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Paws for Access
Published Monday, June 30, 2025 | by ADI Advocacy and IDEA Committees
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) recently published a global survey entitled Paws for Access Report on Assistance Dog Rights. The survey aimed to uncover a global perspective on the challenges faced by assistance dog handlers in accessing the community. The results of this report are clear: there are widespread challenges for handlers and their assistance dogs accessing public spaces, despite many countries having laws to protect their rights.
Understanding Courthouse Dogs: Support in the Justice System
Published Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | by Felicia Ako, CEO Courthouse Dogs Foundation
The role of facility dogs has expanded beyond traditional areas to accompany people throughout their judicial journey. Courthouse facility dogs serve a crucial purpose by performing specific tasks, such as a visit command to greet a child entering a child advocacy center as well as to lay next to that child as they go through a forensic interview and medical exam. The innovative use of courthouse facility dogs is gaining recognition across the United States and internationally with over five hundred dogs working currently in nine countries.
From Service to Security: How Career Changed Dogs Support Canada Border Services
Published Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | by Avery McConkey
At Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, we believe in the potential of every dog that walks through our building, regardless of where their journey takes them. While the majority of our dogs graduate as assistance dogs, some may not have the right personality or temperament for life as a Dog Guide. In certain cases, these “Career Change” dogs may be the perfect fit for a job working with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to protect Canadian borders.
Development & Socialization of 7 to 12-Week-Old Puppies with a Purpose
Published Monday, March 31, 2025 | by Kendle Frank and Grace Nystrom
Puppies are drastically developing in their first 12 weeks of their lives, and proper socialization can make a profound impact on a puppy’s future as an assistance dog. Last time, we covered what developmental milestones occur in a puppy’s first 6 weeks of life. In this post, we will break down what development looks like for 7- to 12-week-old puppies and the types of socialization activities leading organizations like NEADS World Class Service Dogs and Freedom Service Dogs of America facilitate to help their puppies with a purpose reach their full potential.
Development and Socialization of 1 to 6-Week-Old Puppies with a Purpose
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | by Kendle Frank and Grace Nystrom
Confidence is a key trait for any assistance dog. For people with disabilities who rely on their canine partner wherever they go, having an assistance dog who is calm, self-assured, and resilient in all situations is essential. Training a reliable, confident assistance dog starts with the basics: early socialization during developmental stages of growth.
Reasons Why Labrador Retrievers Make Exceptional Assistance Dogs
Published Monday, January 27, 2025 | by Kendle Frank
Assistance dogs, regardless of their breed, shape, or size, are extraordinary partners who transform lives. The dogs that make the cut to become assistance animals represent the best of their kind, excelling in tasks that require intelligence, focus, and an eagerness to work. While these remarkable traits can be found across many breeds, Labrador Retrievers have earned a proven track record as a terrific family companion, as well as a popular choice for assistance dog work, thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and loving temperaments.
2024: the year when regional workshops really took off.
Published Tuesday, January 7, 2025 | by Martin Atkin, Communications Consultant, Assistance Dogs International
From Belgium in June through to Australia in December - via Texas, Maryland and California, USA - 2024 was an unprecedented year of regional workshops. More than 50 ADI member organizations from all three regions took part in workshops covering training, breeding, fundraising and marketing.
Celebrating solidarity
Published Friday, December 20, 2024 | by Martin Atkin, Assistance Dogs International
Today, we are urged by the United Nations to mark International Human Solidarity Day by promoting ‘the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing.’ Giving selflessly of our time, sharing our expertise and helping others are, of course, the hallmarks of charitable organizations around the world. These qualities are embedded in the DNA of ADI members whose staff, volunteers and donors train and provide life-changing dogs and who epitomize solidarity with the people they serve.