Assistance Dog/Service Dog School
School for guide dogs
TRAIN YOUR OWN DOG TO BE A SERVICE DOG
At Doggy Village, we specialize in training exceptional assistance dogs that help people with disabilities and those in need of medical support. Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to teach dogs essential skills, such as mobility assistance, medical alerts, and emotional support. Through personalized training programs and ongoing support, we ensure that every assistance dog is a reliable, loving companion ready to change lives.
What types of service dogs do we train?
- Medical alert dogs
- Mobility dogs
- Hearing dogs
- Psychiatric service dogs
- Therapy dogs – these are not assistance dogs
All of our dogs receive certification:
Paulina Ignatiuk, Certified Trainer with 20 years of experience
Captain Mohammed Ali, trainer certified by many international organizations
Klaudia Mularonek, certified trainer from the USA, Animal Behavior College
Furthermore, our foundation is included on the government list "Registry of entities authorized to issue certificates confirming the status of an assistance dog"
Link to the Registry: https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina/rejestr-podmiotow-uprawnionych-do-wydawania-certyfikatow-potwierdzajacych-status-psa-asystujacego
All dogs trained by us have full rights
Medical Alert Dogs
Medical Alert Dogs
Medical Alert Dogs are specially trained to detect anomalies in conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease. These incredible dogs use their heightened senses to provide early warnings or assist in emergencies, offering safety, independence, and peace of mind to their handlers.
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Migraine assistance dogs
They detect changes in the caregiver's scent or behavior that precede a migraine.
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Assistance dogs for people with diabetes (DAD)
They detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert the caregiver.
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Dogs that signal epileptic seizures
Predicting seizures before they occur (in some cases) or helping during and after a seizure by calling for help or providing comfort.
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Cardiac warning dogs
They detect irregular heart rhythms or changes in blood pressure and notify the caregiver.
Mobility Support Dogs
Mobility dogs are trained to accompany people with physical disabilities or limited mobility. They assist with tasks such as handing items, opening doors, pressing buttons, and maintaining balance. These loyal canine companions enhance independence and improve the quality of life of their owners.
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Balance dogs
They help people with stability problems by providing physical support while walking or standing.
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Assistance dogs for wheelchair users
They help people in wheelchairs by picking up dropped items, opening doors or pulling a wheelchair.
Psychiatric Service Dog
Psychiatric Service Dogs are specially trained to help people with mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They provide calm during panic attacks, remind caregivers to take their medication, encourage them to stop harmful behaviors, and offer emotional support.
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Assistance dogs for PTSD
They support people with post-traumatic stress disorder by helping them to detach from painful memories, exerting calming pressure, or providing a sense of safety in crowds.
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Anxiety assistance dogs
They help during anxiety attacks by grounding the caregiver, providing tactile stimulation, or leading them to a quiet, peaceful space.
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Assistance dogs for people suffering from depression
They offer emotional support and help with daily activities. They remind caregivers to take medication or wake up on time.
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Assistance dogs for people with bipolar disorder
They support caregivers by recognizing mood changes and encouraging the use of coping mechanisms during manic or depressive episodes.
Assistance dogs for the hearing impaired
They are trained to assist deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and alert them to important sounds, such as doorbells, alarms, or someone calling their name. These attentive companions ensure safety.
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Psy sygnalizujące dźwięki
Trained to alert caregiver to everyday sounds such as telephones, doorbells, or alarm clocks.
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Psy alarmowe
They specialize in responding to critical sounds such as fire alarms, sirens, or smoke detectors.
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Dual-Role Hearing Dogs
They combine the role of Sound Alert Dogs and provide emotional or mobility support.
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Personal Alert Dogs
They help in the identification of more personal sound cues. They react to the calling of the guide's name or a child's cry.
Dogs Supporting Children on the Autism Spectrum
They are trained to support children in their daily functioning, build a sense of security, and help them calm down and regulate emotions. A condition for participating in the program is that the dog already lives with the family and is a part of it. Thanks to the existing bond, training can be effectively tailored to the child's needs and the dog's capabilities.
Important: we only conduct training with a dog that is already part of the family. We do not match dogs to the program — we work with a relationship that has already been established.
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Dogs supporting a sense of security
Trained to alert caregiver to everyday sounds such as telephones, doorbells, or alarm clocks.
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Dogs supporting emotion regulation
They specialize in responding to critical sounds such as fire alarms, sirens, or smoke detectors.
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Dogs supporting daily routines
They help establish a daily routine and support the family in creating predictable patterns, which are important for the child.
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Dogs working with the family
The training involves not only the dog but also the caregivers. We work with the family to jointly develop a safe and effective model of support for the child.
Therapy dogs
Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support to people in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. These gentle, well-trained dogs bring joy and relief in stressful situations, improving the well-being of their caregivers.
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Dog therapy dogs
Trained to visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes and provide comfort and companionship to the institutions' residents.
