17 June,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
An assistance dog helps a handler. PICs COURTESY/SHIRIN DHABHAR
A dropped set of keys, a door left open by a visitor, or a water bottle slightly out of reach. For people with movement and mobility impairments, these seemingly small hiccups can become roadblocks in the way of a usual day. While relying on personal caregivers is becoming the norm, few are aware of assistance dogs. Canine behaviourist Shirin Dhabhar tells us these are specially trained canine partners capable of performing small tasks that make a big difference.
Shirin Dhabhar
The Shirin Dhabhar Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training is launching the first of a series of Professional Assistance Dog Trainer Certification courses that equip individuals, both professionals and amateurs, with the skills to train a dog for special needs. "An assistance dog has the potential to understand human emotions and needs. They're much more than just well-trained dogs," she shares.
ON June 20 to July 1
AT Canines Can Care, Dadar Parsi Colony.
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With nearly 26 million persons with disabilities in India as per official records, the behaviourist plans to organise more courses in the future, with a long-term plan.
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REPRESENTATION PICS/istock
A type of service dogs (which includes guide dogs for the visually impaired and hearing dogs for hard-of-hearing individuals) assistance dogs are trained to perform physical tasks.
These canines can help their handlers with:
>> Fetching medication for the wheelchair-bound
>> Acting as an anchor for steady movement
>> Helping individuals get back on their feet after unforeseen falls
>> Picking up fallen items, or helping with taking clothing, like socks, off after a long day
"There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to these four-legged partners," says Dhabhar. Over the course of 12 days, participants will learn how to
Assess suitability: Assisting adult handlers with posture support, and mobility manoeuvres can be physically demanding work. Medium to large, fit dogs such as Labradors and indies are often well suited to most assistance tasks.
Understand needs: Individuals with conditions such as arthritis, spina bifida, and spinal muscular atrophy have varying needs that must be approached with sensitivity.
The final decision on whether a dog is suited for assistance work rests with the dog. If it appears uncomfortable or hesitant, it is likely better suited to a different role.
30 days
The average time it takes for a dog to learn basic assistance tasks
