Team Work Makes The Dream Work!
Let us guide you on your service dog training journey!
What is Service Dog Training?
As a Service Dog Coach (SDC), I help people with disabilities train their own dog to assist them as a service dog. Service dogs are dogs specifically trained to perform tasks that help people with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The first milestone for a service dog and their guardian is passing the Canine Good Citizen test , (CGC test). Once your dog is CGC certified, we will have a very good idea if your dog is a potential candidate for service dog work. Then we will focus our training on teaching your dog their tasks to assist you. Not all potential service dog candidates are eligible to be public access service dogs but may be great at-home service dogs.
I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator and can help you and your dog prepare for the test if you and your dog haven’t taken it before. Please check out our Canine Good Citizen training services if you are interested in preparing your dog for the Canine Good Citizen evaluation.
Before You Get Started, Did You Know?
A Service Dog is
A dog who is trained to perform at least 2 tasks to support their guardian with a disability. Some service dogs are at-home only and other service dogs are trained for public access. For public access, they only have public access with their human guardian and can go anywhere the public is allowed. Some exceptions may include specific areas in a hospital like a surgery room.
An Emotional Support Dog is
A dog who helps with conditions like anxiety disorders, and while they do provide comfort to their guardian, they do not have public access privilege. They are no longer allowed on planes, but may be allowed in rental housing with proper documentation. It is not required, but highly recommend for emotional support dogs to have passed the Canine Good Citizen evaluation.
A Therapy Dog is
A dog who is trained to go places such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc... to provide comfort to a variety of people (instead of just one guardian, which is the case with a service or emotional support dog). Therapy dogs do not have public access except to places they are invited to visit to provide comfort.
What do I do next?
Please review these checklists
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18 years of age or older. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the trainer on a case by case basis.
Able to attend training sessions for 1 year or longer.
Sessions are held in the client’s home (within my travel area), virtually on Zoom, or in public spaces like a park (when it’s appropriate).
Able to commit daily time to practicing with your dog between session appointments.
Able to commit to re-evaluations and check-ins once a year or more after your dog becomes a service dog if they are successful with the training.
Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Aware that you may end up with a dog that can only help at home or in places pet dogs are allowed. Up to 50% of service dog candidates in programs are not able to complete training for public access.
Willing to wait until I evaluate your dog’s suitability and help you train your dog foundation skills before putting service dog identification on your dog and before taking your dog to places pet dogs are not permitted.
Have support and a signed letter from your licensed healthcare provider for use of a service dog.
Have a support network and/or a co-trainer.
Have support from your entire household.
Aware that you may need to retire your service dog at any given time due to change in behavior, medical conditions, or other factors and a commitment to keeping the dog after they’ve retired.
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Medically and physically healthy.
No history of aggression towards dogs, people or other animals.
No history of any serious behavior problems, like fear or separation anxiety.
Not on any behavioral medications.
Has passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test within 2 months of starting service dog training.
At least 2 years old or older.
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Step 1:
We begin with the FREE 15 minute Discovery phone call. You can use our contact form to schedule your call today!
Step 2:
We meet for the initial consultation ($325) and create your custom training plan to begin service work dog training work.
Step 3:
After the initial consultation, follow-up sessions are 60 minutes each. Follow-up sessions will focus on training for service work if your dog is suitable.
Step 4: Follow up support via phone and email is free and included once we start working together.
Step # 1
Schedule your free 15 minute Discovery Phone Call!
We’ll discuss the structure of the initial consultation and follow-up training sessions. We can connect and discuss training goals and expectations.
You will learn more about me!
I’ll learn more about you and your dog!
You’ll get a chance to ask me questions!
Step # 2
Schedule the initial consultation!
After your 15 minute discovery phone call, we’ll schedule the initial consultation. I will email you a behavior history form and other paperwork to fill out and send back to me before the consultation.
We’ll discuss core and essential training concepts and techniques.
Create management strategies together.
Cover first steps towards your training goals.
Step # 3
Choose your adventure!
At the end of the initial consultation we will discuss next steps. This includes scheduling follow-up sessions. You can choose between scheduling session per session individually or investing into a session package.
Common Questions Clients Ask Me
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I’d recommend focusing on basic manners training as many of the test elements for the CGC test are advanced versions of basic manners behaviors.
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I work with any and all breeds of dogs. As long as your dog is suitable in terms of temperament, behavior, age, physical condition, etc... then they can do the service training.
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The short answer is it depends!
The pace and length of training will depend on each individual dog. It’s important that the dog enjoys the training and is inclined to do the work.
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Between the Discovery call and initial consultation we will discuss your dog’s behavior history, training history, how they react in specific situations and environments, and more. Having your dog pass the Canine Good Citizen evaluation is a great first step,
Additional Resources
American Kennel Club
Canine Good Citizen Evaluation Information
ADA Information
Americans with Disabilities Act
Good Dog Foundation
Therapy Dog Program