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. 

Submission Form

 

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Assistance Dogs International.

General

The Power of Involving Incarcerated Individuals in Assistance Dog Training Programs: Experiences from Inside

Published Thursday, January 18, 2024 | by Samantha Jagt

Part 3 of our blog series on prison dog programs. Raising assistance dogs in prisons isn’t just about the dogs and the recipients who will one day receive a fully trained assistance dog. Involving incarcerated individuals in assistance dog training programs has significant impacts on the inmate trainers as well.

General

Empowering Independence: A Young Innovator's Journey with Assistance Dog Technology

Published Monday, December 4, 2023 | by Sydney Bolak

Navigating the world in partnership with an assistance dog has always demanded creative solutions to meet the diverse needs of handlers. Today, we present the incredible story of 9-year-old Kassidy and her service dog, Tibbs, from Paws Giving Independence.

General

Keeping us safe in the concrete jungle, one street at a time.

Published Tuesday, October 31, 2023 | by Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director, Assistance Dogs International

It’s bad enough trying to navigate our increasingly challenging urban environments if you’re able-bodied or mentally robust. But for people with visual or hearing impairments, mobility issues or sensory challenges, the concrete jungle can be a nightmare.

General

The Power of Involving Incarcerated Individuals in Assistance Dog Training Programs: Looking at ADI Programs Across the Globe

Published Monday, October 2, 2023 | by Samantha Jagt

The practice of involving incarcerated individuals in the training of assistance dogs is a dynamic phenomenon that extends across the globe. From the United States to Ireland and Australia, these initiatives are making a significant impact on inmates, communities, and the lives of those in need.

General

The Power of Involving Incarcerated Individuals in Assistance Dog Training Programs

Published Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | by Samantha Jagt

The practice of engaging incarcerated individuals in the care and training of animals is not a new trend. Involving incarcerated individuals in the training of assistance dogs yields multifaceted benefits that extend to inmate handlers, prison staff, non-participating inmates, and the broader community. Numerous correctional facilities now collaborate with programs that breed, raise, and train assistance dogs, fostering benefits that reach far beyond individual participants.

General

Paths to Positive Partnerships: looking forward to the 2023 ADI conference

Published Monday, July 31, 2023 | by ADI

With the 2023 conference less than two months away, excitement is building here at Assistance Dogs International! It’s been seven long years since we last met in Europe, so this year’s event in Zagreb, Croatia, promises to be extra special.

General

Technology in Training: Harnessing the Power of Remote Treat Delivery Systems

Published Thursday, July 6, 2023 | by Haley Gorenflo

Delivering effective rewards to assistance dogs after task completion can be challenging, necessitating innovative solutions for timely and precise reward delivery. With the advent of technology, remote treat delivery systems have emerged as invaluable tools in assistance dog training.

General

Tools for Social Media Success

Published Tuesday, June 6, 2023 | by Stephanie Colman and Tara Doherty

Guidelines for Member Program Volunteers
What are social media guidelines, why are they important and what factors should you consider when drafting guidelines for your assistance dog program?

Items 17-24 of 52