Stability Assistance Dogs

Stability Assistance Dogs

We have developed a highly successful Stability Assistance Dog Programme for both adults and children and it’s the only one we know of in Europe.

Stability Dogs for Children:

This programme works by pairing a child between the ages of 6 - 12 who has difficulty with walking, balance or maintaining a consistent and safe walking pace due to a physical disability.  Their assistance dog is trained to aid with forward motion and balance whilst safely negotiating their everyday environment and different ground surfaces, particularly uneven ground, steps, and kerbs.

To safely and effectively utilize a stability dog, the child must be able to walk short distances independently on a smooth, level surface without physical assistance. The child must also have the verbal communication and cognitive abilities necessary to give and understand directional commands required to effectively direct the dog, such as "let's go," "straight," and "stop."

The dogs provide a stable base and gentle forward pull, similar to the feeling of holding a parents hand. The presence of the dog is a motivating factor to achieve a daily walk, especially when it is worked into the daily routine – e.g. walking to or from school. The

Stability Dogs for Adults:

We do not train assistance dogs for adults whose primary need is balance or stability support.

However, under the supervision of Prof Lynch at the neurological institute, we do offer a specialist programme for people with early-onset Parkinson’s disease who experience freezing gait. Click here to find out more!

Critically NO downward pressure is allowed on our dogs.  They are fitted with a specially designed harness that has a “floating handle” which is the equivalent to holding a supportive hand.

Apply Now

Emily & Mobility Assistance Dog Obi

Meet Emily who is learning to walk with her new Mobility Assistance Dog Obi.

For the children we support, maintaining balance and forward momentum poses significant challenges and the risk of falls is a constant concern. This is especially worrying as falls could potentially result in a child becoming dependent on a wheelchair due to their inability to use crutches.

Regular walks with their assistance dog play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of these children as they continue to grow. Daily walks develop core balance and strength which over time builds stamina.

A smiling girl in a school uniform petting a chocolate Labrador dog with a purple harness in a classroom decorated with colorful bunting and student artwork.
A girl with curly black hair and wearing a purple hoodie is sitting on a bench outside, smiling. She has a large chocolate Labrador Retriever sitting beside her, wearing a bright yellow harness, with its mouth open and eyes squinting.
A smiling young girl with light brown hair in pigtails, wearing a blue and orange sports jacket, sitting next to a large black service dog with a bright yellow vest, on a gray couch. The girl has her hand on the dog's head and is holding a purple lea
Two men, one in a doctor's coat and the other in casual clothing, standing outside a building with a bright yellow door. A black guide dog wearing a yellow harness is between them.
A young girl in a pink jacket and patterned leggings standing on a balance board, being assisted by an adult man. A large chocolate Labrador dog wearing a yellow harness stands beside her, receiving a treat from a young woman. The scene is inside a g
A young girl with long brown hair wearing a pink headband and pink jacket with multicolored hearts, holding a purple leash attached to a yellow guide dog in a bright yellow vest and a flowery bandana around its neck, standing on a suburban sidewalk w
A young girl in a pink jacket and blue jeans standing next to a large black dog wearing a yellow vest on a paved pathway near a body of water with trees in the background.