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Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Dogs
Designed for cooperation with healthcare institutions during organized therapeutic sessions involving various animal species.
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Psy terapeutyczne w placówkach
Designed to live and work in facilities such as nursing homes or schools and provide ongoing emotional support to their residents/students.
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Support dogs in crisis management operations
Trained to comfort individuals affected by traumatic events, such as natural disasters. They help reduce feelings of tension, offer reassurance, and bring a sense of calm.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are animals that play an extremely important role in providing emotional support to people struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Their presence brings a sense of security and stability, and has a real impact on improving quality of life.
Although ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks, their therapeutic effect is based on building a strong bond with their owner and providing daily emotional support.
It must be emphasized, however, that Emotional Support Animals do not have the same rights as service dogs. This means that their access to public spaces, means of transport, or air travel may be limited and always depends on applicable laws and the individual policies of carriers.
OUR FOUNDATION IS ON THE GOVERNMENT LIST
Our foundation Doggy Village is entered in the official register of entities authorized to issue certificates confirming the status of an assistance dog, maintained by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. This register is publicly available on the government website:
This means that the certificates we issue have full legal validity within Poland. Every public institution and private entity is required to respect them, in accordance with the applicable regulations concerning assistance dogs. As a result, our clients can be certain that their dogs hold an officially recognized status, which guarantees them access to public spaces and the rights they are entitled to.
Psia Wioska
Where can I enter with an assistance dog? 🐾
An assistance dog is more than just a companion – it is a trained partner that supports a person with a disability in their daily functioning. In accordance with current regulations in Poland, people using assistance dogs have the right to enter most public places with their dog.
✅ Places you can enter with an assistance dog:
- shops, shopping malls, and service points
- restaurants, cafes, and hotels
- government offices and public institutions
- medical facilities (e.g., clinics, hospitals)
- public transport (buses, trams, trains, subway)
- airports and airplanes (subject to the carrier's regulations)
- schools, universities, and other educational institutions
- cultural venues (cinemas, theaters, museums)
📌 Requirements:
To exercise these rights, an assistance dog must:
- have a valid assistance dog certificate issued by an authorized entity
- wear identification (e.g., a vest) indicating its status
- be under the handler's full control (on a leash or in a harness)
- be in good health and have up-to-date vaccinations
⚖️ Legal basis:
The right of access with an assistance dog is regulated by, among others:
- The Act of August 27, 1997, on Professional and Social Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities (Art. 20a–20c)
- The Regulation of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy of April 1, 2010
❗ Important:
Refusing entry to a person with an assistance dog (meeting the above conditions) may constitute a violation of the law.
✈️ Which airlines accept our assistance dog certificates?
Traveling with an assistance dog is possible with many airlines, however, each of them has its own procedures and requirements regarding certification.
✅ More flexible airlines (accepting various certificates – not just ADI/IGDF)
In practice, many European airlines focus primarily on:
✔ the dog's training level
✔ training documentation
✔ the actual tasks performed by the dog
Airlines that accept our certificate:
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Finnair
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- KLM
- Iberia
- Emirates
- Air France
- Austrian Airlines
- Swiss
- United
- Alaska Airlines
Training a service dog is primarily conducted in English.
How to apply? Step by step
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1. Complete the application
Fill in the SurveyIn the application, please specify the type of assistance dog and attach a medical letter from the handler. The application fee is 250 PLN. After approval, we will contact you to arrange a meeting date.
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2. Test
After the application is approved, we will assess the dog and begin preliminary training to analyze the dog's predispositions to become an assistant. The assessment(live or online) costs PLN 250 and lasts up to 90 minutes)
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3. Medical recommendation and approval of the dog
The veterinarian assesses the dog's health. This is especially important for dogs that are mobile. These dogs must be free of congenital defects, joint dysplasia, or chronic diseases.
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4. Payment for the Assistance Dog Program
Once the dog is ready to begin actual training, a non-refundable 50% deposit of the course fee must be paid towards the service dog program.
The minimum cost of training a service dog is 40,000 PLN (the cost may be higher, as some dogs require more than 100 hours of work), payable in installments (the trainer's hourly rate is 400 PLN.) -
5. Training program
For a dog to be eligible for the examination leading to an assistance dog certification, a minimum of 100 hours of training is required. As part of the program, dogs will be trained in public spaces, such as bus stops, department stores, airports, and other means of public transport. Dogs will be trained in groups as well as through individual sessions.
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6. Final exam
Upon successfully completing the training, which can take anywhere from five months to two years, we will meet for a final certification exam. The exam is based on international standards and requirements. If you and your dog pass the exam with a score of 90%, you will receive a document confirming that your furry friend has become a qualified assistance animal. The exam can be taken an unlimited number of times.
The cost of the exam is 600 PLN (After passing the exam, the team receives an Assistance Dog vest, a bandana, and an ID card)
Types of Assistant Dog Programs
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Online and On-site Combined Program
The assistance dog training program can be started online, but a maximum of 50 hours of classes can be completed remotely. The remainder of the program must take place in-person, in direct contact with the trainer and the dog, in accordance with applicable assistance dog training standards.
