Our dogs undergo a rigorous selection process to ensure they exhibit exceptional intelligence, trainability, and temperament. This careful selection and training produce highly skilled companions capable of providing life-saving support.
These Labrador Service Dogs are chosen in collaboration with esteemed organisations like Guide Dogs Victoria, Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia, and private registered breeders.
From Puppy to Partner.
Birth
Most puppies are born in the professional breeding kennels of Integra’s key partners (Vision Australia – Seeing Eye Dogs and Guide Dogs Victoria). These beautiful puppies are supported by a professional trained team, with outstanding veterinary care and receive early neural stimulation (ENS) from the first weeks of life. They stay in their breeding centre until they’re eight to ten weeks old.
First Test
Dogs undergo a Puppy Profiling Assessment. It’s a series of special exercises which looks at the temperament of the pups and monitors things like awareness, perception and concentration. They might be required to follow a trainer, for example, or retrieve a toy or run through a small tunnel. When taking part the pups demonstrate different traits, for example, confidence, use of initiative. They undergo extensive veterinary assessment and care provided by a highly professional, qualified and caring team.
Life with Puppy Raisers
The puppies are then matched and placed with carers. These puppy raisers/families are all volunteers who take one of the trainee pups into their homes for a year. With ongoing guidance from a qualified Puppy Training Supervisor they socialise the pups in that time. They expose the pups to a variety of sights and sounds while teaching them basic obedience and good behaviour—like not chasing birds—ensuring they develop strong foundational skills and are prepared for life as working dogs.
Second Test
At approximately 12-14 months a second test is given. A small percentage of dogs are not suitable to be Guide Dogs but are still very capable of being trained and developed into Service Dogs. They are reclassified and individually assessed by our experienced team to see if they are capable of having a second career.
Advanced Training
If selected they enter our 12-16 week PTSD advanced training school in Canberra where they receive daily personalised coaching and training. During this time they are cared for by short term Foster Carers who look after them in the evenings and weekends and give them love and time to relax after the intense daily training.
Matching with Handler
Once the dogs have graduated from Advanced training they are matched with a prospective Handler. This is a highly personalised process. We provide additional in person training with the newly matched pair ensuring they are compatible and working well together. There is special attention given to specific needs of Handlers and their family.
PAT Test
The new Handler and dog then participate in an intensive 3-4 week training period, during which they bond, learn new tasks and skills together, and work to meet consistent behavior standards. This training prepares them to successfully and safely complete the Public Access Test (PAT).
Working Life
A Service Dog typically provides around 7-8 years of dedicated, round-the-clock support to their Handler, becoming an integral part of the family and accompanying them everywhere. To keep the dog healthy and well-adjusted, it’s essential to maintain a balance of work, rest, and play. This ensures the dog stays fit and mentally refreshed, allowing them to perform their duties effectively.
Retirement
As with people, the working life of a Service dog ends with retirement – generally, it comes after seven or eight years’ service. When this time comes they are assured a retirement home for life, either with their owner (former Handler) or another dedicated family.
Our service dogs undergo up to three years of intensive training, mastering both basic obedience and specialised tasks tailored to their handlers’ specific needs. These dogs are trained to recognise cues and provide physical interventions, such as nudging or laying on their handler for comfort during anxiety or night terrors. In addition, they learn proper social behaviour in various environments, including public transport, restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centres.
Research indicates that dogs are exceptionally sensitive to human emotional cues, able to detect subtle changes in breathing, heart rate, and stress levels. Specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities like PTSD, these incredible animals possess an innate ability to recognise and respond to even the slightest signs of distress in their handlers.
Our goal is to support the mental health and wellbeing of our clients, including those with invisible disabilities. We aim to empower Veterans and First Responders, helping them lead fulfilling lives. Join us in making a lasting difference through the transformative power of the human-canine bond.
