Lions Assistance Dogs is a not-for-profit organisation that raises, trains and provides Assistance Dogs to people in need throughout Australia, creating life-changing impacts for the people and families they join.

The incredible Assistance Dogs they train provide support in Hearing Assistance, Medical Assistance and Psychiatric Assistance, helping their owners navigate everyday life with greater independence, confidence and support.

To truly understand the difference an Assistance Dog can make, sometimes the best way is to hear it directly from someone who knows first-hand.
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So, we’ll hand it over to Megan and George…

At just three months of age, it was discovered that Megan’s older brother was Deaf. By six months of age, Megan’s hearing was tested; she too, was Deaf. Their parents, wanting the best access to specialist services and schooling, relocated to inner Melbourne where Megan started at a School for the Deaf at 3.5 years of age.

Megan’s schooling experience began with fond memories in primary school, but by the time she was in grade 10 in a mainstream school, she was being excluded from social activities. “Friends were not asking me to the movies, and during conversations, when I asked what people were talking about, I would be told ‘it does not matter’ and it was ‘not important’. I felt like I was seen to be an ‘annoyance’

At this point, Megan made a decision to move back to a College for the Deaf; “I grew up oral, but at the time it was a signing school. It did not take me long to learn Auslan (I knew the basics) and I felt that I was able to fit in quickly. I felt that I was included and was no longer missing out”.

Before getting her first Hearing Assistance Dog, Jonesy, Megan had heard of Hearing Dogs; a staff member at the College for the Deaf had a Hearing Dog called Bubbles.

Just prior to turning 30, Megan was living on her own and over time had become fearful about fires, especially at night without having any assistive technology. “I had frequent nightmares about my place catching fire and bushfires. Whilst we have smoke alarms available for people who are Deaf, I did not trust them”. Megan also has Usher Syndrome, and as such is legally blind. “I thought a Hearing Dog would be of benefit for me, alerting me to sounds that I may not hear or see (e.g. flashing alerts or someone trying to get my attention).”

Not long after, Megan met Jonesy. Jonesy was Megan’ first Hearing Dog, a Kelpie x Fox Terrier rescue from a local South Australian shelter that was picked up as a stray. The trainers at Australian Lions Hearing Dogs selected him, as with many other dogs before, due to his overall aptitude.

Megan had 13 wonderful years with Jonesy as her Hearing Dog. Jonesy walked by Megan’s side as she travelled, worked, and lived independently throughout their partnership. Sadly, Jonesy passed soon after and Megan was left with a hole in her life, both emotionally and practically. After living so long with the support of a Hearing Dog, and with the commencement of Covid, Megan struggled with the isolation of living alone and feeling unsafe.

Along came George. George is a small, energetic and loving Hearing Dog that was carefully selected for Megan’s lifestyle. After experience two significant delays in George’s interstate delivery to Melbourne due to border closures, the decision was made to fly Megan over to South Australia and conduct our very first delivery where the recipient travels to us instead of us travelling to them.
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“I flew to Adelaide three hours later. The next day, Victoria went into lockdown, and I met George! I am so grateful to ALHD and Nick, George’s Trainer who gave up his weekend to make George’s delivery a success. If I had not flown to Adelaide that day, I don’t think I would have met George for another 6 months after that when the borders finally opened up again.”
“Having a Hearing Assistance Dog has made such a huge difference to my life. I don’t feel that I have to constantly be on the lookout just because my ears and my eyes do not work as well as they should. Having George allows me to be able to relax at home as I know that he will alert me to a sound no matter where I am in the house – whether it is someone at the door, an alarm on my phone, the timer in the kitchen, or most importantly, the smoke alarm. I am able to have restful sleeps at night.”

To find out more about the Assistance Dogs that Lions Assistance Dogs provide or how you can get involved with their organisation, visit their website here.

Donations can be directly via the Lions Assistance Dogs website to help support pups during their training program. All Lions Assistance Dogs are provided to their owner free of charge so your donation goes a long way in helping a pup become a life changing family member for someone in need. 

