“I don't have a physical disability, do I deserve a service dog?”
Not All Disabilities Are Visible
You're NOT taking away from someone who “actually” needs an assistance dog
If you can benefit from one then...
You deserve to have one as much as anyone else, right?
We don't give you a hand out
and this is NOT for physical disabilities
(We don't cater to physical disabilities at this time but we are working towards providing those services)
This is only for those who;
Want to take control of their life and start living it again!
Are tough enough to handle some hard work
And those who're NOT willing to wait 5-7 years on some waitlist
But you're still unsure on what to do... and you have several unanswered questions
- "Where do I start?"
- "Will I find a dog to match my personality?"
- "What if I get stuck on something, who's going to help me?"
- "What if I pick the wrong dog?"
We guide you through the process from picking your own suitable dog to teaching you how to train your dog to getting you both ready for the PAT(Public Access Test)
Most people who train their own dogs say;
"I feel more independent, I can go places, I can see people, I can Live My Life Again"
"It was hard at first, but it has been the best thing I've ever done"
Here’s How a Trained Assistance Dog Can Help You:
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You're a team who always watches each others back
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You'll be able to go out in public again and attend social events
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You'll be happier
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You might even come off your meds
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You'll have a community of assistance dog teams that becomes like family
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You'll gain more independence
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You'll be the "cool" one again because you're training YOUR OWN Assistance dog!
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And if for some reason you don't make it to the PAT test the trade off is YOU get to have this awesome best friend with you to help get you through each day
The struggles some people experience when looking for a program that will supply you with a pre-trained dog.....
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Most programs have a 5 year wait list plus the time to train the dog (usually takes 2 years) so that's 7 years you'd have to wait for something you could start doing today! (Most Owner/Handler teams take 2.5 years to get PAT test ready)
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Most programs only provide assistance dogs to Police, Military and Fire-Fighters ONLY
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Veterans are only covered for an assistance dog if they have a physical disability (we are beginning to see this change thankfully)
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Pre-Trained assistance dogs can cost tens of thousands of dollars (Current going rate is $30k-$60k)
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Owner-trainers often begin their journey with little information about dog selection, training development, public access preparation, or legal expectations
But, there is another way.....
Imagine a program where your dog is matched to your needs, your lifestyle, and your personality
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No endless waitlist.
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No impossible price tag.
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Just a clear, step-by-step path with expert guidance, mentorship, and support for both you and your dog
All while you are experiencing the benefits of having a best friend/team-mate with you 24hrs a day
Would that make a difference in your life?
(Clicking here will take you to the ideal applicant section to see if you’re a good fit)
The Honest Reality Most Programs Don’t Talk About…
You will have a cute little pup from 8 weeks old, that you will spend time with everyday to train, feed, groom and love.
We will guide you on how to train and what needs to be done every week through online training videos and weekly zoom calls.
Got a question just ask, struggling with a behavioral issue? Show us on the Zoom call and we will guide you through fixing it.
However.... This program isn’t for everyone. Training your own assistance dog takes daily effort, patience and discipline.
Not everyone has the ability, mental capacity, or lifestyle to raise a puppy and complete assistance dog training alongside their daily challenges. And that’s okay, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. For those of you, we have some alternate options that may suit your needs better.
However, if you’ve made it this far and you’re willing enough, you’d be surprised how capable you are already. You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one, you just need to start, and we’ll guide you through the rest!
(Clicking here will take you to the ideal applicant section to see if you’re a good fit)
Still not sure? Here are real stories from people who took the first step....
“Taylor has been amazing in helping Tomas and I on our journey to him becoming a fully qualified Assistance Dog.
She is a fantastic, positive and motivating trainer, and seems to have so many little tricks up her sleeve to help dogs understand what you are asking of them.
I love that she also supplies me with training treats and tools such as leashes etc. Alpha Lykos K9 Training and Behaviour has also been a great advocate for me when I have encountered critical or abusive security guards etc, so I can relax and let them advocate for me.
I cannot recommend more highly”
Julia and Tomas
"The power of an assistance dog called ; Bugs
A few short months ago we welcomed an assistance dog in training into our household , never did I think that the changes would be so rapid in my daughter .
Under the guidance of Taylor both my daughter and her dog have blossomed , the dedication she shows into the training required , has been returned 10 fold to her by the dog that's at her side . From a girl crippled by social anxiety , one that every shopping trip was a challenge . That she had to hold on to me to help ground her….
Where I , as the parent, had to decide if something was necessary or whether we could go without it for another time .
When Bugs arrived the switch turned on , she had to face the shops in order to expose her puppy , she had to show him the environment and things he needed to help her with . Slowly her confidence grew and she started showing up , standing up and knowing she could do this.
Last night she came with me to toastmasters , which is a platform for people to learn how to speak . While she is still too young to join , she was asked as a guest if she wanted to speak , to my absolute amazement she said yes
what happened next was thanks to Bug
She stood up , owned her space and spoke clearly and confidently about the topic , about having confidence when you don't think you have it . And her secret weapon was of course was Bugs.
I watched last night a beautiful butterfly emerge thanks to a dog named Bugs"
“Taylor provides my assistant dog in training (Nora) and I with an individualised training program that is effective and has changed the trajectory of our training journey to one that is positive and excellent”
Tahlia and Nora
Do you want to know what your next steps are?
First, here is what an 'ideal applicant' looks like:
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You are prepared to never feel uncertain and unsupported while making decisions that can significantly impact the success or welfare of your dog
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You're willing to put in time every day to care and train your dog
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You have a clinical diagnosis that allows an assistance dog
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You're prepared to learn how to train a dog from a puppy (with all the structured step-by-step guidance for training development, public access preparation, and any legal expectations)
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You're willing to stick with a personalised training program
If you don’t match all of these that’s okay, we can help still help you train an emotional support animal if that suits you better
Your Next Step is to book a call with us so we can decide if you're a good fit for our program
(Clicking here will take you to a contact form and call booking calendar)
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Story
Alpha Lykos K9, which was founded in 2017, originated under the name "Alpha Omega Dogs" by founder Taylor Skinner
Taylor Realised there was a need for an open-minded approach to dog training and behavioral challenges.
Understanding that each dog possesses its own unique personality and that every household is different, the focus is on crafting individualized plans for each client.
We firmly believe in fostering a strong bond and effective communication between you and your furry companion.
Our approach revolves around the principle of mutual respect because we understand that nothing valuable in life comes without effort.
Our mission is to empower our clients with the necessary tools and knowledge to establish a harmonious relationship with their dogs.
Through our engaging and practical methods, we strive to make the learning process enjoyable for both you and your canine companion.
At Alpha Lykos, we emphasize the importance of earning respect, as it forms the foundation for a fulfilling connection.
Our dedicated team is committed to teaching you how to achieve this goal in a rewarding and meaningful manner.
Together, we will embark on a journey of understanding, trust, and companionship.
Join us at Alpha Lykos and discover the joy of building a strong bond with your dog while having fun along the way.
Get ready to unleash your potential and create a positive and enriching relationship that will last a lifetime.
