- All Assistance Dogs are Labradors.
- Assistance dogs are only working when wearing a branded jacket.
- You should always approach the owner before going to stroke an assistance dog.
- Only Guide Dogs are allowed in shops and restaurants.
- Assistance dogs are never allowed off lead and don’t get to play or be a ‘dog’.
- Assistance dogs are trained using positive reinforcement methods and rewarded with treats and fusses.
- Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs are the same thing.
- UK law currently doesn’t have an official registration or certification for assistance dogs.
- Assistance dogs can be trained to support disabilities far beyond sight and hearing loss.
Ready to see if you’re barking up the wrong tree? Here’s our official stance
All assistance dogs are Labradors? ….TALE
Although Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and their crosses are commonly used as assistance dogs, any breed of dog can be an assistance dog as long as they are healthy, have a suitable temperament, and can be trained to do the tasks required.
We use a mix of Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Doodles (Poodle x Golden Retriever cross) in our life-changing partnerships.
Assistance dogs are only working when wearing a branded jacket ….TALE
Many assistance dogs can work, both at home and when out and about, without a jacket. In fact, it isn’t a legal requirement for an assistance dog to wear a harness, branded jacket or lead slip at all, even in public.
Our dogs wear distinctive purple jackets when out and about to communicate to people that they are assistance dogs, and the reflective strips help keep them safe (plus they look adorable in them!).
You should always approach the owner before going to stroke an assistance dog? ….TAIL
Just because an assistance dog doesn’t look like it’s working doesn’t mean they aren’t, or that it’s ok to stroke them. As with all dogs, you should always check with the owner before approaching or stroking them.
“The canine partners jacket has ‘do not distract me’ written on it, so it’s nice when people ask before petting her. As long as she isn’t focusing on a task or tired, I give her the ‘say hello’ command, this means she knows it is ok to wag and nudge the other person and come back to me.” Jennifer, who is supported by Canine Partner Rain.
Only Guide Dogs are allowed in shops and restaurants ….TALE
Under the Equality Act 2010, trained assistance dogs are allowed to accompany their partner wherever they go, and businesses must make reasonable adjustments. It is unlawful to deny access to a disabled person with their assistance dog and would be classed as discrimination.
Our dogs are trained to accompany and support their partners in all aspects of their life, including work and enjoying hobbies. Canine Partner Smartie accompanied her partner Tracey during her three-year Forensic Investigation degree at Peterborough University; she was even given her own ID card and attended graduation with her.
Assistance dogs are never allowed off lead and don’t get to play or be a ‘dog’ ….TALE
Assistance dogs aren’t always working, they get to have down time, go to the park and play. Some assistance dogs even enjoy dog sports such as agility and flyball.
We ensure our dogs get the chance to exercise off the lead every day.
Katy, who was supported by Canine Partner Folly, says: “People often assumed because I’m in a wheelchair I can’t walk her. But in my wheelchair, we can cover much longer distances than most people walking. She gets lots of fun and exercise every day. Even now at 14 and retired she likes a long, slow walk.”
Assistance dogs are trained using positive reinforcement methods and rewarded with treats and fusses? ….TAIL
Assistance dogs are highly trained using positive reinforcement methods. Each task is just a game to the dog, where they are rewarded with treats and fuss for completing.
Nicki, who is supported by canine partner Liggy, says: “People often think Liggy is still in training because I give her a treat after her taskwork. I explain to them that she gets paid in treats for her work, just like us humans like to get paid for working!”
Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs are the same thing? ….TALE
Emotional support dogs are not recognised under UK law currently and so do not get the same access rights as assistance dogs.
While Canine Partners aren’t trained to provide emotional support, their beneficiaries say is one of the many hidden benefits of their assistance dogs. 93%* say their dog has positively impacted their emotional wellbeing and confidence. *Partner Voice Survey 2025.
UK law currently has no official registration or certification for assistance dogs ….TAIL
Assistance dogs are highly trained dogs that provide essential support to their disabled owners, but in the UK, there is no official registration or certification process for them.
We are members of Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) and are accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). This means we work to the highest international standards of dog training and welfare.
Assistance dogs be trained to support disabilities far beyond sight and hearing loss? ….TAIL
Assistance dogs can be trained to assist anyone to mitigate a disability or illness.
Wendy, who is supported by Canine Partner Carmen, says: “I was out driving with my previous assistance dog Teddy. I got out of the driving seat, then got Teddy out. A woman said to me ‘it’s marvellous that you can drive with a Guide Dog. They are really clever’, because she automatically assumed I was blind.”
To find out more or support the charity, visit www.caninepartners.org.uk