The Japanese Spitz is a loving bundle of fluff on legs that is bold, smart and full of personality.

The ideal home for a Japanese Spitz is one that has people who have time for them, who will play and interact with them every day. They are a breed that likes to be with the family and can become stressed and destructive if left outside and alone all the time.
They love to get out and explore and need regular daily exercise, along with an owner who has the time and understanding for their grooming needs.

Do you have some spare time in your life and a puppy-sized hole in your heart? Do we have the solution for you!

At Guide Dogs Australia, an important part of their volunteer program is their Puppy Raisers. Being a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser almost sounds too good to be true. You are given a pup in training, help raise and shape them to reach their best potential, and return them ready to continue their journey towards changing someone’s life. How amazing is that?!

At around 8 weeks of age, a potential Guide Dog pup is placed in the home of a volunteer Puppy Raiser, where they will live for approximately 12 to 14 months.

During this time, the Puppy Raiser, with support and training from Guide Dogs, will help teach their pup important skills. These include having good manners on lead, understanding basic commands, having positive social interactions, getting out and about in different environments and so much more. They will learn to live in a loving and safe home environment, as well as attend regular training sessions in their local area.

This rewarding role allows Puppy Raisers to play a vital part in the growth and development of their puppy, giving them the best opportunity to become a confident, well-socialised and skilled Guide Dog.

Guide Dogs is with their volunteers every step of the way, offering ongoing support and guidance throughout the Puppy Raising experience. Puppy Raisers are also provided with many of their pup’s needs, including:

• Food and bowls
• Flea, worming and other preventative treatments
• Collars and leads
• Grooming equipment
• Veterinary costs through approved vets in their local area

Some of the requirements to become a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser include:

• Living within the area covered by your local Guide Dogs centre, so you can attend regular training
  
• Being home often enough that your pup is not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time
• Being able to walk and exercise your pup daily
• Having access to a car for transport to training sessions and vet appointments
• Providing a safe, secure home environment where your pup can sleep indoors
  
  

To find out more about the requirements, click here to see if you could be the perfect fit to become a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser!

After approximately 12 to 14 months, your pup will be ready to return to Guide Dogs for assessment and to continue their training.

Although saying goodbye to the beautiful pup you have loved and cared for over the past year can be incredibly hard, your dedication and hard work has helped a potential Guide Dog on their journey towards becoming a life-changing companion for someone with low vision or blindness.

And the best part? Once your pup has moved on to the next stage of their journey, you can apply to welcome another puppy into your home and do it all over again!

To ensure you have a well-balanced and happy dog, their physical, emotional, and mental needs must be met. One of the best ways to achieve this is through enrichment.

Enrichment helps prevent behavioural issues that often stem from boredom, stress, or anxiety. Engaging in stimulating activities with your dog can deepen your bond and build a strong, trusting relationship.

Dogs are natural pack animals, and they instinctively look for calm leadership to feel safe and secure. That’s the role we need to play in their lives — to guide them with calm, confident direction.
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Let’s dig into the three key types of enrichment and see how you’re supporting your dog’s overall wellbeing!

​The amount of physical exercise your dog needs will vary based on their breed, age, and health, but physical enrichment goes far beyond a simple daily walk.

Dogs thrive when they have purpose and focus. A loose, unstructured walk, especially with pulling and distraction, often results in more pent-up energy than when the walk began. In contrast, a structured, calm walk that encourages your dog to focus and follow your lead burns both physical and mental energy.

For dogs that enjoy it, running alongside a bike, jogging, or even structured games like fetch can serve as excellent outlets. Many breeds also love participating in agility, tracking, canine sports, or swimming, all of which give them a task to focus on while expending energy in a productive way.

​Possibly the most important of all, mental enrichment is key to having a calm, focused, and well-behaved dog.

A dog with built-up mental energy can become destructive, anxious, or reactive. Mental stimulation can and should be part of every interaction you have with your dog.

