General, Assistance and Therapy Owner Dog Training
Empowering dogs and their handlers through expert assistance and therapy dog training creating trusted companions
Olivers Army Training
What We Are
Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs is a dedicated training organisation supporting individuals and their dogs through Kennel Club, Assistance and Therapy Dog training programmes. We focus on teaching handlers how to train their own dogs using positive, reward-based methods, helping to build confident, reliable, and life-changing partnerships.
With experienced trainers, structured pathways, and a supportive community, we are committed to helping both dogs and handlers reach their full potential.
Areas We Cover
We proudly support handlers across Scotland, as well as Manchester, Liverpool, and Cheshire. Training is delivered through weekly classes at our training centres in Lochgelly Fife and the Northwich Cheshire, providing regular, hands-on guidance and support throughout your training journey.
Whether you are working towards Kennel Club awards, Assistance Dog qualification, or Therapy Dog accreditation, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Kennel Club Training
At Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs, we offer Kennel Club training programmes from Puppy Foundation level through to the Gold Good Citizen Dog Scheme Award. We believe that a strong foundation in obedience, behaviour, and responsible dog ownership is essential for every dog.
All dogs wishing to progress onto our Assistance or Therapy Dog programmes must first achieve the required Kennel Club Good Citizen standard. This ensures that both dog and handler have developed the skills, confidence, and reliability needed before moving on to more advanced training.
By building these foundations first, we help create well-mannered, confident dogs that are prepared for the challenges and responsibilities of Assistance or Therapy Dog work.
Assistance Dog Training
At Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs, we support individuals in training their own dogs to become reliable and effective Assistance Dogs. Our programme is designed for people living with physical disabilities, mobility challenges, neurological conditions, and mental health conditions, helping them develop a dog that can provide practical support and increase independence.
Training focuses on advanced obedience, public access skills, task-specific work, and building a strong partnership between handler and dog. Every programme is tailored to the individual needs of the handler, ensuring that the dog's training is relevant to their daily life and circumstances.
Our experienced trainers provide guidance through structured weekly classes, ongoing assessments, and continuous support throughout your journey. Using positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods, we help handlers develop the skills and confidence needed to train a capable, well-mannered Assistance Dog.
All dogs must successfully achieve the required Kennel Club Good Citizen standard before progressing onto our Assistance Dog Training Programme.
Therapy Dog Training
At Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs, we help handlers train their dogs to become confident, calm, and reliable Therapy Dogs capable of providing comfort, companionship, and emotional support within their communities.
Our Therapy Dog Training Programme focuses on developing excellent manners, confidence in a variety of environments, and the ability to interact appropriately with people of all ages and abilities. Dogs are trained to remain calm, friendly, and well-behaved in settings such as schools, care homes, hospitals, community groups, and wellbeing programmes.
Through structured weekly classes, practical training exercises, and ongoing support, handlers learn how to develop the skills required for successful therapy work while strengthening the bond with their dog.
Using positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods, we ensure that every dog enjoys the training process and is prepared for the responsibilities of working as a Therapy Dog.
All dogs must successfully achieve the required Kennel Club Good Citizen standard before progressing onto our Therapy Dog Training Programme.
Our Mission
Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs is a registered charitable organisation dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families. Our mission is to support people living with physical disabilities, mobility challenges, neurological conditions, and mental health conditions by helping them train their own Assistance or Therapy Dogs.
We are committed to improving independence, confidence, wellbeing, and quality of life through professional training, education, and ongoing support. Our members, volunteers, and trainers work together to create a welcoming and supportive community where both handlers and dogs can thrive.
Our Head Office is based at our training centre in Lochgelly, Fife, led by Trainer Joanne Hosie. Our Cheshire training centre is based at The Animal Behaviour Centre, Northwich, led by Trainers Christine Meaney and David Campbell.
Together, our centres enable us to support individuals and families throughout Scotland, Manchester, Liverpool, and Cheshire, providing accessible, high-quality Kennel Club, Assistance and Therapy Dog training programmes.
Through dedication, compassion, and positive reinforcement training, we strive to help create life-changing partnerships between people and their dogs.
Our History
The name Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs has a very special meaning and was inspired by two remarkable dogs who touched the lives of our founders and their families.
Co-Founder Joanne Hosie, a mother of six, grandmother to thirteen, and soon-to-be great-grandmother, saw first-hand the incredible difference that an assistance dog could make. Her son, Oliver, who is autistic, had an assistance dog called Buddy. The positive impact Buddy had on Oliver's confidence, independence, and everyday life inspired Joanne to help other families experience the same life-changing support.
At the same time, Co-Founder Christine Meaney was training her young Labrador, Oliver, to become an assistance dog. Tragically, Oliver developed a brain tumour at just 14 months old and sadly passed away. Although his life was far too short, his memory continues to inspire the work we do today.
The idea for the name Oliver's Army came from Christine's granddaughter, Caris, who suggested a name that would honour both Oliver and the many individuals, families, volunteers, trainers, and dogs who work together to support one another.
Today, Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs continues to grow as a supportive community dedicated to helping people train their own dog in basic kennel club, Assistance and Therapy, creating life-changing partnerships across Scotland, Manchester, Liverpool, and Cheshire.
Our Team
At Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs, we are proud to be a charitable organisation supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about helping others. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting the families and individuals who join our programmes, providing encouragement, guidance, and understanding throughout their journey.
From helping handlers develop their dog training skills to offering reassurance during difficult times, our team is committed to ensuring that no one feels alone. We understand that living with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, or mental health challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, and having a supportive community can make a significant difference.
Our volunteers are always willing to listen, whether that means answering training questions, sharing their own experiences, enjoying a cup of tea and a chat, or helping someone find additional support services when needed. We believe that compassion, kindness, and understanding are just as important as training.
Together, our volunteers, trainers, and members create a welcoming and supportive community where people and dogs can learn, grow, and thrive. We are committed to doing our very best for every family who becomes part of Oliver's Army.
The Local Pet Awards
Oliver's Army Assistance and Therapy Dogs are proud to say we have been nominated the past 4 years for the local Pet Awards!
We have also been finalists all 4years.
This year we were ecstatic to win 2 Categories which are Dog Trainer/Obedience of the Year and the Specialist Pet Service of the Year. We are very proud of our team and clients for all their hard work put into the charity.