The course helped us develop a better understanding of each other and strengthened our bond. Since training time is time that I consciously reserve just for us, my dog enjoys this attention and is thus eager to learn.

I also found it important to learn about the dog's needs regarding nutrition and being a dog. The approach that it is crucial for the dogs to receive basic training, which includes obedience and fundamental commands, was great. These basic skills form the foundation for further training tailored to the individual requirements of the human-dog team. Equally important is the awareness that as this team, we represent all people with disabilities and should set a good example. We will need to continue working on solidifying what we've learned and think of new support strategies. For my needs, the chapter on deep pressure massage was super interesting, and we are already practicing it partially without realizing it. However, I still practice the entire setup so that we can do it correctly.

The fact that assistance dog training can be conducted independently offers a great opportunity and plays an important role in supporting people with mental health issues, as this would otherwise often be financially unfeasible.

These dogs are a valuable part of their owners' lives and help significantly improve their quality of life.

Thank you very much for this great opportunity to train my dog as a service dog.