Expectations for training
Applications and Paperwork
To join Oliver's Army Assistance & Therapy Dogs, all applicants are required to complete the relevant registration, assessment, and medical paperwork. This helps us understand your individual needs, your dog's suitability, and the support we can provide throughout your training journey.
For those applying to our Assistance Dog programmes, require supporting medical information as part of the application process. This allows us to ensure that the training programme is appropriate for your circumstances and that we can provide the best possible support.
Once your paperwork has been received at our Lochgelly office, our team will review your application and contact you regarding the next steps. Additional information or supporting documentation may be requested where appropriate.
We aim to make the application process as straightforward and supportive as possible. If you require assistance completing any forms, our team will be happy to help.
All information provided is treated confidentially and handled in accordance with our data protection and safeguarding policies.
Breed of Dogs
Unfortunately we don't work with any of the banned breeds or dogs mixed with the banned breeds. Currently on the UK banned list is:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Braziliero
- The XL Bully
We also cannot have Drooly Breeds on our Assistance programme.
Equipment
- Leads such as bungee, slip, retractable or chain leads are NOT permitted.
- We do NOT allow any adverse training tools such as electronic, half or full choke, prong or citronella collars.
- All dog's are required to wear identification tags with the legal information on it.
Medical
- All dogs MUST be microchipped and fully vaccinated before attending classes.
- Updated vaccines are required.
- Dogs must receive flea and worming according to their veterinary guidelines.
- If any dog has been in contact or shows sign of illness they cannot enter the centre.
- Female dogs in season require to take 3 weeks off classes.
- Dogs who are being spayed and neutered cannot return to class until a qualified veterinarian has cleared them for working/returning to class.
Insurance
All handlers are responsible for providing your own Insurance for their own dog which MUST include Full Public Liability.
Public Access
- Dogs must be over 2 years of age and no older than 5 years old.
- All dogs must not be sired or bred and must be spaded or neutered before they can sit the Public Access assessment.
- Over drooly breeds are not permitted on the assistance programme.
- Everyone is required to provide evidence that a qualified veterinarian has cleared their dog for working and is in good physical condition.
- Dogs should have completed and passed the Gold Kennel Club Scheme before working towards our Public Access Assessment.
- Once qualified monthly classes are mandatory along with yearly resits
Therapy Dogs
- Therapy dogs cannot be on a raw diet.
- Dogs must be over 18 months of age and no older than 6 years old before passing the Therapy Assessment.
- Our Therapy dogs can only work for 1 hour and must rest for another hour before doing another session, no more than 3 sessions a day.
- Females should not work while in season, whelping or caring for newborn puppies.
- Everyone is required to provide evidence that a qualified veterinarian has cleared their dog for working and is in good physical condition.
- Dogs should have completed and passed the gold Kennel Club Scheme before working towards our Therapy Assessment.
- Once qualified monthly classes are mandatory along with yearly resits
- All work Therapy dogs undertake has to be approved by head office for insurance purposes.
- Recommended amount for therapy work is a £30 donation per visit to the Charity