If you're interested in contributing material for a blog post or a full blog post, please fill out our form. Please be aware that all blog posts must be educational in nature and no fundraising or promotional posts will be allowed. Members of the public may submit the initial interest form, but blog posts from ADI and ADI members are prioritized over publicly generated posts.
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.
Honoring the Bond
Published Monday, December 2, 2024 | by Laurie Carlson
Konrad Lorenz, a zoologist, is known for saying, "The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." Understanding the power of this bond, Can Do Canines held its second Honoring the Bond event last June.
Reimagining Language: The IDEA Committee's Perspective on Correctional Terminology
Published Thursday, November 7, 2024 | by Duncan Edwards and Brittani Uribe Sleets
As members of the IDEA Committee—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility—we recently undertook the task of reviewing terminology within Assistance Dogs International’s Standards, specifically concerning individuals in correctional facilities who work with our member organizations to socialize or train future assistance dogs. This process initiated an important conversation within our committee, compelling us to reflect on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the power of language in shaping perceptions.
Unleashing Potential: Animal Assisted Education Programme
Published Monday, September 30, 2024 | by David McCarthy
Facility dogs are increasingly recognized for the incredible support they provide in specialized settings such as hospitals, schools, and residential care facilities. Unlike service dogs, which primarily assist individuals with disabilities, facility dogs are expertly trained to work alongside professionals and volunteers in environments where many people can benefit from their skilled tasks. These dogs actively promote well-being by assisting multiple clients across diverse environments, offering much more than just a comforting presence. A shining example of their impact can be seen in Animal Assisted Education (AAE).
Sourcing dogs for Assistance Dogs
Published Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | by Sydney Bolak
Seeing a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Standard Poodle, or German Shepherd working with in public their partner is a familiar experience as these breeds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility in assisting individuals with disabilities. However, not every ADI organization chooses to exclusively use purpose-bred puppies.
Assistance Dog Organizations Facilitate Work Opportunities: Reducing Barriers to Inclusive Employment
Published Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | by Kaitlyn Lowes
Assistance dog providers empower disabled individuals to reduce barriers to independence by providing trained dogs to mitigate the symptoms and challenges of their disabilities. The continued development of support, advocacy, and opportunities for clients creates an accessible workplace with educated and compassionate employers.