Train your own assistance dog

Be a part of the
training process

Due to increased demand the train your own program has now been extended to members of the public not just Veterans or 000 First Responders.

Our Train Your Own Assistance Dog pathway is a structured program with professional oversight, clear standards, and staged assessments. It’s designed for people who want to be actively involved in training their own dog for assistance work—without shortcuts, and with support at each step. Progress is assessed, not assumed, with the potential to work toward GHAD certification when the required standards are met.
PTSD Dogs Australia has extended the Train Your Own program to members of the public, not just Veterans and 000 First Responders, subject to suitability and prerequisites.

A rewarding experience from the very start

At PTSD Dogs we understand that everyone’s journey is different. Are you in need of an assistance dog but already have a dog and want to be a part of the training process? We offer the unique opportunity to suitable candidates to train their very own assistance dog.

Find Out How
• Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), it is unlawful to discriminate against a person with a disability who has an assistance animal. The definition of an assistance animal includes dogs trained to assist a person with a disability and to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for public places (DDA s9), and it allows evidence to be requested about the animal’s status and standards (s54A).

Are you ready to train?

Are you interested in training your own assistance dog? There are some pre-requisites before we can get started.

The ideal train your own applicant will;

  • Have a psychologist they work with whom is willing to work with the PTSD Dogs team.
  • Have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, Depression or Social Anxiety. 
  • Have set medical goals.
  • Be prepared to travel for in-person assessments (minimum of 3 – initial, end module 3 and final for certification).
  • Have a dog that meets the Dog Selection traits which are critical to the success of the dog.
  • Be willing to pay the initial $1,000 for assessment which if successful will come off the total cost.
  • Be prepared to learn how to train a dog under the protocols of PTSD Dogs Australia.
  • Use the same cues as PTSD Dogs Australia.
Find Out How
“You never walk alone when you have a trained PTSD Assistance Dog by your side. PTSD Assistance Dogs are gentle, intuitive and full of unconditional love.”
“Thanks to PTSD Dogs Australia and my girl Rosie, my life has purpose again. Now we can help others break through the overwhelming feeling of being worthless and alone.”
“My job was my dream job, helping others in their time of need. PTSD got the better of me. Now with my boy at my side, I have a new role in teaching my old profession.”
“My dog provides a sense of calm amidst turmoil, safety amid confusion and comfort in sadness”.
“Sitting in Bunnings having a coffee with Henry keeping tabs on me. He makes this sooooo much easier.”