Autism Dogs CIC provides a fully managed Assistance Dog Programme for persons diagnosed with ASD. Our Programme has no maximum age limit and works with people living anywhere in England, Wales or Scotland.

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Latest accounts 

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Autism Dogs CIC is the only Assistance Dog Programme approved by the National Autistic Society. See license.

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Autism Dogs CIC is an approved ADI/ADEu candidate work membership. ADI member programs are believed to be the worlds leading authority in the Assistance Dog sector. Autism Dogs is a full member of the aaii for Animal Support.

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https://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/members/candidates/candidate-programs/

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Autism Dogs CIC are a pre-approved training school for Assistance Dogs by British Airways.

 

Our Assistance Dog Programme includes handler training, a bespoke menu of Advanced Training skills tailored to each individual and dedicated support from a member of the team throughout the entire process.

 

Once you and your dog are ready we will assist your inclusion as a team into your workplace, school, college, hospital, retailers and your community to ensure you enjoy the benefits and improved independence from the point of delivery.

 

If you are already a dog owner/experienced handler and you are not looking to enrol onto a comprehensive Assistance Dog Programme, we now offer training for Advanced Task based Training and Public Access Only Training.

 

Autism Dogs is a not for profit Community Interest Company and as such much of the work we do we do pro bono, voluntarily or at a reduced hourly rate. This means only around 60% of our overall actual costs are passed onto the client.

 

Autism Dogs is an advocate for ethical reward based training. We do not use nor condone the use of electric or prong collars. Autism Dogs CIC is an active member of the SCAS.

 

We are based in Cheshire working out of a 13 acre farm. The facilities allow for breeding, training, exercise, socialisation and 'premium' nurture of all animals. ​

On site we have a purpose built Sensory Garden for all our clients to relax and enjoy when they visit the farm.

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Policies

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Autism Dogs Board of Directors is: Andrew Preston, Caroline Preston, Tate Preston, Kelly Quinnell and Ann Whitehead.

 

Andrew Preston is a renowned Dog Trainer, Qualified Canine Behaviourist, Dog Communicator, Animal Welfare Advocate, a KC Assured Breeder of 10 years + (UKAS Accredited), Licensed Micro-Chipper and qualified in Animal Assistance Therapy. Andrew is also the Founder and 'Dog Master' at www.SteadyPaws.co.uk and as Head Trainer Andrew is also the 1st Male (2nd Person) in the UK to achieve the Kennel Clubs Accredited Instructor (KCAI) Status in Assistance Dogs, see > https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/kcai/list-of-accredited-instructors/#assistance 

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Caroline Preston is a qualified member of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists and International Association of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Coaching IANLPC. She has a Diploma in Autism Awareness and is also qualified in Animal Assistance Therapy.

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Tate Preston has a First Class Honours in Bio-Veterinary and is now studying Veterinary Science at Nottingham University. She is also a qualified and practising Canine Hydro therapist and is Licensed in Animal Micro-Chipping.

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Kelly Quinnell is a Psychotherapist and Founder of 'Think Out Loud' (Psychotherapy Practice), and CAMHS Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. www.thinkoutloud.org.uk

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Ann Whitehead Qualified Youth Trainer/Post 16 Teacher/ Young Persons Personal Adviser.  25 years’ experience working in various roles in extended education with students with learning disabilities and/or social and emotional difficulties. Liaising with employers and a great variety of different services and professional organisations.

 

Within the team are also Specialist Dog Trainers, Animal Care operators, ASD Ambassador, Dog Groomer, Dog Handlers and Kennel Maids.

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