Paws For Assistance

by Lynne Jones

ISBN-13: 979-8878420365

I was delighted to be asked to review this book and then the enormity of the task hit me.

How on Earth can I do this book and it’s author, justice?

There is a huge demand for assistance/emotional support dogs and the supply does not come close to meeting those numbers – who knew that it is possible to train a puppy/ or sometimes an existing family dog to become a working assistance dog!
This book is the only book you need.

The author takes you through every step of the process – how do you choose the right puppy or dog and before you even get to that stage, laying down ground rules so that there is consistency amongst everyone in the household, so that you are all working to the same guidelines and avoid confusion for the dog.

It’s hugely important to care for your dogs emotional and physical needs.
Lynne has a matter of fact way of describing what your dog may feel and how it will exhibit feelings,and gives clear advice on how to deal with all situations.

It’s literally a work manual for creating a happy, healthy, well adjusted dog who knows when he/she is required to work, and when they are off duty.
The emphasis is on having fun – both the trainer and the dog.

Once your puppy/dog has settled into your home life and routine, Lynne explains exactly how to move forward in introducing him/her to the “workplace” ie public transport, shops,restaurants, cafes and so on.

It’s a very gradual and measured progress, and this book details everything you need to think about and do, right up to your dog being officially recognised as an emotional support dog.

There is a “Public Access” letter to show anyone who challenges the presence of your dog, and if there is still a lack of acceptance then they can be referred to Government briefing papers Number CBP 7668 12/8/2016 (also within the book).

Even if you do not intend to train a dog to be an assistance dog, then this book will help you to help your dog to reach its happiest and healthiest potential.

It is an outstanding piece of research presented in language that is easy to follow and work through, very clearly set out in sections and interspersed with references and photographs showing how Lynne and her son trained a puppy to be a very wonderful assistance dog.

I cannot recommend it highly enough.