Service Dog Training

We offer service dog training

Service dogs can be an awesome lifeline for individuals with disabilities. They are tasked trained to help their handler with their disability and together handler and service dog make a great team. The first step is to schedule a Service Dog Evaluation.

What are Service Dog Training Options?

Service dog training clients participate in the same training options as pet dogs except the training goals are different and the training is a longer process from start to finish.

Some service dog training clients just do private lessons. Others do a combination of private lessons and board & train. While some clients have us do the training in board & train and they learn to maintain their dog’s training in private lessons along the way.

On average it takes 18-24 months to train a service dog from start to finish. The process involves three main parts:

  1. foundational training we do with all dogs
  2. public access, teaching dogs how to be in non pet friendly places
  3. Task training, the specific trained behaviors a service dog does to help their handler.

Service dog in training, Finley, doing under. This teaches dogs to stay out of the way during public access.

Service dog in training, Naga, working on the Nothing Activity. Learning to settle, an important skill during public access.

What types of service dog tasks can you train?

We can help with a variety different tasks for your service dog. This list is not the end all but an example of some.

  • Deep Pressure Therapy
  • Blocking
  • Momentum Pull
  • Guide work (for psych)
  • Diabetic Alert
  • Retrieving Objects
  • Turning on and off lights
  • Interrupting self harm
  • Anxiety Alert
  • and more…

Service Dog Evaluation

Interested in starting the journey to have a Service Dog? The first step is a Service Dog Evaluation. This appointment can cover any of the following scenarios regarding service dog training.
  • you have a puppy or dog you’d like evaluated as a service dog prospect
  • you have a breeder you’re getting a prospect from and would like to get set up for training before your puppy comes home so you can start right away.
  • you don’t have a puppy or dog and would like to discuss about finding a prospect
  • you want to learn more about the service dog process and if a service dog is right for you
Service Dog Evaluations only happen at our location in Minooka, IL and last between 60-90 minutes. If you are having an older puppy, adolescent or adult dog evaluated, we may schedule an additional appointment to go to a pet friendly store and see how your dog responds in public. This isn’t to check your dog’s current training but rather their temperament and natural reactions to various sights and sounds. This second appointment is included in the price of the first.
Get started by filling out our Service Dog Contact form below.  We’ll be in touch to schedule a Service Dog Evaluation and get you started on the road to more independence.

Service Dog Contact Form

If you are interested in doing service dog training with us, please fill out our Service Dog Contact Form.  We’ll be in touch to schedule a Service Dog Evaluation. We look forward to helping you and your future service dog!