New Programs with Assistance Dogs Australia
Exciting New Program in Southern Sydney! Build Life Skills while Training Assistance Dogs
Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) is excited to announce the launch of our unique Connections Program in partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA).
This co-designed program will create a social inclusion hub where individuals living with a disability can engage, connect, and develop skills—all while training and socialising future Assistance Dogs.
We’re currently enrolling participants in our new program, commencing in May 2025. This program will welcome young people with a disability, utilising NDIS or other disability support schemes.
About Assistance Dogs Australia
ADA is a national for purpose organisation that trains Assistance Dogs to internationally accredited standards for people with physical disability, severe PTSD and complex autism. Their purpose is to empower connection, inclusion and independence for people with disability and this program allows them to broaden the impact of their dogs.
About ADA x HPHH’s Connections Program
Hosted at ADA’s Puppy Kindergarten in Waterfall, NSW, this 12-week program provides hands-on experience in training assistance puppies while equipping participants with social and vocational skills that aims to support them on their journey of change. This program combines ADA’s expertise in training Assistance Dogs with HPHH’s proven success in delivering group-based programs for socially isolated Australians, including those living with a disability.
What’s involved?
Participants will join a weekly, small group session where they will learn the foundational skills to train, socialise and prepare puppies in advancing toward their roles as Assistance Dogs. These puppies will go on to support individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and First Responders with severe PTSD, and children with complex autism. From this, participants will gain foundational skills in animal training while improving their independence, confidence and social skills by working with others in a team.
Why join?
Work with adorable ADA puppies in training
Build confidence, teamwork, and valuable life skills
Learn the foundations of puppy training as ADA’s puppies prepare for their crucial roles assisting individuals with disabilities, veterans with PTSD, and children with autism
Be part of a structured, supportive program designed for long-term impact
This program fosters a dual impact—enhancing participants' wellbeing while helping puppies advance toward becoming life-changing Assistance Dogs.
This course is suitable for participants who are:
aged 12+ with various abilities and support needs.
part of the NDIS, SLES or other disability support schemes, or self-funded.
interested in capacity building, goal setting, learning specific tasks related to animal care and training, and working in a team!
Places are limited. If you know of a young person who’s the “pawfect” fit for our Connections Program, please get in touch as soon as possible.
Alternatively, contact our friendly enrolment team directly on 1300 077 984 or email us at hello@hphhfoundation.org.