Group Companion Support Dog Training
Paws For Support are passionate to make training companion dog fun, social, and friendly. Dogs are an easy and wonderful way to make friends, so if you have a dog wanting to train them to become a certified companion dog in a friendly group environment - come join the informative and fun classes ! No experience necessary, wheelchair users welcome. Coffee/tea, bickies, and soft drinks supplied at all facility sessions. A letter from a GP or specialist is required to indicate a service dog would physically or emotionally assist the participant.
We are a state government endorsed dog training organisation.
Catering for all levels of mobility,
age groups and mental health conditions
There are number of steps that need to be undertaken, each working towards passing the PAT test and becoming a certified companion team. Each step includes various aspects of training and owning a companion dog with loads of extra fun activities along the way. A special certificate is issued after passing each level. Each member is required to wear their official ID badge and dogs wear their Service Dogs in Training Vest or Bandana when in training (issued automatically at first class as part of the Bonza sessions).
Class Commencement First week of March 2026.
Bookings essential.
Broza – 8 group sessions 9.30am – 11am Mondays
Free loan of ‘In Training Vest’ and pictured ID Badge with each new participant
Based at our training facility in Cheltenham
Topics Covered:
- Basic commands (‘Sit’, ‘Wait’, ‘Come’, ‘Down’, ‘Lets Go’, ‘OK ‘, ‘Get me a beer from the fridge’ – “hang on that’s a later class”)
- Beginner walking on a loose lead
- Dog Name recognition
- Fun stuff you can do and play with your dog.
- Walking and interaction in public places
- Walking in a shopping centre and busy road
Home visit/Assessment
- (if in the Bayside/SE Melbourne area) to adjust and general home instruction dealing with any issues e.g. barking, jumping up
Volunteer fun work
- For example, clean-up rubbish along the beach or street (wheelchair dependent), graffiti cleaning, etc.
Cost $ 950
Silva - 7 sessions that include a mid level of training, including:
At our training facility in Cheltenham – 11.30am – 1.30pm Mondays
- Further commands including ‘Stop’, ‘Leave it’ and ‘I need a hug’ – yes this a real command!
- Discussion on food and general health
- Rules of toileting (theirs – not yours!)
Out in public
- Mid level walking on a loose leash
- Recall – letting your dog run around a park (we meet at a park for this one (long leads are used)
- Rules of getting in and out of car
- Walking in a supermarket, inc. walking on different surfaces
- Sitting calmly while you have a coffee at a cafe
- Dropping a lead on a walk
- Dealing with the annoying public – role play
Public Transport
- Trip on a train, or tram or bas – possibly all three!
- Mock up plane ride is available – but with mobility restrictions
Beach Visit
- May include a dip into the bay with your dogs at ramp (specialist 4WD wheelchairs at the ready if require)
Cost $950
Gold Nuggets - 7 sessions that include a high level of training, including :
At our training facility in Cheltenham – 9.30am – 11.00pm Wednesdays
- Revisit all commands including ‘Sit’, ‘Wait’, ‘Come’, ‘Down’, ‘Stop’, ‘Leave it’ and ‘Hug’
- General tips on special needs (e.g. putting on vest while in a wheelchair, pick up lead, open doors, cupboards etc ). This discussion is of a general nature, this course is not designed to cover possible special physical or emotional support)
Visit Westfield Southland
- Shopping Centre visit, including lifts and going to the toilet (you this time!), Kmart, Coles
- Teaching them to ignore distractions e.g. cars. People, other dogs, children
- Teaching them to stop if the lead is dropped, walk backwards, acting appropriately when in a public toilet
Public Transport
- Trip on a train, or tram or bas – possibly all three!
Volunteer fun work
- Maybe a clean-up rubbish along a beach or street (wheelchair drivers may do street) or Maybe graffiti cleaning. All equipment supplied.
Visit a fire station, school, age care facility or hospital as a therapy dog team – this maybe something you could do on a regular basis in the future, based on availability and your dog’s suitability.
Cost $1250
Certified to Go - Certification practice - 7 sessions
A mixture of training locations
- Toileting on Command
- Park session
- Supermarket
- Westfield Southland
- Public Transport
- Demonstration of calm behaviour at home
- Pre assessment on all aspect of the PAT test covered with
- PAT test – Over three sessions. Cost includes official photos, ID badges, certificates upon passing
Cost $1,500
Each level is invoiced and paid separately. Although personalised help is supplied to each team member, should a team be considered unsuitable or they do not participate in a majority of the sessions, they will need to resit a level and invoiced accordingly.
TOTAL PRICE $5,000
Bowie my now therapy dog attends psychotherapy sessions along side me... Thank you Alan, your support has been excellent.
Alan, as a gifted trainer, has provided the support and guidance that have enabled me and my dog to learn together.
I just got my 7 year old golden retriever, Archie, accredited as a Therapy Dog, and we are beyond impressed...
Happy Handlers
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