Here are some effective ways to offer mental enrichment:

• Set clear rules and boundaries in the home. For example, give your dog a dedicated space and invite them into shared areas like the couch or bed only when appropriate.
• Continue training and teaching new commands, even with adult dogs. Learning new things provides mental stimulation and reinforces your leadership.
• Structured walks (as mentioned above) help your dog focus and regulate their behaviour, which drains excess mental energy more effectively than a chaotic walk full of pulling and distractions.
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➡️ Pack Leader Pointer: Dogs can get bored of routines just like humans. Regularly changing training exercises or adding small challenges (like waiting calmly at doorways or before meals) boosts their mental sharpness.

Emotional enrichment is about nurturing your dog’s inner world, helping them feel safe, stimulated, and satisfied.

You can do this in simple ways without even leaving the house:

• Sensory games, like hiding food or treats around the yard or house, allow your dog to use their powerful nose to “hunt.”
• Use interactive puzzle toys like Kongs, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing balls.
• Rotate toys weekly instead of giving all at once. This keeps interest levels high and prevents boredom.
• Vary your walk locations to expose your dog to new smells, sights, and sounds…. even if it’s just taking a different path through the park.
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➡️ Smart Pup Tip: Dogs explore the world primarily through their sense of smell, offering new scents can be just as enriching as physical activity.

Each type of enrichment for dogs; physical, mental, and emotional, works together to support a well-rounded, healthy dog. A dog who is well-stimulated in all three areas is more likely to be:

• Calm and content indoors
• Less prone to destructive or anxious behaviour
• More responsive to training and routines
• Emotionally balanced and socially confident
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By incorporating these types of enrichment into your dog’s daily life, you’ll help them become a happy, relaxed, and safe companion…. and your household will benefit too.

The Bichon Frise, often known simply as the Bichon, is like a cloud on four legs. With its distinctive fluffy white coat, it's almost impossible not to want to cuddle one!

The Bichon Frise is believed to descend from the Barbet Water Spaniel and Poodle, with the breed's history dating back to around the 13th century. They were bred to be companion dogs and later became popular as circus performers and companions to street entertainers during the 19th century. Today, they continue to excel as loving family pets and are also successful show dogs.

The Bichon Frise is a small breed that, when groomed in the traditional Bichon style, has a distinctive round appearance. Their small ears are hidden beneath a soft, dense double coat that is most commonly pure white, although cream, apricot and buff markings are accepted in some breed standards, particularly in puppies.

The breed is considered low shedding. Their coat produces very little loose hair, which may make them more suitable for some allergy sufferers.
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Grooming is a significant commitment for Bichon owners. They require professional grooming approximately every four to six weeks, along with regular brushing at home to prevent mats. Their eyes also need frequent cleaning to help reduce tear staining and keep the area free from build-up.

The Bichon Frise is generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 14 to 15 years, although many live beyond this with excellent care.

Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited conditions, including eye disorders, skin allergies, ear infections, epilepsy and luxating patellas. Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding dogs can significantly reduce the risk of many inherited conditions.

Don't let their small size fool you. The Bichon Frise is an energetic little dog that benefits from a daily walk and regular playtime.
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A structured daily walk provides valuable opportunities to explore, sniff and enjoy both mental and physical enrichment. Without enough exercise and stimulation, they can become bored and develop unwanted behaviours. Thanks to their adaptable nature, they are well suited to apartment or townhouse living, provided their daily exercise needs are met. They are also happy to play indoors and do not necessarily require a large backyard.

The Bichon Frise has always been bred for one purpose: companionship. Being close to their family is what they love most.

They are affectionate, gentle, entertaining and highly intelligent. Their eagerness to please makes them responsive to positive training, which should begin from a young age to help build confidence and prevent unwanted behaviours.

Bichons thrive in busy households where they can spend plenty of time with their people. They are naturally social dogs, so early exposure to different people, places and other animals helps them grow into happy, confident and well-balanced companions.
As with many small breeds, it's important not to baby a Bichon Frise. Doing so can contribute to Little Dog Syndrome, where a dog believes they are in charge of the household. This may lead to behaviours such as excessive barking, guarding, anxiety and snapping. Consistent training, clear boundaries and positive leadership help them become polite, well-mannered family members.

