In November, two of our dedicated Mobility Dogs trainers—Veronica, based in Hamilton, and Sarah, who manages our Puppies in Prison programme in Auckland—had the incredible opportunity to attend the first-ever Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Trainers Workshop hosted in Melbourne by Vision Australia. This historic event brought together ADI members from across Oceania to share insights, collaborate, and enhance the skills necessary to improve the lives of people relying on assistance dogs. The workshop served as a valuable platform for networking, learning, and showcasing the remarkable work being done at Mobility Dogs.
Veronica, who also played a key role as part of the event’s organising committee, had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion at the conference. She shared her extensive experience and first-hand insights from working with our clients, shedding light on the specific challenges and successes we’ve encountered throughout our training programmes. Her insights not only benefited the attendees but also contributed to the larger community of assistance dog trainers, united in our mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Sarah, the manager of our Puppies in Prison programme, played a central role in introducing one of our most impactful initiatives. At the event, we were invited to present a poster showcasing the unique aspects of this programme, which pairs prison inmates with puppies in training. This mutually beneficial partnership allows the puppies to receive critical training while offering the inmates a sense of purpose, valuable skills, and the opportunity to contribute to their community. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees underscored the programme’s dual impact—benefiting both the dogs and the handlers involved. It’s a powerful example of how communities can unite to create meaningful change.
One of the most heart-warming moments of the conference was the opportunity to share a special gift with fellow ADI members. Thanks to the craftsmanship of one of our prison handlers, we brought 80 handmade treat pouches to give away to each trainer, speaker and organising committee people. Each pouch was 
uniquely created by an inmate in our Puppies in Prison programme, and the gesture served as a tangible reminder of the deep connection between our work, the communities we serve, and the individuals who make it all possible.
Throughout the event, there was a strong focus on distraction work and cooperative care, both of which are integral to the training of assistance dogs. These areas were highlighted in various training sessions and workshops, and we had the opportunity to learn from other industry experts about the latest techniques and best practices. Distraction work is essential for teaching dogs how to stay focused on their tasks, even when faced with various distractions, while cooperative care helps ensure that dogs are comfortable and relaxed during important grooming and medical procedures.
Veronica and Sarah returned from the trip with fresh perspectives, new skills, new friends and a renewed sense of purpose in their work. The sessions were not only informative but also inspiring, and they’re excited to implement the new ideas and techniques they learned into our training programmes here at Mobility Dogs.
The ADI Trainers Workshop was an invaluable experience for both Veronica and Sarah. It allowed them to forge new connections with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the assistance dog industry. More importantly, it reinforced the critical role that collaboration plays in our work. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
We’re so proud of the work that Veronica, Sarah, and all of the Mobility Dogs trainers are doing to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. And we’re equally grateful to have the chance to share our knowledge and experiences with the global assistance dog community. We look forward to putting what we’ve learned into practice and continuing to grow and evolve as an organisation.