Do you have a dog that could be trained as your service dog? We can train your dog for you and teach him/her how to become the service dog that you need. This is a great way to get a service dog while avoiding waiting time. If you want to pick your own dog and have a specific breed in mind, this might also be a great option for you.
Your dog doesn’t need any prior training. We’ll teach them ALL they need to become a service dog, from basic obedience to specialized tasks.
How does it work?
Service dog training specialized to your needs
Through our advanced training methods, we’ll specialize your dog to your particular needs so that he/she can assist you. Your dog can learn to help you with your balance, pick up objects from the floor, alert you that your glucose levels are out of range, get help in case of a seizure, and much, more.
We offer a comprehensive training package to teach your dog to behave out in public, which includes learning how to walk on a leash, stay quietly under the table at a restaurant, lie down quietly in the movie theater, doctor’s office, etc. All dogs will be regularly exposed to other dogs, other people, bicycles, children playing and many other situations. We’ll take your dog everywhere we go and teach him/her how to behave and respond under the most difficult and distracting situations. By the end of the training, your dog will be subject to a public access test.
Getting started
Get your dog assessed to be your service dog
In order to be accepted in our program, your dog will first need to pass an initial assessment to evaluate your dog’s capacity to work and be trained as a service dog.
After the assessment, we’ll discuss a training plan based on your particular needs. Passing the evaluation does not guarantee that your dog will make it all the way through the program, however, since problematic behaviors can appear along the way, especially with younger dogs. The cost for the evaluation is $100.
How do we train?
Positive reinforcement only
Our modern and science-based training methods are based on positive reinforcement. We don’t use prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars and guarantee that your dog will never be forced, hurt, or scared during training. In fact, such training methods will impact your dog’s ability and desire to work and could slow down their training progress.
Our goal is to build your dog’s confidence level and desire to work. You’ll be able to see by the way your dog wags and looks forward to training, that working with us is all fun from the dog’s perspective.
Can you see your dog while they are training with us?
Give the dog a break
Your dog will be kept at our facility in Indianapolis, IN. Based on your availability and distance, you’re welcome to take the dog home on certain weekends. We ask that the dog stays a minimum of 2 weeks at first so they can get used to our facility, the other dogs, and our routine.
We’ll create a Facebook page for your dog where we’ll post updates, pictures, and videos of your dog in training.
How long does it take?
It depends on your needs
We follow the guidelines set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP): a service dog requires a minimum of 120 hours of training for at least 6 months (depending on the dog and the required skills). During that time, service dogs in training also need to work a minimum of 30 hours in public settings to help them generalize their skills and teach them to be responsive and unobtrusive in a variety of public places.
Based on the type of training desired, whether or not your service dog will need public access skills, and how many behaviors you need, your dog may require 8-32 weeks of training with us. The minimum training time for any service dog with public access is 6 months for a dog with no initial training. The length of time it will take to train your dog will depend on the age of the dog, how the dog responds to the training, and/or problem behaviors that might require extra work. If your dog had previous training experience that involved coercion and tools meant to inhibit behavior such as prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars, a little extra time might be needed as the transition from traditional methods to positive reinforcement-based methods can be confusing at first.
How old does your dog need to be?
What’s the best time to start?
We accept dogs in our board and train program between 1-5 years old. For dogs that might graduate before they are fully mature, the Public Access Test and certification will be provided once they are at least 18 months old.
While you’re waiting, we recommend starting with our Private Coaching that you can do either in person or online.
How much does it cost?
A faster and cheaper alternative to getting a program dog
Fee per week of training (Mon-Fri): $480. We don’t charge for the weekend even if you decide to leave the dog with us.
Initial meeting/assessment: $100
We provide:
- the food
- the Easy Walk harness
- the service dog vest
- the treats
Your dogs’ day will alternate between training sessions, playtime with other dogs, and outings in public.
What happens during training?
Read and Learn
While your dog is in training with us, we’ll send you reading material so that you can learn how to manage your service dog. After the training is done, you’ll need to spend several days with us for Team Training where you’ll learn your service dog’s vocabulary, how to manage your service dog in public and how to get the service dog to respond to you.