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Assistance Dog Programs

 The Alpha Lykos Approach

At Alpha Lykos, we do things differently.

Our assistance dog training pathway is built in four progressive phases, designed to support both your dog’s development and your growth as a handler. We don’t believe in locking anyone into a long-term commitment before they’ve had a chance to experience the journey.

That’s why Phase 1 is intentionally short—just 3 months. It gives you time to explore the format, meet your trainer, and decide if this program is right for you.
Not everyone thrives in online learning, and that’s okay.
Not everyone clicks with their trainer right away, and that’s okay too.
We want you to feel confident, supported, and empowered before moving forward.

✨ Why We Train in Phases

  • Tailored to your dog’s age, temperament, and progress

  • Readiness-based progression—no automatic advancement

  • Payment per phase, not upfront for the full program

  • Ethical pricing and transparent support

  • Real-world skills that last beyond certification

🧾 NDIS & Private Pay Options

We offer two pricing pathways:

  • NDIS-funded clients receive milestone billing, documentation, and coordination support

  • Private pay clients access the same high-quality training with simplified admin and flexible support

💡 What Makes Alpha Lykos Different

  • Weekly trainer availability

  • Video review and feedback

  • Custom enrichment and nutrition guidance

  • Trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware support

  • Real-world simulations and task generalisation

  • Ethical pricing

We’re not here to sell a certificate. We’re here to build capability, confidence, and connection—for both dogs and humans.

The Programs

Phase 1:

Lykos Foundations

(3 months)

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This short, supportive phase is designed to help you explore whether the program suits your learning style, your dog’s temperament, and your connection with the trainer. Not everyone thrives in online learning, and that’s okay. We want you to feel confident before committing further.

Focus:

  • Early socialisation and foundational exposure

  • Home setup, toilet training, crate routines

  • Nutrition support and enrichment planning

  • Foundation training

Includes:

  • Weekly or fortnightly Zoom calls (based on pathway)

  • Trainer assessments of submitted videos

  • One day/week of trainer availability

  • Access to online training content

  • Puppy starter pack: treat pouch, enrichment toy, chews, long line, training treats

  • Training log book

  • Assistance dog vest included for assistance dog clients

Phase 2:

Foundations & Focus

(4 months)

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This phase builds precision and communication between handler and dog. It’s about refining movement, engagement, and emotional regulation in everyday settings.

Focus:

  • Structured learning and handler–dog communication

  • Engagement in novel environments

  • Nutrition and behaviour insights

  • Public access 

Includes:

  • Fortnightly Zoom calls

  • Trainer assessments of submitted videos

  • One day/week of trainer availability

  • Access to online training content

  • Custom training rosters

Phase 3:

 Skills & Manners

(8 months)

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This is where public-access readiness begins. We focus on impulse control, co-regulation, and real-world simulations to prepare your dog for life as a working partner.

Focus:

  • Behavioural management and emotional regulation

  • Public Access Test preparation

  • Real-world outings and simulations

Includes:

  • Fortnightly Zoom calls

  • Weekly trainer availability

  • Custom weekly training roster

  • Behavioural strategies and sensory regulation guides

  • Assistance Dog ID

Phase 4:

Task Training (8 months)

This final phase is all about custom task development and generalisation across settings. We support handler independence and long-term success.

Focus:

  • Tailored task training based on individual needs

  • Trigger identification and task generalisation

  • Ongoing behavioural support

Includes:

  • Fortnightly Zoom calls

  • Weekly trainer availability

  • Custom weekly training roster

  • Behavioural management strategies

  • Task-prep guides and co-regulation support

  • Training log book

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