Service Dog In Training

Do you want to train your own service dog?  One that can help you navigate the world by opening doors, cabinets, or retrieving items?  Maybe you need physical support, bracing while you stand up or accessing items for you in the home environment.

If so, check out our Service Dog Program. 

We respect the role that Service Dogs play in society so our Service Dog Program is very selective.  This is not a train your dog just so you can take him with you everywhere program.  

• The handler must  have a need for a task based service dog.  You must provide a letter from your medical professional confirming your need for a service dog.  This letter does not have to disclose any diagnosis, but it must confirm that you require service dog assistance.
• The handler must be able to physically engage with and train their own dog.  You will be required to maintain an online training matrix to document all training sessions/outcomes between training sessions.
• The dog you wish to train with must not, at any time (even after your training program starts), show signs of aggression, reactivity, or fear/anxiety.  
•  Our Service Dog Program is restricted to task based service dog work.  We do NOT train medical alert or seeing eye dogs. 

Step 1: register for a pass/fail trainer evaluation.  

• During this evaluation, we will determine whether your dog appears to have the temperament and social skills required for Service Dog work.  
• The cost for the evaluation is $100.  Evaluation fee is non-refundable, even if your dog doesn't pass the evaluation.  
• Once you click to register, you will have access to the training schedule so you can select a date/time that works for you.  
• All evaluations are held at the training studio in Olathe.

Step 2: If your dog passes the evaluation you will be accepted into our Service Dog program.

• You must provide a letter from your medical professional confirming your need for a service dog.  This letter does not have to disclose any diagnosis, but it must confirm that you require service dog assistance.
• Training will consist of private sessions, public outings and possible group training with other service dog clients.  
• Training costs $2500 for 6 month program. (most dogs will need at least 1 year of training).  Payment plan is available.
• You will meet with the trainer 5x a month.  At least once a week.  You will be responsible for the scheduling of all sessions.   If you cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice, that session will be considered complete and cannot be reschedule.
• You will need to maintain an online training matrix to track training/socialization progress between sessions.  This file will be maintained on a trainer created google shared drive.  Lack of training between sessions will result in removal from the training program.
• All training will be reward based training.  

Our Service Dog Program training is focused around three parts: 

• Socialization for Public Access: exposure to different sounds, sights, surfaces, people, dogs, and more.
• Basic Obedience: including leash skills and public manners, regardless of what else is going on.
• Task Training: for specific cues/scenarios 

There is no time table on when service dog training will be complete. We will assess progress as we go.