Our Service Dog Program

By definition from the ADA, "Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." Service dogs have the same right to public access as people, barring sterile facilities and places of religion. 

Service animals are commonly mistaken for emotional support animals (ESAs). An ESA may help an individual with their mental health, but they do not receive any special training and are not recognized as service animals. These animals do not have any public access rights but are covered under the fair housing act. 

Service animals may also be confused with therapy dogs. Therapy dogs are trained and certified to provide a group of people with therapeutic touch, typically in a clinical setting such as a hospital or sometimes schools and office buildings. They do not assist individual disabled persons and, therefore, can not be defined as service animals and do not receive the same public access rights. If you are interested in training your dog for therapy work, feel free to reach out for more information. Please be aware that I can not certify your pup for therapy work. However, I can help you with the foundational skills and training to get them ready for their registration, as well as connect you with a reputable organization.

It is vital to understand that a minimal number and specific kind of dog is necessary for this job. Many, if not most, will not have the right temperament for service work. 

If you already have a dog that you would like me to temperament test for the job, that is something we can do during an evaluation. While I can not confirm or guarantee your dog will succeed in the job, I can give you my professional opinion on the dog and recommendations for going forward.

If I believe a dog to be genetically unfit for the job, I will not pass the dog. This is more common than you would think. The Nature vs. nurture debate is essential in service work, and genetics are everything. This could be fear, aggression, low drive, etc. 

Owner training is an option to personally train your dog as a service dog, often with the help of a professional. This is an excellent option for those highly dedicated to the process and who enjoy working and training with their dog. If you do not already have a prospective service dog, I can assist in matching you with the best breed for the job and finding a reputable breeder for your future pup. 

Training a service dog takes hundreds to thousands of hours and consistency. You must be willing to change your lifestyle to fit your dog's training and biological needs into your day.

Lessons are customized to fit your schedule and needs.

A limited amount of training may also be done over virtual lessons. Please note that I will not temperament test your dog over video. I must see your dog in person to pass them. While we can train without completing a temperament test, I do not recommend it. 

*For Paws offers a 15% discount for those who can provide a current (within the past year) doctors note from a member of their care team recommending the use of a service dog for their patient's disability(s). 

Program dogs are raised and trained, from start to 'finish,' with me (though I am hoping to eventually expand to have some puppy raisers). I run a small program, Pawrtners For Independence (PFI), so this service is available about once every two years. Unfortunately, this service is not free, but I hope to raise donations for this service.

A dog or puppy is hand selected by me and temperament tested to give me the best chance of creating a happy and successful service dog. The first year is focused heavily on public access skills (heeling, ignoring people/dogs/food, settling in all environments, existing discreetly in public), creating positive experiences, and exposing the dog to all sorts of things that may be part of their future-owners everyday life.

After the first year or so, when I am confident in the dog's ability as a service dog, an application form will be available to those interested. Depending on the individual's lifestyle and disability(s), the individual may be paired with the dog. The next six months to a year will be focused on training, developing, and solidifying the dog's tasks. Once I am confident in the dog's ability to assist their owner, there will be extensive training between the owner and dog to create fluidity within the team. I provide lifetime support to the team and their continued success. 

If you are interested in this service, either to volunteer, donate, or apply for a PFI pup, please check out my non-for-profit's website, https://pawrtnersforindependence.org/.