About the Book
Yoshi and Me began as one woman’s story of survival and transformation — and became a practical roadmap for others starting their own assistance-dog journey.
When chronic illness and trauma made life feel impossible, a golden retriever named Yoshi brought back purpose, confidence, and connection.
But this isn’t just a memoir — it’s also a foundational training guide, showing readers what to expect from day one with a potential assistance dog.
Through heartfelt storytelling and evidence-based insights, Yoshi and Me walks you through the early stages of partnership: building trust, shaping focus, and understanding what it really takes to raise a working dog.
What You’ll Learn Inside
- How to prepare before getting your first dog for assistance work.
- What makes a good assistance-dog candidate (and how to choose one).
- How to begin foundation training the right way — socialisation, bonding, and
early cues.
- The realities of training with disability: pacing, setbacks, and breakthroughs.
- How compassion, structure, and communication shape a working partnership.
Why It Matters
Yoshi and Me lays the groundwork for the YoPaws training philosophy — force-free, thoughtful, and purpose-driven.
It’s the book you read before or alongside your first months of training — offering clarity, laughter, and the reassurance that mistakes are part of the process.
It’s both a memoir and a manual — the emotional heart of what later became YoPaws, Canberra’s first hybrid assistance-dog info hub.
Perfect For
- New or future assistance-dog handlers
- Dog trainers and behaviour students
- Disability advocates and carers
- Readers seeking hope, healing, and practical wisdom
Join the Journey
Follow Yoshi’s continuing adventures and assistance-dog insights on Instagram@YoPawsAD and discover training resources, events, and community programs at YoPaws.com.au.
