THEY say dogs are man’s best friend – but even by that high standard, those trained by the charity Canine Partners go the extra mile.

The charity teaches puppies impeccable behaviour and household tasks, before placing them with a disabled person to provide support and companionship.

Now in its 20th year, the charity has so far provided 135 dogs to disabled people across the country.

It has been working to train up puppies in Essex for the past two years, fostering out young dogs to able-bodied “puppy parents”, who care for them in their own homes.

They bring them to regular training classes at Writtle College’s Cow Watering Lane Campus, near Chelmsford, which are run by Emily Lawrence of Link Road, Canvey.

Emily, 34, said: “When they’re very young, training is quite similar to what you would do with any young dog, but they need an awful lot of socialisation.

“Our puppy parents take them out, into shops and on buses and things to get them used to it.

“We try to make sure they’re not affected by any noises or smells.

“You don’t want a canine partner that’s going to disappear down the dog food aisle when you’re trying to do your weekly shopping.”

The dogs wear distinctive purple jackets to mark them out, so they can be given the same privileges as guide dogs, such as access to shops.

After about 14 months, the puppies are sent off to the Canine Partners assessment centre in Heyshott, West Sussex.

If they pass, the dogs go on to complete the rest of their training at Heyshott over a period of four to six months, before being placed with an owner.

Emily said: “The majority of our partners are in wheelchairs. Some of them have had accidents or have conditions such as MS or spina bifida, which affect their mobility.

“We are trying to work with the Armed Forces to support soldiers coming back with an injury.

“I like the difference the dogs make to people’s lives. People who haven’t been outside for months have to go out to take the dog for a walk, and it gives them a new lease of life.”

Anyone interested in becoming a puppy parent can contact Emily on 07956 178543 or e-mail essex@caninepartners.co.uk To find out about fundraising for the charity or having a canine partner, call 08456 580480.