Service Dogs

Service Dogs

All of the dogs that we place have the following:
Medical Clearances:
1)  Hip Exrays
2)  Cardiac Testing
3) Thyroid Testing
4)  Current On Vaccines
Training:
1)  Obedience
---No less than 250 hours of documented/logged obedience training.  This training includes, but is not
limited too the following commands:
   *Heel
   * Let's Go
    *Side
   *Sit/Stay
   *Down/Stay
   *Place
   *Come
   *Away
   *Load
   *Kennel
   *Leave it
   *Wait
   *Off
   *Turn Around
   * On
   *Give Hugs
2) Public Access
---we require a minimum of 300 to 400 hours of public access work.  All public access work is documented/logged and often times video taped to show progress of dogs.

At the end of training, prior to placement, the dogs are given OUR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST(which is considerably more rigerous than that of ADI or IAACP or any other organization), a CGC Test, and the new AKC Community Canine Test/Certificate.  Often times we compete with dogs in training in obedience/rally venues to work on titles---which goes to "proof" of training.  All the above tests are given by an independant trainer, who is not employeed by us, except for this process.

During team training, the dogs will again go through the above testing, with their new handlers.

3)  Specified Task Training
We require a minimum of 100 hours of task training, logged and documented, for the tasks that are required of the dog for placement.



We train the following types of service dogs:

Mobility Service Dogs:

These dogs are geared toward people with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users, or people who might need to use canes/walkers:

These dogs are trained to do the following:

  • Retrieve and carry dropped objects
  • Push Lifeline or 911 button
  • Find and retrieve phone
  • Find help
  • Retrieve items from refrigerator
  • Push handicap buttons
  • Turn lights on and off
  • Open and close doors
  • Enhance balance while walking
  • Enhance balance up and down stairs
  • Provide brace for transfers
  • Assist in pulling wheelchair
  • Retrieve adaptive equipment
  • Carry items in mouth or service packs
  • Specialized tasks such as tug shoes/socks or coat off, pull client upright from a reclining position and more.


  • PTSD Dogs:

    We work with people with PTSD, however, we do not believe in "Feel good dogs"....Service Dogs for PTSD must be trained to mitigate the persons disability.
    Here are some of the tasks that a dog might be trained do for a person with PTSD:

    *Guide the person to a safe spot
    *Retrieve Medications
    *Provide Brace work in moments of instability
    *Protect the individual from things such as vehicles, stepping off curbs, etc...things that happen when a person is stressed and unable to see dangers in his/her environment.
    *Interrupt repetitive behaviors.