24/04/2026
Applications Now Open – Assistance Dog in Training Atlas (Merseyside)
Atlas’ applications have been re-opened for anyone based in Merseyside who would like to be considered for Atlas, our assistance dog in training.
Atlas particularly excels at psychiatric tasks and retrievals, though he is quite skilled with his nose, and could potentially do medical alert work.
Atlas is currently learning the skills he will need to support someone with greater independence, confidence, and assistance with day-to-day life. As his training continues, we are looking for the right person whose needs, lifestyle, and goals genuinely align with Atlas and his future potential.
Being matched with an assistance dog is a life changing journey, and finding the right partnership is extremely important to us.
For this reason, we ask that anyone considering applying gives this careful thought. If you believe an assistance dog could make a positive difference in your life and feel that Atlas may be the right match for you, we would love to hear from you.
Please note that if you are matched with Atlas, this will be a long-term commitment, involving approximately two years of training sessions, bonding, and assessments before he is placed in your home full time.
About Atlas
Atlas is a 16 month old, intact, male Golden Retriever with an energetic and enthusiastic personality.
As he is still in his adolescent phase, he does require support around managing excitement in certain situations, though this is expected to improve with maturity.
He is a bright and capable young dog and has already achieved the following:
- Kennel Club Puppy Foundation CGC
- Kennel Club Bronze CGC (passed twice with separate handlers)
- StrikeMore Assistance Dogs internal Bronze assessment.
- StrikeMore Assistance dog internal Silver assessment.
Atlas at Home
Atlas is trained to walk on a loose lead using a Halti head collar and is gradually transitioning to working on a flat collar.
He has been raised living with a female dog, but we have found he is much more focused and happy as an only dog internal the household. Therefore a home without other dogs is preferred.
A cat-free home is also preferred. Atlas has been cat tested but requires further work on ignoring cats outdoors.
He is unaffected by fireworks.
Atlas Loves
- Food (always)
- Zoomies
- Playing tug-of-war
- Retrieving and carrying items, particularly clothes and soft toys
- Scent games
- Plenty of head pats, ear and bum scratches
Atlas Is Not a Fan Of
- Loud air-horn-type noises
Training & Suitability
Atlas has been trained in and around a wide range of environments, including flower shows, festivals, shops, GP surgeries and pharmacies, bowling alleys, arcades, theme parks, farms, parks, and restaurants. He takes new environments in his stride, however, due to some difficult experiences with loud air-horn-type noises as a puppy, he will require ongoing desensitisation work in this area.
He is also weary of the hoover coming to close into his personal space, but is happy to stay on his bed whilst it’s on.
He is able to work around the majority of mobility aids.
Atlas would be better suited to a home without young children, as his size and age mean he could accidentally knock a baby or toddler over. He may be suitable for a household with older children (aged 9+) with adult supervision, provided they have a good understanding of dog body language.
If you feel Atlas could be the right companion to support you on your journey, we encourage you to apply and take the first step towards a life-changing partnership.
Please email [email protected] for further enquiries or to apply!