We get it. If you would love to open your home to an Assistance Dog in training but cannot commit on a full-time basis, volunteering can feel out of reach.

That is exactly why Assistance Dogs Australia offers its Weekend Care Program, giving volunteers the chance to support a dog in training while fitting the responsiblity around their lifestyle. 

The program allows volunteers to welcome a dog into their home from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, giving the dog valuable time in a loving home environment while they continue their Advanced Training Program during the week.
For volunteers, it is a wonderful way to experience the joy of having an Assistance Dog in training at home, while playing an important role in their development, socialisation and wellbeing.

Samantha, one of Assistance Dogs Australia’s Weekend Care Volunteers, knows this feeling well. She loves the opportunity to spend her weekends with a beautiful assistance dog, while helping support the incredible work these dogs go on to do for Australians living with disability.
Hear from her below; 

To learn more about Assistance Dogs Australia, their volunteer options and other ways you can support the amazing work they dog, visit their website here!

Preparing your dog for a new baby can seem very daunting. Your entire household is about to change, and you are preparing to adjust from your dog being your “baby” in the home to a real baby joining the mix.
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Preparing your dog for a new baby in advance is the key to ensuring the new adjustment within the home goes well.

The key to avoiding jealousy or sudden behavioural issues from your dog when your new baby arrives is to make all the changes that you possibly can well in advance. If you wait until the baby arrives to start moving furniture, or to stop your dog from being allowed on the couch or bed, they will see these changes as happening only because the baby is here, and this can lead to serious issues.
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If you are going to be moving furniture around, bringing new items into the home, changing the place your dog sleeps, or limiting access to certain areas, introduce these changes as soon as you can. This will give your dog time to adjust to the new routine well before the baby arrives.

Preparing your dog for a new baby includes involving them as much as possible. As new items come into the home for your baby, allow your dog to explore them. Let them sniff and inspect the new items.

If you will be allowing your dog in the spaces where your baby will be, teach them how you want them to behave around the baby’s items. For example, teach them that jumping on the cot or bassinet is not allowed, and remember to always reward them positively for their good behaviour.
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When the baby is born, but before you arrive home, allow your dog time to sniff a piece of clothing or a blanket that has the baby’s smell on it. Keep this introduction calm and reward your dog for their good behaviour at this time to create a positive initial interaction before the physical meeting.

As much as we don’t want it to be the case, when a new baby joins our family, the time and attention we once had for other things, including our dogs, becomes less…. especially in the first few weeks of a new-born’s life. You may not be able to go out on as many walks as you used to, and you may be sleeping more frequently (when you can).
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Start to gradually wind back some time with your dog now so they are comfortable with being alone or not right next to you like they used to be. You can introduce new toys and enrichment activities (like puzzle feeders) to help keep their mind busy and occupied for when your hands are full.

Use the time leading up to your baby’s arrival to ensure your dog has their basic training skills down pat. Make sure your dog understands basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘leave it’, and ‘go to your place’. This will help at times when you may have your hands full or if you need to give a command from a distance away. Remember to always display calm and confident leadership skills to ensure your dog trusts and respects your commands.

When the baby does arrive, be sure to set clear boundaries with your dog. If there is a space in the home that is their space (like a crate or dog bed), make sure it is available to them at all times. Also, be clear about spaces or areas they are not allowed in.

​If you will be using a pram for your baby, set it up and start using it on your walks prior to the baby’s arrival. Preparing your dog for a new baby involves more than just their home environment; to ensure you are able to safely still walk your dog with the baby in the pram, you need to make sure your dog is comfortable walking alongside the pram before the baby is in there.

As much as we may trust our dogs, a new baby in their space with their family is a very new and potentially confusing situation for any dog. Your dog should never be left unattended with a baby.