THE PROGRAM IS CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH
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Warsaw Inpatient Program
Our assistance dog training program is conducted on-site on a full-time basis – with no online classes. The classes are held at the modern Doggy Village training center, in direct contact with the trainer and the dog, which guarantees the highest standard and effectiveness of the training.
THE PROGRAM IS CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH
✈️ Important information for airlines
Doggy Village conducts service dog (US) / assistance dog (EU) training exclusively in cooperation with Doggy Village Dog Training instructors. The training of all service dogs complies with the specifications and standards of the so-called Final Rule, issued by the United States Department of Transportation. The training program is also based on requirements applicable in the European Union.
All regulatory changes are continuously monitored by Doggy Village Dog Training and systematically implemented into the service dog training programs.
Doggy Village Dog Training supports airlines in implementing the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD 2006/2008), in particular Article 9(1), as well as the principles resulting from regulations concerning certified dogs supporting persons with anxiety disorders and Article 20 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
182 states have committed to combating discrimination and ensuring appropriate conditions for all groups at risk of exclusion to enable them to live as independently as possible. In accordance with Article 9(1) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, states parties are required to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, transportation, information and communications—including information and communications technologies and systems—and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and rural areas.
Invitation to cooperate:
We are open to cooperation and to adapting our solutions to the needs and procedures of airlines. We see ourselves as a partner for service providers and industry employees, jointly seeking the best solutions.
We are also prepared to develop our training programs to ensure equal travel conditions for all passengers.
If you would like more information about the training program, please contact us via email:
📩 info@doggyvillage.com – we would be pleased to present the detailed process.
Our Coaches
Our Trainers
Paulina Ignatiuk
Working with animals is not just my profession – it is, above all, my greatest passion. For over 20 years, I have been training dogs and working with their owners, helping to build relationships based on trust, mutual understanding, and respect.
I am an animal trainer, zoopsychologist, and dog and cat behaviorist. I am constantly expanding my knowledge by participating in conferences, workshops, courses, and training camps. In my work, I rely on current scientific knowledge, experience, and an individual approach to every dog. I always prioritize animal welfare, ensuring their emotions, needs, and comfort are met.
Dog-assisted therapy and therapy dogs
One of my greatest passions is dog-assisted therapy. For many years, I have been training therapy dogs, preparing them to work with children, the elderly, and people with various disabilities.
I also regularly participate in therapy sessions with my own dog, visiting hospitals and medical facilities where we conduct dog-assisted therapy sessions together. Thanks to my many years of experience, I know the immense impact a properly trained dog can have on improving patients' well-being, motivation, and rehabilitation process.
Our Coaches
Captain Mohammed Alli
I am a dynamic, internationally certified dog trainer with over 17 years of experience in dog training and behavior modification.
I possess the skills to develop and implement customized training programs that address a wide range of behavioral issues and improve the obedience of various breeds.
I have experience in detecting explosives, narcotics, and plant diseases, utilizing specialized training techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability. Recognized for using positive reinforcement methods to build healthy relationships between dogs and their owners. Proficient in bite training, enhancing dogs' protective instincts while ensuring safety and control.
Skilled in conducting workshops and seminars, educating clients on effective training practices and responsible pet care. Passionate about improving dog welfare and committed to continuous professional development in the field of dog training.
Our coaches
Klaudia Mularonek
Klaudia is the founder of Doggy Village and the Doggy Village Foundation, a certified dog trainer, and a handler for her assistance dog, who accompanies her in her daily life and travels.
Dog training is not just a job for her, but above all, a passion! 🐾 She loves exploring new possibilities with her dogs – from nosework and tracking to various dog sports. She constantly develops her skills and seeks new ways to build even better communication between dog and human.
In her work with assistance dogs, she combines her training expertise with her own experience as a handler, perfectly understanding how important cooperation and mutual trust are in everyday life.
Our coaches
AKHIL GEORGE
Certified Dog Trainer | Specialist in Canine Behavior and Protection Dog Training
Akhil George is a certified dog trainer with over 14 years of experience in training, behavior modification, and working with working and protection dogs. He is based in Abu Dhabi, where he helps owners of puppies, family dogs, and dogs with challenging behaviors.
In 2016, he completed his training in canine behavior and protection dog training under the guidance of Kai Nest Mac (Protection Dogs Global). He further developed his qualifications through the NePoPo® Silver School program, led by Bart Bellon.
From 2019 to 2025, he worked as an independent trainer at a professional dog hotel and daycare, gaining experience with dogs of various breeds, ages, and temperaments.
Specializations: behavior modification, leash reactivity, basic and advanced obedience, puppy training, recall, socialization, and protection dog training.
In his work, Akhil emphasizes an individual approach, clear communication between dog and owner, and building skills useful in everyday life.