The children that come to Waggy Tails have special needs/disabilities and it is vital we take special care when selecting/vetting the dogs that will be working with the children. The safety of the children and the dogs is always paramount.

Every dog that comes to Waggy Tails has to go through an assessment process that will test their temperament and ability to work with the children. Unfortunately, not all the dogs that go through the process become a Waggy Tails dog. This is not a reflection on the dog, just our high criteria.

The process

If anyone puts a dog forward to be a volunteer they are invited to join us for one of our sessions. This is so the owner can observe what we do and so that we can make our initial observations. If this goes well, then with permission from the owner, the dog will go on to be assessed by our dog trainers.

They will look to see if the dog:

• has exceptional temperament around children and other dogs
• likes treats and will take them gently
• does not mind being away from its owner
• had previous obedience training and walks without pulling
• does not tend to bark (children with Autism can have sensitive hearing)

If you believe your dog has these qualities and you are able to spare one hour on a Wednesday, we would love to hear from you, either by contacting Carol Petley 07939573211 or Sarah Prior 07901 625190.

The Waggy Tails dogs

 Zed is a sort of a Staffordshire terrier. He is 3 years old. He works hard for the children.

Marley is a lovely standard poodle, who is still quite young but the children love working with him.

Ivy is a 7-year-old Golden Retriever. She is very obedient and has a lovely temperament. She still likes going to her weekly classes at Happy Companions Dog Training club.

Molly is a 10-year-old Cocker Spaniel, who loves going to agility training. She has a lovely nature and will work very hard for her treats.

Ozzie is a 3-and-a-half-year-old Labrador. He is very playful at home and loves retrieving objects. His dad says that he is more obedient for the children at our club than when he takes him training! 

Robbie is a 5-year-old West Highland Terrier and has been a Waggy Tail dog from day one. He is very calm and gentle and has helped many Waggy Tails children through their first training session.

Vicky is a 10-year-old working sheep dog. She loves going to agility. She is a very intelligent, obedient dog and children love training her.

Alfie is a 2-and-a-half-year-old gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is a wonderful 'Waggy Tails' dog. He often works all three classes!

Dylan is a 7-year-old sheep dog. He enjoys working with all the children and is very obedient.

Noah is a 5-year-old. He is fantastic. He has a lovely nature and is good with all the children.

Leo is 3-and-a-half-years-old. He is excellent at doing obedience with the children and works very hard.

Trick/Puzzle Room Dogs

Jim is a 4-year-old Springer Spaniel. He is very lively and loves performing. He is very quick at learning new tricks and is very gentle.

Jaz is a 3-and-a-half-year-old Springer Spaniel. She is very calm and knows some really cool tricks. A couple of years ago she was nominated for a 'Friends for life' award at Crufts. Jaz is also a Pets As Therapy dog.

Alfie is another gorgeous, playful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is tri colour. He completes lots of certificates with the young people and loves doing the doggie puzzles.

Oscar is also a Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel who is 5 years old they got Oscar when he was 8 weeks old and they got him from Somerset. 

Mouse is also a King Charles Spaniel who is 7-years-old. When she first started Waggy Tails she was very nervous but now loves working with all the children. 

Agility Room

Harry is a 5-and-a-half-year-old mixed breed, who loves coming to Waggy Tails. He knows lots of tricks and enjoys going through the tunnels.

Poppy is a 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel. She loves coming to Waggy Tails and will do anything for a treat. Poppy lives in the same house as Jaz.

Halle is a 5 year old Splat which is a cross between a spaniel and a Flat coated Retriever. She loves doing the agility in the upstairs room and the children love her.

Ziggy is a 3 year Cockerpoo which is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. He loves doing the agility in the upstairs room and the children love him.