image of retriever puppy sleeping in a bookstore

From Puppy To Certified Heeling Assistant

At Heeling Assistants, we offer comprehensive science-based force-free training programs designed to create calm, stable, emotionally and physically well dogs who are fit for assistance dog and Animal Assisted Therapy work. 

While all members of the public can enjoy our puppy raising and tricks/skills classes, our standards for accreditation as service dog or facility dog are high and not all dogs are accepted. 

Our training programs are designed to empower individuals by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively train their own service dogs or facility dogs, ensuring both safety, assistance, and a solid partnership.

We provide resources and support every step of the way, from selecting the right dog to post-certification guidance, ensuring each pair achieves their full potential.

When it comes to disability, tailored support is key.

No two teams have the exact same journey ahead of them. That’s why we can’t put you into a cookie cutter one-size-fits-none program.

We offer a flexible variety of group and one-on-one training to meet the specific needs of each client and dog we meet.

Services We Offer:

Prices can be found on the relevant page for each service

Assistance Dog And Facility Dog Entrance Requirements

In order to be accepted to our accreditation program, applicant teams must meet the following criteria:

  • Proof of disability, such as PWD status, disability tax credit, or medical documentation.

  • A clear idea of what it is their dog does or can do to assist with the disability.

  • The dog must demonstrate the ability to do at least one assistance skill in a familiar environment.

  • The dog must demonstrate a cheerful and relaxed attitude in busy public places.

  • The dog must be comfortable around people, including small children, men, and people in Halloween costumes.

  • The dog must have the ability to walk on a loose leash in low to medium distraction surroundings. The dog must have at least two feet of leash available and choose to remain within a foot and a half of the handler 50% of the time.

  • The dog must pass a standardized temperament assessment used by all major service dog schools.

  • The dog must be pronounced in good health and fit for work by a veterinarian.

  • The human partner must demonstrate a positive, empathetic, teamwork attitude when working with the dog, and reward the dog appropriately when the dog does well. “Rewards” are anything the dog considers rewarding.

  • Applicants must live in Canada or hold Canadian citizenship.

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation from Heeling Assistance indicates that you and your dog meet international standards of service dog expectations.

We hold service dogs and their handlers to high standards of safety, ethics, and behaviour. If a human-dog team are accredited by Heeling Assistants, then you can rest assured that they are a valid and fully trained team who can be entrusted in your place of business.

Do You Recognize Provincial Certification?

We expect our service dog students to take and pass the provincial test before graduating from our program unless their province does not offer this. In which case… our own test is harder, anyway.