Program Service Dogs

Miro

Miro is a rescued Labrador, who has been in the program since September. He will be available at the beginning of January. Miro will be trained as a medical alert/response dog or mobility dog.

Vera

Vera is Miro's sister. She is training to be an allergen detection dog, medical alert/response dog, and psychiatric service dog.

Radish

Radish is a rescued Labrador. He is a very laid-back boy, so he would be best for a handler needing fewer less demanding tasks.

Murphy

Murphy is trained to turn light switches on, remove clothing, respond to unwanted behaviors, retrievals, and open doors with tug or button.

Program Service Dogs

Star K-9 Training program service dogs are puppies or dogs who have started foundational training. We also have program dogs that are being owner trained with the help of private lessons and group classes. Our program service dogs with started training stay with the trainer for 1-4 months before going to new handlers. This allows our training to deal with the more difficult parts of training and speed up the foundational training.

Where do you get your program dogs?

Our dogs are typically rescued Labradors that come from rehoming situations. We can get breeder dogs when requested, but it is an additional fee.

How old are the puppies when the handler receives them?

The puppies will be between 3-12 months in most cases.

How long do the puppies stay with the trainer?

Ideally the puppies will stay with the trainer for 1-4 months. They will continue training for x amounts of months until they are two-years old.

Why should I consider a started service dog?

Training a puppy is hard work, and it is very easy to make mistakes. These mistakes can lead to a service dog failing training or having to train through behavioral problems. The trainer can also accelerate training because they already know what they are doing. Clients who do private lessons move at a much slower pace because there is only so much you can go over each session. Those who get started service dogs have more practicing to do than teaching.

How much does a started service dog cost?

The cost varies on how long the dog has been with the trainer and several other things. A dog that was with the trainer for 4 months is about $12,000, but only about $8,000 is upfront when you get the dog. The lessons are $300 each month until the dog turns 2. Each month of boarding is $1,500. Supplies and is about $2,000.

What will the dog come with?

The dog will have all its age-appropriate vetting done, a car safe kennel, and several other things.

Are there any special requirements to get a start to finish program dog?

Here are some unique requirements we have:

Dogs need to wait until 1.5-2 years before being altered.
Dogs need to ride in a car safe kennel as much as possible. They will have a car safe seat belt for when the crate cannot be in the car.
They can never be off leash and need to follow city ordinances.
They should never go to dog parks, daycare, or other settings where there are several off leash unknown dogs.
Pet insurance is required for certain dogs.
Carrying a taser, bear spray, or other animal deterrent is highly recommended when on walks.
No one should board the pet without a contract written. It is very easy for "dog sitters" to steal dogs when contracts are not written in Texas.
They need to be fed high quality food and filtered water.

Do you do boarding for clients who own the dog already?

Yes, we do when we have openings. An evaluation is required beforehand.

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