This is never to suggest that your dog is dangerous, but they may react or behave in a way that is unintentionally harmful to a baby or small child. For example:

• If your dog is a lap dog and is used to sitting on other people within the home, they may try to sit on a baby in the same way.
• A baby can also be very grabby with their hands and may accidentally grab or pinch your dog, who may react instinctively in a way that can harm a baby.
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To avoid any negative situations, you should never leave your baby and dog unsupervised at any time.

As your baby grows, and also as other children may come into your home, it’s important to always practice safe behaviours and handling of dogs. Be sure that children are aware of how to approach any dog respectfully and to never grab or pull at any part of their body.
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Training both humans and dogs alike ensures a much safer and happier environment for everyone.

The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin or Mini Pin, is the perfect example of a huge personality packed into a tiny body.
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Brave, energetic, and full of confidence, this little pocket rocket is a loyal companion that thrives when part of a loving family.

The Miniature Pinscher is alert, courageous, and deeply devoted to its family. Naturally wary of strangers, they make excellent watchdogs despite their small size.

It is essential that Min Pins are raised with clear boundaries and consistent rules from a young age. Without proper guidance, they can develop "little dog syndrome", becoming overly protective, reactive, or difficult to manage. When provided with calm, confident leadership, they are eager to learn and enjoy pleasing their owners.​

Well-socialised Miniature Pinschers can be wonderful with children and other animals. A happy and confident Min Pin is an affectionate family member that loves attention and enjoys spending time with its pack.

Despite their small stature, Miniature Pinschers are active dogs that require daily exercise. They enjoy walks, games, and opportunities to run, sniff, and explore. ​
Provided their exercise needs are met, they can adapt well to apartment living and smaller homes, even without a backyard. 

Miniature Pinschers are intelligent and love to show off their abilities. They often excel in agility, obedience, rally, and other canine sports.
​Training should be positive, consistent, and engaging. Their quick minds and eagerness to learn make them highly capable when given the right guidance.

The Miniature Pinscher has a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to maintain. However, this coat provides little protection from cold weather, making the breed sensitive to lower temperatures.

During colder months, jumpers and coats can help keep them comfortable, and they generally do not enjoy spending long periods outdoors in cold conditions.
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Brushing a few times each week with a firm bristle brush or grooming mitt will help remove loose hair and keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Baths are only required when needed.
The Miniature Pinscher is considered a low to moderate shedder.

The Miniature Pinscher is generally a hardy breed and can enjoy a long lifespan, often living between 12 and 16 years.

While generally healthy, some Miniature Pinschers can be prone to conditions such as patella luxation and certain eye disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups and responsible breeding practices help support their overall health and wellbeing.

Females can grow up to 28cm and weigh up to 4kg.
Males can grow up to 30cm and weigh up to 5kg. 

The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany and is believed to have been developed from breeds including the German Pinscher, Dachshund, and Italian Greyhound.

Although often mistaken for a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher is a distinct breed with its own history. In fact, the breed existed before the Doberman was developed.
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Originally bred as a ratter, the Miniature Pinscher's job was to control rat populations on farms and around homes.

The Miniature Pinscher is an ideal companion for people seeking a loyal, affectionate, and entertaining dog. They thrive with owners who can provide structure, leadership, daily exercise, and plenty of companionship.
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For those willing to invest time in training and socialisation, the Min Pin offers endless devotion, plenty of personality, and a lifetime of love and cuddles.

It brings us great pride to share our Therapy Dog Thursday blogs with you, highlighting the incredible impact Assistance Dogs have on people across the country every single day.

There are many different organisations and charities that provide varying levels of support and training for people needing a loyal canine companion to help them navigate daily life with greater confidence and independence.

One of the most common questions people ask is how to get an Assistance Dog and where to begin the process for themselves or a loved one.

If you are researching how to get an Assistance Dog, the first step is ensuring the person seeking support has the correct paperwork confirming their diagnosis and receives a referral from their healthcare provider.
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Through advice from your healthcare provider or organisations such as the NDIS and DVA, you can begin researching which organisation may train a dog best suited to your specific needs.

Another important part of understanding how to get an Assistance Dog is learning about the approval and matching process.

