North East Assistance and Therapy Dogs

07/08/2025

We will be at the North East Dog Festival all weekend and in the Wellness Tipi 10.30am Sunday 31st.

Come down and ask us anything!

05/08/2025

We will be in zone c

STOP what you're doing!

The official 2025 North East Dog Festival Map has landed! 🎉🎪

Get your paws on the layout before the big weekend – whether you’re sniffing out the best trade stands, heading straight to the have-a-go rings, or planning to spend your day watching thrilling displays or listening to fantastic seminars...

Get this saved and let your friends know...the countdown begins... just over 3 weeks to go! 🙌

Early bird tickets have been selling much faster than previous years so make sure you don't miss out. Get yours on our website at https://www.northeastdogfestival.com/

📅 Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st August
📍 Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, NE20 0AQ
One weekend. Thousands of dogs. Right here in the North East.
Thanks to Tanya March Illustrations for bringing our vision to life on paper.

05/08/2025

Whoop whoop 🥰🥰 We can’t WAIT to meet you all - and if you’re finding it all a bit overwhelming, we will have a sensory chill out room set up for anyone to use throughout the weekend. A darkened, quieter tent complete with, comfy cushions to lie on, blankets to hide under, sensory equipment and a variety of dogs to snuggle if needed. Head over to our tent, check us out, ask us anything … and chill 😎

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BLTLaqB3V/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We’re so excited to welcome North East Assistance and Therapy Dogs (NEAT Dogs) to the festival for the very first time!

Led by Kay Whiteley, this amazing team trains therapy and assistance dogs who do everything from helping with mobility and emotional regulation to supporting learning in schools with speech-button magic. 🗣️📚

Catch them in the Wellness Tipi on Sunday at 10.30am as they share the inspiring ways dogs can empower, comfort, and change lives—for people of all ages and abilities.

💬 What you’ll learn:
🔸 Real-life therapy dog case studies
🔸 How dogs support trauma, autism & rehabilitation
🔸 How NEAT Dogs helps people train their own therapy or assistance dogs

Whether you work in care, education, or simply love seeing dogs doing incredible things—this is a talk you won’t want to miss.

📍 Plus stop by their stand, ask questions, and discover how paws can truly change lives.

https://www.neatdogs.co.uk/

03/08/2025

I may not always wear an assistance dog harness … but when I do, I’m the bestest boy ever

31/07/2025

Are you training your own service dog and feeling overwhelmed by what to teach and where to start? Whether you're just getting started or you're deep into public access training, this comprehensive service dog training guide is for you!

This is the exact framework I use with my own dogs and clients—from foundational obedience and body awareness to task training and public access skillsets.

✅ What you’ll find in the guide:

🐕‍🦺 Core service dog tasks and behaviors

🔗 Clickable links to free videos, Patreon resources, and full courses

💁‍♀️ Tips for customizing your training plan to your individual dog

👀 Step-by-step breakdowns of critical skills like heel, place, recall, stays, eye contact, and more!

This is your go-to training roadmap, whether you're working with a young puppy or an older dog in training. Designed for owner-trainers, it’s flexible, realistic, and constantly updated with new videos and insights.

🛑 Remember: You don’t have to train everything at once. Start small, go at your dog’s pace, and focus on building a joyful, trusting partnership. This is a marathon—not a sprint.

📌 Be sure to like and share this video so other owner-trainers can find this free guide! (🔗 in comments below!)



Accessibility: Black text on teal background says "Free Service Dog Training Guide!" with a picture of a blonde woman in green training vest with a yellow lab in a purple service dog vest next to her.

31/07/2025

Absolutely essential viewing from Laura at Doggy U once again. The woman is a genius!!!!

Get more from DOGGY•U on Patreon

31/07/2025

Flying with an Assistance Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know 🐾

Yes, assistance dogs are generally allowed to fly in the cabin with their handlers. But there are a few important guidelines to follow to ensure a smooth journey:

🔹 Advance Notification:

Let your airline know in advance that you’ll be flying with an assistance dog. Most carriers require notice and may have forms to complete.

🔹 Training & Certification:

Your dog must be properly trained ideally certified by a recognised body like Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

🔹 Behaviour Onboard:

Your dog must stay calm, controlled, and not disrupt or pose a risk to passengers or crew.

🔹 Space Requirements:

They should sit safely at your feet without blocking aisles or infringing on other passengers' space.

🔹 Documentation:

Carry visible ID, like a harness tag or service dog card, to confirm your dog’s assistance status.

🔹 Seating Restrictions:

For safety reasons, you may be asked not to sit in emergency exit rows. With a bit of planning, your assistance dog can travel safely by your side — making flying more accessible and inclusive for all.

20/07/2025

A well deserved day off for this lot 💕

Thanks to Alnwick Bark Park for providing a great, fully enclosed space for roaming and shenanigans right near NEAT Dog HQ

18/07/2025

The paw noise!!!! (Sound on)

Accessibility: the video shows tiny terrier Blossom running in from the garden, across the wheelchair ramp and into the kitchen past the camera. She is carrying a toy pig. She is super speedy 💕

18/07/2025

Dog distraction training … level LEGEND!!!!

Well done Arlo 💕

Accessibility: video shows assistance dog in training Arlo, a small Cockerpoo wearing an identifying jacket. He is walking on lead between a young black lab who is a bit jumpy and an older Goldie who couldn’t give a stuff!! Arlo walks between the dogs without looking at the dogs, focussing on his handler and gets a lovely treat when he’s finished. A great effort from Arlo and his fabulous handler too.

17/07/2025

Little Blossom had a very big day 🥰

Accessibility: picture one shows blossom waking up on her trainers bed. She is the cute little terrier mix and is snuggled into the pillow.

Picture two shows blossom in a blue harness and lead leaning over an inflatable paddling pool trying to catch a plastic duck in a ‘Hook a Duck’ game. Picture three shows her going after a different duck.

Picture four shows Blossom, Angus the Golden Retriever and Haf the black lab walking on leads to the park.

Picture five shows her coming through a tunnel towards Haf.

Pic Six shows her on a big pile of soil by a wooden ladder

Seven and eight show her exiting the tunnel again and looking bloomin’ cute while doing it.