New Assistance Dog Pair Certified in Aichi Prefecture!
Niwa and assistance dog Gajumaru newly certified as a pair in Aichi Prefecture.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 17:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 09:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 09:55 (384h 54m after Collected)
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.
FAQ
What is an assistance dog?
An assistance dog is a specially trained dog that helps individuals with limb disabilities in their daily lives. Tasks can include picking up dropped items, fetching objects like mobile phones, and assisting with dressing.
Who is eligible to receive an assistance dog?
Individuals with limb disabilities who require support in their daily lives are eligible to receive an assistance dog. The training is tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
How are assistance dogs provided?
Assistance dogs are provided free of charge to eligible individuals. The Japan Assistance Dog Association relies heavily on donations and fundraising to cover the costs of training and providing these dogs.
What is the role of the Japan Assistance Dog Association?
The Japan Assistance Dog Association trains and provides assistance dogs to people with limb disabilities. They have headquarters in Yokohama and a training center in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including problems with movement, sensation, and coordination.