A few facts and figures:
- The population of the Isle of Wight is just 150,000 of whom about 26,000 people are registered disabled or have long term illness.
- There are over 700 children and young people (under the age of 24) with a disability living on the Isle of Wight.
NEW
Ability Dogs
4 Young People
Teemill Clothing Range
Shop & Support
What we do
We place specially selected Labrador puppies with volunteer puppy parents who care for the puppies in their own homes, fully socialise them and start their initial training. At about 18 months, they are trained by a qualified trainer to assistance dog level. The young person is given training and is fully supported every step of the way.
Puppy Stage
We place puppies at about 8 weeks old with volunteer puppy parents. With lots of help and guidance and weekly puppy classes, the puppy parents take the puppies out and about, helping them to get used to every day things and meet lots of people. The puppies are taught how to walk nicely on a lead and basic obedience like, sit and lie down. They are encouraged to pick items up and bring them back, like keys.
Ability Dog Training
At about 18 months our now young dogs start their training with qualified trainers. Their basic skills are honed. During this time, they are 'matched' with a disabled young person on our waiting list. The trainer then ensures the young dog knows the special skills required to help this young person. This includes familiarising the young dog with the environments the young person visits.
When the Ability Dog is fully trained, we train the young person how to work with our ability dog in their own home as well as out and about. We also teach the young person how to care for their new assistant.