Once you are approved through the organisation that can provide a dog best suited to your needs, you will either be paired with a suitable dog or complete a training program before being placed with one.

To be able to freely access public places together, both you and your new Assistance Dog need to be recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This requires you to pass a formal Public Access Test, which will be organised through the organisation providing your dog.
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This assessment ensures that your dog is safe, calm, and well behaved in public spaces while supporting you. 

If you would like more information on how to get an Assistance Dog, speak with your healthcare provider or reach out to one of the organisations that train and provide dogs in the specific area of support you are seeking.

Learning how to get an Assistance Dog can feel overwhelming at first, but the right organisation and support network can help guide you through every step of the journey.

The right Assistance Dog can truly change lives, providing greater independence, confidence, companionship, and daily support for those who need it most.
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Don’t forget, if you love the work of Assistance Dogs, every group survives on support and donations, so be sure to check out their websites above to see how your time could make a huge difference in supporting the amazing work these groups do! 

When a dog has “dead coat” in their fur, this is the result of the fur completing its natural biological cycle. The hair dies, detaches from the follicle, but remains trapped and tangled within the dog’s coat.

There are four stages in the life cycle of a strand of fur in a dog’s coat.

1. Growth (Anagen)
This is the active growth stage where hair grows from the follicle. Depending on the breed, this process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

2. Resting (Telogen)
At this stage, the hair has stopped growing but remains attached to the follicle in a dormant state.

3. Transition (Catagen)
During this process, the hair stops growing completely and begins detaching from the follicle.
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4. Exit (Exogen)
The dead hair sheds from the coat, making way for a new Anagen growth cycle to begin.
The timing and function of these stages vary greatly between dogs. Factors such as genetics, age, hormones, health, breed type, and daylight exposure all influence how a dog’s coat grows and sheds.

Most dogs shed throughout the year, although some periods are much heavier than others.
Double and triple coated breeds usually experience two major shedding seasons each year, often during significant temperature and seasonal changes. This helps regulate body temperature for both warmer and cooler weather.
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Wool coated breeds, such as Poodles, shed very minimally because their coat continuously grows rather than cycling through heavy shedding phases like many other breeds.

Dead coat left trapped within the fur can become tangled with new or growing hair, eventually forming knots and tight matting.

As mats tighten, they pull on the skin and can become extremely painful for the dog. Moisture trapped beneath matting can also lead to skin irritation and hot spots, which may quickly become infected if left untreated.
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Over time, new fur continues growing into existing mats, creating an ongoing cycle of discomfort and skin damage. In severe cases, the only way to provide relief is to shave the coat down to the skin so healthy new fur can regrow properly.

he best way to manage dead coat is through regular brushing suited to your dog’s breed and coat type.

Some dogs require daily brushing, while others may only need brushing every few days or a few times per week. Regular grooming helps remove dead coat before it builds up and mats, while also clearing away dirt, debris, and garden material trapped in the fur.​

Removing debris from the coat also helps prevent knots from forming and keeps the skin healthier overall.

During heavy shedding periods, especially during seasonal changes such as Summer to Winter or Winter to Summer, daily brushing with the correct tools is recommended. When done properly, this process is completely safe and comfortable for your dog.
For heavy shedders, professional grooming can make a big difference. Groomers often use high velocity drying systems to safely loosen and remove dead coat quickly and effectively.

When brushing your dog, remember to focus on all areas of the coat, including:

• Behind the ears
• Under the arms
• The stomach area
• Around the hind legs
• Around the tail
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Any area with fur can trap dead coat and develop matting if neglected.

There are several grooming tools that every dog owner should keep at home to help maintain their dog’s coat properly. Different coat types require different tools, so it is important to choose brushes and combs suited to your dog’s specific fur type.

Common grooming tools include:

• Slicker brushes
• Undercoat rakes
• Deshedding brushes
• Wide tooth combs
• Grooming combs
  
  

Using the correct grooming tools and maintaining a regular brushing routine will help keep your dog’s coat healthy, comfortable, and free from painful matting.