TRAINING YOUR DOG

It’s relatively straightforward for a dog and its owner to qualify. Your pooch must complete the temperament assessment and a one-day training course, then be reassessed every two years – or annually for older dogs.

“It’s fairly relaxed training,” says Dr Perry. “The dogs don’t have to be highly trained, they just need to remain under control.” At the assessment, you’ll be asked to get your dog to perform simple tasks such as maintain a position, be held by a stranger and sit politely for stroking. It will also have to show an ability to cope with noise and distractions such as large crowds.

It’s an opportunity to see how your dog reacts to real-life situations. It also helps train it to be a well-rounded animal.