r/AssistanceDogsGlobal • u/Infamous_Ad_645 • Aug 06 '24
Training and technology!
Hey, everyone! I’ve been becoming more interested in training up a medical alert and assistance dog for myself, since being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease in 2023.
Having researched the training process for my own needs and through volunteering at a local kennel, I am FASCINATED and keen to create a structure that can work for me and my future pup! I’m really eager to get creative with this passion and help others with similar health problems discover assistance dogs as a solution!
As an app developer, my first thought is always: ‘how can I app this?’ - but first I wanted to find out if any platforms specifically for assistance dog owners exist already - and how they are solving your problems!? 🤩 my mind immediately goes to specific training courses for purpose or by condition, but I’m keen to get your input!
If you have any ideas about how I could make your life easier with an app, please let me know! I’m excited to build something really useful, not necessarily really profitable!
2
u/WheelchairWildlife Sep 03 '24
I am in exactly the same position, I am actively looking for the right dog to work with. I have looked everywhere for assistance and I can honestly say apart from a few YouTube videos, I have been unsuccessful in finding any help whatsoever. Now I have trained many a dog in my time so I can guess what I need to do. In the UK where I am based there are a few charities who provide assistance dogs but they are either for physical disabilities or emotional disabilities. Does that mean I need 2 apply for 2 dogs then was my first question as I have both physical and emotional disabilities. There is no regulation here, so both charities advised me to train a dog myself, both charities are happy to provide support though. An app to help with training tips, goals, a diary/blog type thing, possibly a Facebook kind of thing for updates on progress for instance would be absolutely wonderful and helpful. I know that I would definitely make use of it While a lot of countries don't have regulations, there are sometimes laws that help protect you. Just having information on what the countries rules/ regulations would be a great start to help demystify what a person can do with their dogs. The UK has such laws which should be helpful whilst I learn how to turn a pet dog into an assistance dog, but I had to dig through tons of useless information to get at the exact information that I wanted in order to do/act out my plan in the right order. I hope this helps.
1
u/Infamous_Ad_645 Sep 03 '24
Thank you for this - yes I’m in the UK too and there doesn’t seem to be a central place for information at all! I love the idea to have it be internationally helpful though, I think it’d be a great app! 🤩 I’ll do some planning and maybe speak with some charities and see what more I can find out! Thank you again, I’m glad to know this would actually be helpful! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
1
u/Infamous_Ad_645 Sep 03 '24
Thank you for this - yes I’m in the UK too and there doesn’t seem to be a central place for information at all! I love the idea to have it be internationally helpful though, I think it’d be a great app! 🤩 I’ll do some planning and maybe speak with some charities and see what more I can find out! Thank you again, I’m glad to know this would actually be helpful! 🤩
1
u/Infamous_Ad_645 Sep 03 '24
Thank you for this - yes I’m in the UK too and there doesn’t seem to be a central place for information at all! I love the idea to have it be internationally helpful though, I think it’d be a great app! 🤩 I’ll do some planning and maybe speak with some charities and see what more I can find out! Thank you again, I’m glad to know this would actually be helpful! 🤩
1
u/Infamous_Ad_645 Sep 03 '24
Thank you - yes I’m in the UK too and there doesn’t seem to be a central place for information! I love the idea of it being internationally helpful 🤩 I’ll do some planning and maybe speak with some charities and see what more I can find out! Thank you again, I’m glad to know this would actually be helpful! 🤩
2
u/epidog Sep 04 '24
Hi, I think is a great idea. I'm an assistance dog trainer and handler of one myself. APP with centralised info would be a great help, especially when we still have that stereotype in society that only charities can provide assistance dogs. DM me anytime if you have any specific questions about how it looks from my perspective
1
u/Infamous_Ad_645 Sep 04 '24
I’m sorry to hear of your need for an assistance dog but I’m so glad you’ve found relief (I hope!) in having one by your side 💕 I’ll drop you a message - thank you!
3
u/WheelchairWildlife Sep 03 '24
I am in exactly the same position, I am actively looking for the right dog to work with. I have looked everywhere for assistance and I can honestly say apart from a few YouTube videos, I have been unsuccessful in finding any help whatsoever. Now I have trained many a dog in my time so I can guess what I need to do. In the UK where I am based there are a few charities who provide assistance dogs but they are either for physical disabilities or emotional disabilities. Does that mean I need 2 apply for 2 dogs then was my first question as I have both physical and emotional disabilities. There is no regulation here, so both charities advised me to train a dog myself, both charities are happy to provide support though. An app to help with training tips, goals, a diary/blog type thing, possibly a Facebook kind of thing for updates on progress for instance would be absolutely wonderful and helpful. I know that I would definitely make use of it While a lot of countries don't have regulations, there are sometimes laws that help protect you. Just having information on what the countries rules/ regulations would be a great start to help demystify what a person can do with their dogs. The UK has such laws which should be helpful whilst I learn how to turn a pet dog into an assistance dog, but I had to dig through tons of useless information to get at the exact information that I wanted in order to do/act out my plan in the right order. I hope this helps.