Embedded Files
Owner Trained Service Dog Program FAQ
Q: What if I have a dog that I would like to use already?
A: The dog would need to pass an evaluation before starting training.
Q: What if I need a dog?
A: The trainer will help you find and evaluate a dog from a rescue or breeder.
Q: Should I get a rescue or breeder dog?
A: A reputable breeder is always recommended. You would have to be committed to a longer wait, higher adoption fee, and the entire puppyhood phase. Even puppies from reputable breeders have a risk of failing training. Rescue dogs have lower fees and you can get a dog that is out of or partially out of the puppy phase. In some cases you know the parents background, but in some cases you do not. Going with rescue dogs typically means more traveling to evaluate different dogs.
Q: Are females or males better?
A: Females are less likely to develop aggressive behaviors, but you do have to deal with heat cycles. Males may learn to mark and may have more sensitive temperaments. Males do tend to be larger for those needing heavy mobility.
Q: What breed do you recommend?
A: Black Labradors should be the first breed you look into. They have the lowest rate of reactivity in my opinion. Yellow labs would be my second pick. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are recommended in some situations.
Q: What is the cost of the owner trained program?
A: This varies greatly, so please refer to the Owner Trained Service Dog Estimate Sheet.
Q: How much are private lessons and group classes for service dogs and how often will I need to do them?
A: Private lessons are $300 for 4 hour-long sessions. These are generally done at your location or a location near you. Group classes are $15-25 per hour-long sessions. Expect to do 52 private lessons and 44 group classes.
Q: What are the expected training requirements expected from the handler?
A: Three at home sessions and three public access sessions are recommended on a weekly-basis. The three at home sessions are short and are usually done during the dog’s mealtime.
Q: What happens if I can’t keep up with the schedule?
A: If you can’t keep up with training, there is a good chance your service dog will not complete training. It is recommended that you schedule pick up sessions or boarding if you feel as if you’re falling behind.
Q: When can my service dog start non-pet friendly public access?
A: All dogs move at different paces. Ideally, they start specific training outings around four months. If the dog has an issue they are working through, this can greatly delay their time to start. Do not expect them to be able to do outings where you are not specifically training for several months.
Q: What is public access training like in the beginning?
A: It can be quite an inconvenience. You have to start with parks and pet friendly locations, such as Lowe’s, Half Price Books, etc. These may not be places you typically go. Once you move to non-pet friendly locations, such as grocery stores, you are expected to be training and not shopping for the first several trips.
Q: What if the puppy I have isn’t able to complete training?
A: You are expected to keep the dog until a trainer approved home is found. This process can take several weeks to months.
Q: What would cause my dog to fail training?
A: Aggression towards anything, medical issues, fear of crowds, fear of loud noises, fear of people or dogs, being startled by new things, and disinterest in training are some of the things that cause dogs to fail training.
Q: What circumstances will complicate training a service dog?
A: Not having a support system, not being able to travel, fear of crowds, fear of confrontation, working long hours, certain physical limitations, working through a behavioral issue, and lack of patience are some things that will complicate your training.
Q: How long will training take (estimated) in total?
A: Expect the dog to complete training around 2 years of age. If you are starting with an older dog, then you should expect training to take 1-2 years.
Q: When does my dog begin task training?
A: Foundational task training starts in the first few weeks you start training. It takes several months to over a year to complete many tasks. Puppies will not be expected to perform tasks to the standard of a fully trained service dog. Any weight-bearing mobility tasks will not start until the dog is at least 2 years old and has passed their OFA’s.
Q: What additional supplies will I need? (Those above “normal” dog essentials)?
A: Extra tools may include a head halter, supplies specific to the task training you’re needing, specific grooming supplies based on the breed you have, a car safe crate, etc.
Private lesson locations:
4 at your home for basics
8 at your home for task training
2 Lowe’s
2 Hobby Lobby/Michael’s
2 Barnes and Noble/Half Price Books
2 Park
2 Pet store
2 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s
2 Scheels
2 Mall
2 CVS/Walgreens
2 Kroger/Sprouts
2 Target/Wal-Mart
2 College Campus
2 Movie theater
2 Library
2 Airport
2 Train station
2 Ice rink
2 Outdoor patio
2 Fast food
2 Restaurant
*** These locations are subject to change based on the handler’s and dog’s needs.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse