National first for assistance dog trainers who receive Kennel Club qualification

Two assistance dog trainers have recently become the first in the UK to achieve a Kennel Club teaching qualification recognising their work.

Jay Elcock, aged 31, and Helen Harpur, aged 32, successfully completed the qualification offered by the Kennel Club accreditation scheme for instructors in Dog Training and Canine behaviour (KCAI).

The assessment involved being observed handling and training an assistance dog, and working with two clients alongside their dogs. The clients were assisted where necessary, and supported to ensure that they progressed and gained confidence.

For Helen, this is not the first time her achievements have been recognised by the Kennel Club. At the age of 30, she was also the youngest person to achieve KCAI accreditation for companion dogs in 2012.

She has worked as an independent dog trainer and behaviourist for 14 years, and currently works as an instructor for Dogs for the Disabled.

Helen said: “It was a great goal to work towards and it's fantastic to be one of the first. I just hope that others out there in the industry decide to gain an accreditation in assistance dogs as it is a great scheme and it is very rewarding when an external body recognises your achievement.”

Jay works as a senior dog trainer at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and is now a training team leader at the charity's head office in Buckinghamshire. The charity has worked closely with the Kennel Club to develop the assistance dogs accreditation module.

Jay commented: “I think it is fantastic to have an industry-led accreditation for all the hard work and dedication that working in this field requires.”

Click here for more information on the KCAI.

Image courtesy of the Kennel Club