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Assistance Dogs
Applications to join the waiting list for our Assistance Dog Programme are now closed.
Since launching Europe’s first dedicated Assistance Dog Programme for children with autism in 2005, we have set the benchmark for excellence in training standards, dog welfare, and ongoing family support. As a result of our proven impact and reputation we are proud to be Ireland’s largest and most successful Assistance Dog Programme for children with autism. Places on our programme are in consistently high demand.
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What does an Assistance Dog do?
We provide professionally trained assistance dogs that bring safety, independence, and confidence to children with autism and their families.
The primary functions of our Assistance Dogs are:
to “anchor” a child to stop them from bolting in public;
to stop safely at road crossings; and
to aid transitioning by keeping the partnership moving.
Assistance Dog FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions about our Assistance Dog Programme
Find Out MoreAdvocacy
At Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind we support our Clients in all three areas of advocacy: Self-advocacy, Individual advocacy and Collective/Systems advocacy.
Find Out MoreA welcome awaits
We have created a video to help a family prepare their child for a visit to the Training Centre by showing them what to expect on the day and not to feel daunted by the prospect.
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Mum Trish, son Conor and Assistance Dog Quelda at the park
Residential Training Programme
Our 1-week residential Training Programme at our National Training Centre in Cork will provide you with coaching on day to day life living and working with an Assistance Dog. You will learn canine body language, how to care for the dog's physical and emotional welfare, how to continue their training and how to work as a team with your child.
Ways To Help
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Ways to donate
There are many different ways you can donate to support out work
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Fundraise
Join our community of PAWsome volunteers or challenge yourself to do anything you love in aid of us!
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Volunteer
Give of your time, raise a pup, visit a school. There are many ways to get involved.
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Corporate Partnerships
Many amazing companies sponsor a pup, choose us as their Charity of the Year or fundraise
Get in touch with us
Get in touch with us to find out more information.