Service Dog Training:
Combining expertise and understanding for thorough training at a reasonable price.
Click on the pictures below to read Elizabeth's Blog series about Service Dogs!
Service Dog Series Part 1 of 3:
I Want a Service Dog! Don't I?
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Service Dog Series Part 2 of 3:
Where's the Service Dog Store?
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Service Dog Series Part 3 of 3:
Service Dogs and the Law
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Service Dog Training
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Service dogs can be invaluable companions for people with disabilities who need the confidence and independence that a well trained dog can bring. Through over 15 years' professional experience training service dogs, Elizabeth has the knowledge and experience to walk you through all stages of training your own service dog.
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It is highly recommended that if you do not already have a dog you wish to train as your service dog, please do not get a dog before a consultation with a trainer. Elizabeth can help you determine exactly what type of dog will best fit your needs and can help you find a suitable dog. In shelters, only about one dog in every one thousand will be suitable to be a service dog, so please let Elizabeth help you find your service dog prospect! |
Because every person and every disability are different, service dog training will be highly customized. The number of lessons required will vary based on the complexity of tasks that the dog will need to learn. During the initial consultation, Elizabeth will determine a timeline for training so that you will have an idea what the requirements will be; we will also have regular evaluations to help you along the way.
Lessons will be conducted within 20 miles of Harvest, AL (generally within Madison or Limestone Counties). If you live outside of this area, many lessons can be done virtually over Zoom, but all public training must be done in person and will require frequent travel to the Huntsville, AL area.
Service Dog Training Process
While there are exceptions, here's the general timeline and progression of recommended service dog training for owner-trainers: *click on the links for more details, including pricing*
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When starting with a young puppy:
- Find a Dog package - Puppy Socialization Package (4 lessons) - Puppy Manners Package (4 lessons) - Teen Angels Package for adolescent dogs (4 lessons) - Leash Walking Manners Package (4 lessons) - Out on the Town Package (4 lessons) - Service Dog Task Training (min. 8 lessons, typically more than 16 lessons) - Service Dog Public Access Board and Train Program - Public Access training for the handler (min. 8 lessons, typically more than 12 lessons) Total Price: $4000-$8000+ |
When starting with an adult dog (more than 2 years old):
- Find a Dog Package - Adult Dog Manners Package (4 lessons) - Leash Walking Manners Package (4 lessons) - Out on the Town Package (4 lessons) - Service Dog Task Training (min. 8 lessons) -Service Dog Public Access Board and Train Program - Public Access training for the handler (min. 8 lessons, typically more than 12 lessons) 
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Service Dog Task Training and Public Access Training will continue with the prices of the other packages; but because tasks are different for every person and every dog learns at a different pace, giving an exact timeline is impossible before training starts. The majority of dogs will require a total of 50+ lessons, from the beginning of training to passing the Public Access Test.
Service Dog Information for Businesses
According to state and federal laws, service dogs are allowed anywhere in public their owner can go: restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, theme parks, concert stadiums, etc. But what rights do businesses have when other customers complain about the service dog's misbehaviors? Or when the dog damages merchandise? How can we tell the difference between a "fake" service dog and a "real" service dog, and what can we do about it?
With over fifteen years' experience in educating the public about service dogs, Elizabeth is available for presentations and consultations walking business owners, real estate agents, disability rights professionals, and any other interested parties through the ins and outs of service dog laws and what to do if someone breaks those laws.
With over fifteen years' experience in educating the public about service dogs, Elizabeth is available for presentations and consultations walking business owners, real estate agents, disability rights professionals, and any other interested parties through the ins and outs of service dog laws and what to do if someone breaks those laws.
