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Training Program
Mobility Assistance Training
Balance support, retrieval, and mobility task training for physical disability support.
14 weeks
In-person, weekly sessions
Contact ASDI for current pricing
Program Overview
Professional mobility assistance training emphasizing joint safety, appropriate weight-bearing limits, and reliable retrieval and environmental operation tasks. Five modules cover safety assessment, counterbalance fundamentals, retrieval chains, environmental operation, and team durability — with worksheets for every module.
What Teams Will Learn
- Provide safe counterbalance support
- Retrieve and carry handler-specified items
- Operate doors, drawers, and light switches on cue
Course Materials & Worksheets
Professional ASDI curriculum modules with printable worksheets for session planning, field practice, and trainer review.
Official ASDI MaterialsModule 1
Module 1 — Safety Assessment & Load Guidelines
Establish veterinary clearance, size/weight suitability, and safe bracing parameters.
Lesson material
- Veterinary and handler mobility assessment
- Size/weight suitability for counterbalance work
- Prohibited techniques and joint stress warnings
- Equipment selection for mobility tasks
Module 2
Module 2 — Counterbalance Fundamentals
Introduce brief, controlled counterbalance with clear duration limits and handler feedback.
Lesson material
- Harness fit for mobility work
- Micro-bracing durations (seconds, not minutes)
- Handler posture and fall-prevention planning
- Dog welfare checks after each session
Module 3
Module 3 — Retrieval & Carry Tasks
Train item identification, pick-up, carry, and delivery with soft-mouth criteria.
Lesson material
- Named item retrieval and targeting
- Soft mouth and safe carry posture
- Delivery to hand or lap with release
- Proofing with handler-specified items
Module 4
Module 4 — Environmental Operation Tasks
Train door, drawer, and light-switch tasks using dog-safe mechanics and assistive adapters when needed.
Lesson material
- Tug-based door opening with safety stops
- Drawer pull with limited force
- Light-switch adapters and cue discrimination
- Task chaining without overexertion
Module 5
Module 5 — Durability, Proofing & Team Maintenance
Proof mobility tasks across environments and monitor long-term joint health.
Lesson material
- Multi-environment proofing plan
- Session load tracking and rest requirements
- Handler fall-risk scenarios and backups
- Monthly trainer review and vet check-ins
Worksheets are branded ASDI training documents for Mobility Assistance Training. Bring completed worksheets to your ASDI-affiliated trainer or workshop facilitator.