The Super Canine Assistance Dog Program is for individuals with a diagnosed disability to train their own dogs to become safe, reliable and capable assistance dogs for everyday life. As an approved trainer with Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Queensland (GHAD), I guide clients through a structured, standards-based program designed to develop strong obedience, public access reliability and clearly identifiable disability-related tasks. The program ensures each dog and handler team meets the required criteria for safety, suitability and real-world functionality, building confident partnerships both at home and in the community.
Entry Requirements
​To be considered for the Super Canine Assistance Dog Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Have a diagnosed disability and able to provide supporting documentation if required
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Own a dog that is suitable in age, breed, size and temperament for assistance work
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Dog must be aged between 10 months and 8 years at the time of application
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Dog must be desexed, or at least desexed prior to undertaking the Public Access Test (PAT)
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Dog must be microchipped and registered with your local council
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Dog must not be a declared dangerous or restricted breed
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Dog must have veterinary approval confirming suitability to commence work as an assistance dog
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Dog must be up to date with all vaccinations, worming and parasite prevention
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Commit to consistent training and active participation in the program
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Be willing to follow all program guidelines and GHAD standards
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Attend required training sessions, assessments and public access evaluations
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Understand that acceptance into the program is subject to application review and suitability assessment
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Acknowledge that only dogs enrolled and actively training within the program can be certified
These requirements help ensure each assistance dog team is safe, suitable and prepared for public access work.
Training
Timeline
The training timeline varies for each individual team.
During the first 3 months, you will work closely with your trainer on foundational obedience, manners and engagement. Throughout this period, both you and your dog will be thoroughly assessed to determine suitability to receive an “in training” vest and commence structured public access training.
You will meet regularly with your trainer based on your progress and needs. Regular written training logs are required to demonstrate development.
As you progress, you will complete multiple checklists, assessments and a minimum of 120 hours of documented training, before undertaking the Public Access Test and becoming fully certified.
Certification may take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months or longer, depending on individual circumstances.
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Note: If your dog is required to remain “in training” for longer than 12 months, additional fees will apply.
What the Program includes
• An individualised training program tailored to your physical, emotional and mental health needs, as well as your dog’s requirements
• One-on-one lessons
• Group outings
• Structured public access training sessions
• 3, 6 and 9 month milestone assessments
• “Assistance Dog In Training” vest and handler identity card
• Sample training logs, templates and a handler log diary
• Regular and ongoing support from Leanne Hoogwerf via text, phone, email, video call or in person
• Public Access Test (PAT)
• Assistance Dog vest and handler identity card upon successful PAT completion​
• Ongoing care and support post certification
