Cardiac Service Dog Training Course
Dogs trained to alert to cardiac events and help during an episode
An individual Service Dog programme for people who need extra help with changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure and related conditions.
The dog learns to recognise that person's own changes of state, to give a clear signal, and to carry out the supporting tasks needed during a cardiac episode.
- At least 120 hours of specialised training
- An alert signal chosen individually
- Work by day and at night
- A trainer with you throughout
Who the programme is for
The course may suit people who experience:
- syncope and fainting;
- high or low blood pressure;
- postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — POTS;
- dysautonomia;
- heart rhythm disorders;
- other recurring conditions related to the cardiovascular system.
Every enquiry is looked at individually. Before training begins we assess the person's needs, the particulars of their condition, and whether the necessary working skills can be built in that specific dog.
When you can come to us
The programme may suit you if:
You already have a dog, but its behaviour needs work
We assess where the dog is starting from, work out which skills need developing, and draw up an individual training plan.
You want to get a dog and start from scratch
We help set out the requirements for a future dog and assess a candidate before the course begins.
You are already training, but have run into difficulty
If certain exercises are not working, the dog loses concentration, or the skills do not transfer into real life, the trainer helps find the cause and correct the work.
The dog has trained elsewhere and you need specialised work and certification
We check public behaviour and existing skills, identify what is missing, and prepare the team for the final assessment of the Cardiac Service Dog programme.
A certificate is not issued automatically on the strength of previous training. The dog has to demonstrate the required skills and meet the programme's standards.
What the dog learns
Public behaviour
The dog learns to accompany its handler calmly, to walk on a loose lead, to carry out basic commands, and to ignore strangers, animals, food, noise and other distractions.
Focus on the handler
The dog has to keep its attention on the person at home and in public, notice changes in their state, and not lose working contact in demanding surroundings.
Recognising that person's own changes
During specialised training the dog learns to tell the difference between the handler's usual state and the changes that come with a cardiac episode.
The alert signal
Having recognised the change, the dog gives the signal chosen in advance: a nose touch, an insistent nudge, a paw touch, licking, or another safe and clear action. The signal has to be noticeable enough and, if needed, repeated until the person responds.
Alerting at night
Where it is needed, the dog is additionally trained to react during rest and sleep: to wake up and give a signal active enough to rouse the handler.
Help during an episode
Depending on individual needs, the dog can learn to:
- bring a phone, water or other personal items;
- press an alarm button;
- find a particular member of the family;
- attract the attention of people nearby;
- walk the handler to a safe place;
- stay beside them until the state settles or help arrives.
The exact list of tasks is drawn up individually.
How the training goes
Training goes step by step. The team moves on to the next section only once the dog is confident with the skills before it.
Throughout the course you stay in contact with the trainer. You receive tasks, work through the exercises with your dog, and send training videos regularly.
The trainer watches the material and assesses the technique, the dog's behaviour and the handler's reactions. After each review you get corrections and advice:
- what was done correctly;
- which mistakes need fixing;
- what has to be repeated;
- whether the exercise can be made harder;
- whether the team is ready for the next stage.
This format lets us adapt the programme to a particular dog, correct mistakes in time, and gradually move the skills from a calm home setting into real everyday conditions.
A training log is kept throughout the course. It helps track progress, the results of each session, and how the dog works in different situations.
Can an existing dog be trained?
Yes, if the dog suits this work in health, temperament and behaviour.
An assessment before the course is compulsory. We look at control, motivation, focus on the handler, reaction to stress, and the ability to work calmly in public places.
Age, breed or the absence of previous specialised training are not in themselves grounds for refusal. The decision is made after assessing that particular dog.
When the programme may not be right
Taking part may be impossible if:
- the dog shows aggression, marked fear or unstable behaviour;
- the dog cannot work safely in public places;
- the dog's health prevents it from carrying out working tasks;
- the handler is not ready to train regularly and follow the trainer's advice;
- the dog is expected to be a hundred per cent accurate, or to replace medical monitoring.
We cannot guarantee in advance that any given dog will reliably recognise a particular physiological change. That becomes clear during assessment and training.
The programme for minors
Whether a child or teenager can take part is considered individually: their age, their health, their ability to work with a dog, and the family's situation.
For a participant who is a minor, an adult parent or legal guardian must be present as the Supporting Handler. They take part in the training, make sure the tasks are done, are responsible for the dog, and help the child work with it in everyday life.
How long the training takes
The programme includes at least 120 hours: public behaviour, the specialised tasks, work in real conditions, and preparing the working team. It usually takes four to six months. The length depends on:
- where the dog is starting from;
- how many tasks are needed;
- how regularly you practise;
- how quickly the specialised skills are learned;
- whether alerting at night is required;
- how the dog behaves in public places.
Some teams need longer. The certificate is issued after the programme is completed and the final assessment is passed.
What you receive at the end
After successfully completing the programme, the working team receives:
- a Certificate of Completion;
- an annex to the certificate listing the modules and functional skills covered;
- an individual certificate number;
- a Service Dog ID card;
- an online profile for the dog with a QR code for checking its details;
- an individual list of the trained signals and supporting tasks.
The certificate confirms that the programme was completed and that the tasks listed in the annex are performed. It is not a government document and does not by itself guarantee access to any organisation, country or airline.
Other programmes
The first step is assessing the future working team
At the initial consultation we discuss:
- the situations where help is needed;
- the signal the dog should give;
- what has to be done during an episode;
- whether your dog suits the programme;
- which skills are already in place;
- what format the training will take and how long it will need.
After the consultation we can say whether the programme suits your team, and which stage the training should start from.
Book a consultation