• Webinar

ATL Virtual Forum Series - Charlotte Smithson

Event recording will remain available to watch on-demand until July 31.

Beyond General Suitability: Matching AAS and AAA Training to Role Demands and Owner-Trained Assistance Dogs – Realities, Risk, and the Role of Ethical Guidance

With over 30 years of industry experience and advanced qualifications in Animal Behaviour, Welfare, Management and Equine Science, Charlotte is a highly respected animal behaviour practitioner and founder of Perth Animal Training Specialists (PATS).

Charlotte specialises in behaviour modification for dogs, cats and horses, and brings extensive experience working with assistance dogs and Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) and Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA). As a government-approved assistance dog assessor, she supports dog–handler teams through assessment processes while upholding high standards in public access and task training.

A passionate advocate for humane, evidence-based training, Charlotte also represents Australia in the Shock Free Coalition, promoting fear-free and welfare-focused practices.
This session will explore:
✔ Matching training to role-specific demands
✔ The realities and risks of owner-trained assistance dogs
✔ Ethical guidance in Animal-Assisted Services and AAA
✔ Professional responsibility and welfare-first practice

This is an important conversation for practitioners committed to ethical, evidence-based and welfare-focused Animal-Assisted Services.
  • Anyone with an interest. Free for ATL members.

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