Are you seeking a service dog to assist you but already have a beloved canine companion? Our boarding and training program offers you the opportunity to transform your own dog into the service dog you need, bypassing lengthy waiting times. This option is especially ideal if you have a specific breed in mind or wish to have a deeper connection with your service dog from the start.
No prior training is required for your dog to enroll in our program. Our experienced trainers will guide and educate them every step of the way, ensuring they acquire all the skills necessary to become a reliable and effective service dog. From mastering basic obedience commands to performing specialized tasks, our program is tailored to meet your unique requirements.
Service Dog Training Specialized to Your Needs:
Through our advanced training methods, we specialize your dog’s training to suit your specific needs. Whether you require assistance with managing your anxiety or your balance, object retrieval, glucose level alerts, seizure alert and/or response, and more, we will train your dog to fulfill those essential tasks. Our comprehensive training package also encompasses public behavior, teaching your dog how to behave in various settings such as restaurants, movie theaters, and doctor’s offices. Regular exposure to different environments, people, and distractions ensures your dog’s adaptability in challenging situations. To ensure their readiness, your dog will undergo a public access test upon completion of the training.
Getting Started:
Before enrolling your dog in our program, an initial assessment is conducted to evaluate their suitability and capacity for service dog training. Based on the assessment results, we will create a customized training plan that aligns with your specific needs. Please note that passing the evaluation does not guarantee program completion, as behavioral challenges can arise, particularly with younger dogs. The assessment fee is $120.
Positive Reinforcement Only:
At our facility, we employ modern, science-based training methods that focus on positive reinforcement. We strictly refrain from using prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars, ensuring your dog’s welfare and comfort throughout the training process. Our approach fosters your dog’s confidence and enthusiasm for their work, as evidenced by their wagging tails and eagerness during training sessions.
We understand that you may have concerns about being separated from your beloved dog during the training process. With our inclusive boarding program, you can stay connected and actively participate in your dog’s service training journey. Our facility in Indianapolis, IN, serves as a temporary home for your dog, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to thrive in.
Give the Dog a Break:
We believe in giving your dog periodic breaks and ensuring their well-being during the training program. Depending on your availability and proximity, you are welcome to take your dog home on specific weekends. These visits offer a valuable opportunity for you to bond with your dog and witness their progress firsthand. However, for optimal results, we recommend a minimum initial stay of 2 weeks at our facility. This duration allows your dog to acclimate to the surroundings, interact with other dogs, and establish familiarity with our routine.
Real-Time Updates on Facebook:
To keep you engaged and involved in your dog’s training experience, we create a dedicated Facebook page for your dog. This page serves as a virtual platform where we regularly post updates, pictures, and videos showcasing your dog’s training milestones. By providing this real-time access, we aim to reassure and connect you with your dog’s progress, even when you are not physically present at our facility.
Stay connected with your dog’s training journey, witness their growth, and celebrate their achievements through our inclusive boarding program. We prioritize transparency and strive to foster a strong partnership with you as we work together to shape your dog into an exceptional service companion.
Tailored Training Duration for Your Service Dog
At our training center, we understand that each dog and their training requirements are unique. We prioritize following the established guidelines set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) to ensure that all dogs receive comprehensive and standardized training. Rest assured, your dog will be trained according to the same high standards as our fully trained service dogs. They will undergo thorough assessments along the way, and certification will be awarded upon completing the entire program and successfully passing the rigorous public access test.
Training Duration Based on Your Needs:
The training duration for your dog depends on your specific needs and the desired skill set. According to IAADP guidelines, a service dog requires a minimum of 120 hours of training over a span of at least 6 months. During this period, service dogs in training should accumulate a minimum of 30 hours in public settings to ensure they can generalize their skills and exhibit responsiveness and unobtrusiveness in diverse public environments.
Based on factors such as the type of training required, the necessity for public access skills, and the number of desired behaviors, your dog may require a training period ranging from 8 to 32 weeks under our guidance. For a dog starting with no prior training, the minimum training time for any service dog with public access is 6 months. The overall training timeline will depend on your dog’s age, responsiveness to training, and any specific behavioral challenges that require additional attention.
Transitioning to Positive Reinforcement:
If your dog has previous training experience that involved coercive methods and tools such as prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars, a little extra time may be needed for the transition to our positive reinforcement-based methods. We prioritize your dog’s well-being and ensure that they experience a seamless shift into a training environment that promotes confidence, enthusiasm, and a desire to work.
Rest assured, our team is dedicated to providing the necessary time, support, and expertise to help your dog thrive and excel in their service training journey. We are committed to tailoring the training program to your dog’s unique needs, ensuring they acquire the skills required to become an exceptional service companion.
Note: All dogs trained through our program will be subjected to ongoing assessments, and certification will be granted upon completion of the entire training program and successfully passing the public access test.
Ideal Age to Begin Service Dog Training and Program Options
At Medical Mutts, we believe in starting your dog’s service dog training journey at the most opportune time to ensure their success. We accept dogs into our board and train program between the ages of 1 and 5 years old. For dogs who may graduate from the program before reaching full maturity, they will undergo the Public Access Test and receive certification once they reach a minimum age of 18 months.
Optimal Age and Starting Options:
While you await enrollment in our board and train program, we highly recommend considering our Private Coaching or our weekly Puppy Coaching program as valuable starting points. These programs provide an excellent foundation for your dog’s training and can be done either in person or online.
For those who have a young puppy, our weekly Puppy Coaching program is a fantastic choice. This program focuses on early socialization, basic obedience training, and setting a strong behavioral foundation. By starting at an early age, you can help your puppy develop into a well-rounded and confident companion.
How much does it cost?
A faster and cheaper alternative to getting a program dog
Fee per week of training (Mon-Fri): $550. We don’t charge for the weekend even if you decide to leave the dog with us.
Initial meeting/assessment: $120
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.