Assistance Dog Support & Assessments

Thoughtful, welfare-first guidance for real-world partnership

A wolfdog with her back to the camera, in a pink assistance dog vest, laid behind a wheelchair in a hospital

Navigating the world with your dog shouldn’t feel like a battle

Whether you’re:
Exploring an assistance dog partnership
Already working with your dog
Facing challenges with access, behaviour, or confidence
You don’t have to figure it out alone.

A wolfdog ina pink and lilac vest, lying on a wooden floor

A supportive, realistic approach

My work focuses on the dog as an individual, not just a role they are expected to fulfil. Assistance work has to work for both ends of the lead.

Through The Mischief Method™, we'll look at the whole picture — the dog, the person, the environment, the task, the pressures around them and the practical realities of everyday life.

Because assistance dogs are not robots. They're living, feeling individuals whose wellbeing, communication and choices continue to matter alongside the needs of the person they support.

Together, we might explore:

• Emotional wellbeing and resilience
• The person's needs and the dog's needs
• Real-world environments and pressures
• Communication, choice and agency
• Skills and task development
• Whether the partnership remains sustainable for both of you

A wolfdog taking a treat in a shop setting

How I Can Support You

Temperament Assessments

A structured, supportive assessment to explore your dog’s suitability for assistance work.

This includes:

Observation of your dog’s behaviour and responses
Real-life scenario discussions and guidance
Honest, compassionate feedback
A written summary where needed

A wolfdog in a pink and lilac vest looking at her handler in a doctors waiting room

Ongoing Assistance Dog Support

For those already on the journey.

Support may include:

Building confidence in real-world environments
Navigating challenges or setbacks
Strengthening communication and teamwork
Preparing for public access expectations

A wolfdog in a pink and lilac vest stood looking at her handler in a hospital room

Ethical, Owner-Trained Pathways

I support owner-trained assistance dog teams, with a focus on:

Welfare-first training
Realistic expectations
Individualised approaches (no one-size-fits-all)

A wolfdog in a pink and lilac vest laid asleep on a grey floor

Why Online?

Online support allows your dog to remain in a familiar, low-pressure environment — giving a more accurate picture of behaviour and reducing unnecessary stress.

It also allows us to:

Review real-life video footage
Work at your pace
Focus on what truly matters in your day-to-day life

A wolfdog in a pink and lilac vest laid asleep on a wooden floor, next to white doors and a green chair

Legal Rights & Workplace Support

Navigating access rights and workplace conversations can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re already managing your own needs alongside your dog’s.

You’re not expected to figure this out alone.

Support with Real-World Situations

I can help you:

Understand your rights when accessing public spaces or workplaces
Navigate conversations with employers or service providers
Prepare clear, supportive explanations where needed
Feel more confident advocating for yourself and your dog

A Gentle, Practical Approach

This isn’t about confrontation — it’s about clarity, confidence, and communication.

Support may include:

Guidance on how to approach conversations
Written summaries or supporting letters where appropriate
Helping you feel prepared, informed, and supported

Every situation is different.

My role is to support you in a way that feels manageable and aligned with your needs — always with a focus on both your wellbeing and your dog’s.

Guidance is based on current UK legislation and best practice, including the Equality Act 2010.

A wheelchair user sat in a wheelchair with a wolfdog in a pink and lilac vest to the left and a wolfdog in a green and black

A Gentle Note

Not every dog is suited to assistance work — and that’s okay.

My role is to guide you with honesty, compassion, and clarity, ensuring the best outcome for both you and your dog.

A wolfdog in a pink and lilac vest in B and M

Investment

Assistance Dog Temperament & Suitability Assessment

£110

Includes:

60-minute Zoom assessment
Behavioural observation and discussion
Honest, supportive feedback
Written summary (if required)

Ongoing Support Sessions

£90 per session

For continued guidance, training, and support throughout your journey.

Temperament & Suitability Assessment + Ongoing Support Package — £450

Includes:

✓ Assistance Dog Temperament & Suitability Assessment
✓ Four subsequent 60–90 minute support sessions
✓ Space to review progress and adapt the plan as the partnership develops
✓ Relevant resources and follow-up materials
✓ Private Dropbox folder for videos and ongoing resources
✓ Session recordings and written transcripts

Getting Started

If you’re considering an assistance dog or would like support with your current dog:

Please use the contact form to get in touch, and I’ll help guide you to the right next step.

Because partnership matters more than performance.

Testimonials

A white dog in a red harness standing on a snowy log, promoting force-free and holistic dog training in natural environments.

"Tasha is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled trainers/behaviourists I have ever come across. Not only are they passionate about what they do, but they are as deeply about your dog as you are. Tasha uses science-based, force-free methods and is constantly updating their CPD. Which means they are always my go-to person for absolutely everything!

The first thing that drew me to Tasha was how understanding, empathetic, and trustworthy they are. These characteristics are incredibly important to me as I feel more at ease with someone that is non-judgemental but also incredibly skilled. 100 out of 10!

— Laura Nicholls