Service Dog Training

A well-trained service dog starts with a strong foundation. My goal is to help you and your dog develop the skills necessary to succeed as a reliable, confident, and well-mannered service dog team. Through structured, positive, and clear training, I guide both handler and dog in building communication, trust, and consistency.

Foundational Skills We Can Work On

Engagement & Focus – Teaching your dog to tune in to you, even in busy environments.
Neutrality – Remaining calm and non-reactive around people, dogs, food, and distractions.
Working Heel – A reliable heel position in stores and public spaces for safe, controlled movement.
Public Access Manners – Building confidence and appropriate behavior in real-world settings such as stores, restaurants, and sidewalks.
Tuck Position – Helping your dog learn how to settle neatly and comfortably under chairs and tables in public.
Obedience Under Distraction – Proofing sit, down, stay, place, and recall in highly distracting environments.
Confidence Building – Using fitness equipment, novel objects, and new environments to ensure your dog feels secure and adaptable wherever they go.

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Owner-Training Your Service Dog

Purchasing a fully trained service dog can cost tens of thousands of dollars—an expense that is simply not attainable for most people. That’s why many choose the owner-training route, where the handler is directly involved in the process of raising and training their own service dog.

With my professional guidance, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Together, we will:

Break down each skill into clear, achievable steps.
Build consistency and confidence through hands-on practice.
Ensure your dog meets the behavioral expectations required for public access.
Create a well-rounded, dependable service dog that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Owner-training not only makes service dogs more attainable, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, resulting in a partnership built on trust, teamwork, and understanding.