New Assistance Dog Pair Certified in Aichi Prefecture!

Mr. Niwa and assistance dog Gajumaru

The Japan Assistance Dog Association (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Training Center: Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture; Director: Tomoko Takayanagi; https://s-dog.jp/) trains and provides assistance dogs that support the daily lives of individuals with limb disabilities.

Mr. Niwa, a resident of Aichi Prefecture, developed multiple sclerosis, which caused difficulties in his daily life due to impaired movement of his limbs. He therefore requested an assistance dog. After living with his first assistance dog, Kevin, his second candidate assistance dog is now Gajumaru (Labrador Retriever, male, 4 years old). Mr. Niwa and Gajumaru began joint training in December of last year. During this joint training, they practiced in real-life settings, such as spending daytime hours together at Mr. Niwa's workplace and walking through stores where he usually shops. Gajumaru also assists Mr. Niwa with his daily life at home, helping him to remove braces, shoes, and clothing, and bringing him his mobile phone, thereby reducing Mr. Niwa's physical burden. Following joint training, Mr. Niwa and Gajumaru officially became an assistance dog pair in late March, marking the start of their new life together. The assigned trainer commented, "Thanks to Mr. Niwa's enjoyment of the differences between his first assistance dog, Kevin, and his second, Gajumaru, and his respectful approach to joint training with each dog individually, they are able to live a very stable life."

【Japan Assistance Dog Association】Joint training underway simultaneously in Aichi and Kanagawa with two pairs! | Press Release from the Japan Assistance Dog Association https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000238.000058195.html

【What is an Assistance Dog?】 An assistance dog is a dog that has received special training tailored to the needs of each individual with a limb disability. They provide support for daily life, such as picking up dropped items and fetching mobile phones. There are only 56 pairs nationwide (as of October 2025), while there are approximately 15,000 individuals with limb disabilities who could benefit from an assistance dog for a richer life. Assistance dogs are provided free of charge, but their training relies on donations and fundraising from corporations and individuals for about 90% of their costs.