The cost for the service dog training program is typically $35,000 with a lifetime maintenance for training touch ups.
Service Dog Training Program
Available Programs at Defender K9:
Hearing Dogs
Mobility Dogs
Psychiatric Dogs
Medical Alert Dogs
***Please note: Any existing dog will need to be evaluated and the handler will need answer a questionnaire before proceeding with the program so we can create a custom plan for your needs.
Service dog training involves teaching a dog to perform specific tasks and behave appropriately in public. Service dogs are trained to mitigate their handler's disability, and the training process typically takes 1–2 years and during that time the dog will remain with me for daily training.
Public Access Training involves teaching the dog how to be safe and unobtrusive in environments that do not allow dogs.
Service dog terminology (as a general rule): (SD= Service Dog and SDiT = Service Dog in Training)
SD candidate or Puppy candidate - This stage is when the dog or puppy are in the socialization stage and are learning obedience They are NOT a SDiT or SD at this point. These dogs are also called prospects and puppies are typically 6 months or under. Here they only visit pet friendly establishments
SDiT - This stage usually begins around 6-12 months (if starting from a puppy) and lasts around 18 months of age. Here the dog will have a functioning obedience and will learn foundational and task skills of a service dog. Light public access will begin in this stage. Training during this time should be fun!!!!
SD - This is typically dogs that are 18 months or older. They have to be reliable in the following ALL areas:
1) Behavior Foundation
2) Service Dog Skill Foundation
3) Task Skills
4) Public Access for at least months
Pup selection from our trainer would be the best, however, if you have an existing dog you would like to use as a service dog, Defender K9 would need to evaluate the temperament of the dog. Temperament is the most important aspect when selecting a service dog.
A few qualities you are looking for when selecting a service dog candidate are: a steady temperament, calmness, confidence, focus and willing to work with people. Anxious, nervous, and reactive dogs do NOT make good service dogs.
Defender K9’s service dog training program will trach your dog:
The dog will learn:
Basic obedience, advanced obedience, off leash, CGC (AKC Canine Good Citizen) title, service dog foundational skills, such as, back up, under, recall, watch me/focus, return to heel, stand, paw raise, break/potty, load up, out, leave it and front. Your service dog will be working on their tasks skills at the same time. These will vary depending on handler needs.
Public access training will start after the dog has a functioning basic obedience foundation and will continue throughout the training process. A dog is considered public access trained when their behavior is reliable in public for at least 6 months.
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The handler will learn:
Service dog etiquette, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) laws concerning service animals, Leash control, how to work with the dog to keep their behavior and task skills up to date and reliable, and how to troubleshoot should issues arise.
Environmental stability is a must for any service dog
If you have any further questions or would like to schedule the Consultation, please call or text: 614-460-0911 or email us at defender.k9@yahoo.com. Thank you for your interest in Defender K9.