method is particularly suitable for people who do not have the time or energy to train their dog themselves – but are nevertheless dependent on an assistance dog.
What does “external training” mean?
During external training, the dog is professionally accompanied from day one – and later individually prepared for the needs of its future caregiver.
The training includes:
- Basic obedience (e.g. sit, down, on the lead)
- Socialization in different environments (e.g. city, train, restaurant)
- Specialization in certain tasks (e.g. getting help, calming, opening doors, epilepsy notification, etc.)
The path to the finished assistance dog
🍼 1st puppy time in the foster family
The dog lives with a loving foster family for the first few months. There he gains his first everyday experiences and is gently introduced to life as an assistance dog.
🎓 2. professional training from approx. 15 months
Now the intensive training phase begins – with the targeted development of assistance tasks. The individual abilities of the dog are encouraged.
🤝 3. getting to know the future team partner
The first meetings with the person the dog will later accompany take place during training. This allows a trusting bond to grow.
🧭 4. joint familiarization
When dog and human move in together, the familiarization period follows. Here, both learn to function as a team – step by step, under the guidance of our experts.
✅ 5th team test & certification
The final step is the legally required test in accordance with the Assistance Dog Ordinance (AHundV). The duo can then officially call themselves an “assistance dog team”.
Advantages of external training
🧠 Specialist knowledge:
Our trainers work to high standards and with a lot of experience. So your dog gets exactly what it needs.
⏳ Time saving:
If you are unable to train yourself – whether for health, time or emotional reasons – external training is a good solution.
📋 Safety & quality:
Thanks to the legal requirements, external training is structured, safe and effective in the long term.
Who is this form suitable for?
External training is particularly suitable for people who:
- are dependent on reliable assistance
- do not have the confidence to train themselves or
- require a particularly complex form of assistance (e.g. PTSD, epilepsy or severe mobility impairments)
Conclusion
External training is a proven way to create a strong, reliable assistance dog team. With professional support, patience and trust, a partnership is created that can change lives – step by step.
If you would like to find out more about this path, please get in touch with us. We will advise you honestly and personally.
