A Reliable Working Partnership
Private service dog training for individuals with disabilities — professional guidance in developing a legitimate, task-trained service dog capable of functioning safely and reliably in real-world environments.
This is not a pet training program.
Service dog training is a serious, long-term commitment requiring structure, consistency, accountability, and active participation from both the handler and the dog.
I do not train the dog for you.
I teach you how to train and work alongside your own service dog, building a dependable working partnership rooted in communication, trust, structure, and real-world reliability.
This program is designed for:
Handlers may enter the program with their current dog, or I can assist in evaluating and selecting a potential service dog candidate with the best possible chance of success.
Dogs entering the program should be:
Breed alone does not determine suitability. All dogs are assessed individually.
Not every dog is suited for service work, and no guarantees can be made regarding final outcomes. Service dog work requires a very specific combination of:
Even loving, well-behaved dogs may not be suited for the demands of public access work.
The goal is never simply to “pass” a dog through a program — it is to determine whether the dog can safely, confidently, and appropriately handle the responsibilities required of a legitimate working service dog.
Every dog may come to me at a different level. Training programs are customized to the individual dog and handler team based on their goals, experience, and readiness.
Training may include:
Progression into advanced training and group environments is based on the dog's stability, obedience, neutrality, and overall readiness.
Service Dog Group Classes focus on developing:
Handlers are assigned structured practice exercises to reinforce skills outside of class.
Progress depends heavily on consistent practice and follow-through outside of weekly sessions.
A legitimate service dog must be able to remain calm, neutral, and under control in real-world environments. Training may include structured exposure to:
The goal is not simply obedience — it is calm, reliable behavior in real-world environments.
All teams complete a 23-point Public Access Test to help ensure the dog can safely and appropriately function in public environments.
The evaluation focuses on:
While not legally required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public access testing helps maintain safety, professionalism, and responsible service dog standards.
Professional standards and responsible handling remain essential, regardless of the absence of federal certification requirements.
Service dog training is a serious commitment requiring patience, structure, consistency, and accountability.
Owner-trained service dogs require ongoing training, maintenance, and responsible handling throughout the dog's working life.
This program is designed for handlers who are fully committed to the time and effort necessary to develop a reliable working service dog.
If you are interested in pursuing owner-trained service dog work, I would be happy to discuss your goals, your needs, and whether your dog may be an appropriate candidate for service work.
Schedule a consultation to begin the evaluation process.
A reliable working partnership.
Schedule a Consultation