There is something very special about animals that help humans, especially since they are pretty far removed from home sapiens in evolutionary terms. And while beasts of burden may have been pretty crucial to farming in the pre-industrial age, machines have made the horse-drawn cart or ox-drawn plough pretty redundant for most of us. There are however a very special breed of dogs that have become integral to the everyday lives of humans - offering companionship, performing a range of crucial tasks and helping their recipients achieve a greater level of independence. For an insight into the world of these amazing animals, petpages caught up with Krystina Pecorari-McBride, the news hound (communications officer) for Assistance Dogs Australia.

Tell us a little about Assistance Dogs Australia.

“We are a non profit organisation that began operating in 1996, and provide daily assistance to people with physical disabilities by training Labradors and Golden Retrievers to enhance their quality of life.”

So, assistance dogs are different to guide dogs?

“Yes, guide dogs provide orientation and mobility for vision impaired individuals. Our recipients typically have physical or developmental disorders such as quadriplegia, paraplegia and cerebral palsy.”

What are the primary benefits for recipients?

“As a result of our program these highly trained dogs allow recipients to have greater mobility and independence; as well as allowing them to have higher self esteem and confidence.”

What practical tasks might an assistance dog provide for a recipient?

“Around the house a dog may accomplish a number of everyday tasks, including picking up the TV remote or telephone, opening the fridge and getting items out of it and closing doors. Out and about they can push the button at zebra crossings or call lifts, amongst other tasks.”

Why do you use Labradors and Golden Retrievers?

“These two breeds are extremely adaptable, friendly and loving dogs. They are also intelligent and obedient and can be trained easily.”

How long does it take to train an assistance dog?

“There is a two year training period, and we also provide ongoing follow up support to recipients. This includes an annual PAT (public access test), a certification that sets a minimum standard for guide, hearing and assistance dogs. This endorsement comes from Assistance Dogs International, and Assistance Dogs Australia was the first organisation to be accredited by this governing body.”

What age do you start training the puppies?

“At 8 weeks of age the puppies arrive at our training centre and commence the first 4-8 weeks of their training with puppy socialisers. After this they go to their puppy raisers.”

What is puppy raising?

“Puppy raising is a volunteer opportunity where individuals and families take our dogs in training into their own home for the first 18 months of its life whilst undertaking basic training and socialization.”

What is the cost associated with training?

“Each dog’s training costs the organisation over $25,000 – which is to international standards, with dogs provided to recipients free of charge.”

Tell us a bit about your innovative ‘Pups In Prison’ program.

“The Pups in Prison program began as a way for us to train more dogs, while helping offenders serving time in corrective centres at the same time. Each puppy is assigned to two inmate handlers who act as the primary trainers of the pups. An officer is also assigned to each puppy, and takes it home with them for exposure to a family environment – an invaluable experience for when they become working dogs. The men want to give back to the community and the dogs not only teach them skills such as patience and teamwork, but also make a really positive change to their overall environment. The barriers are also broken down between the staff and the inmates as they train the dogs as a team. So it is a win-win situation for all concerned.”

Where does your funding come from?

“All of our funding comes from private donations, corporate sponsorship, fundraising events and philanthropic donations – with no government assistance. All this goes into training the dogs and helping to provide our recipients with this service free of charge.”