TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our service dog program begins long before a dog is ever placed with a handler. Each puppy is carefully sourced from ethical, reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards. From the very first days of life, our puppies are introduced to a structured environment designed to foster confidence, curiosity, and emotional resilience. Early socialization is a cornerstone of our program: puppies are gradually exposed to a variety of people, environments, sounds, and daily life experiences. This early exposure, combined with gentle guidance and positive reinforcement, helps lay the foundation for a service dog that is well-adjusted, adaptable, and prepared for the demands of working in public settings.

As puppies grow, their training evolves into a phased, developmentally appropriate program. Basic obedience and impulse control form the core of the initial training, teaching the dog focus, reliability, and strong handler communication. From there, they move into intermediate exercises designed to reinforce confidence in distracting or challenging environments. Throughout this stage, puppies continue to receive ongoing socialization, exposure to public settings, and environmental enrichment, ensuring they remain calm, adaptable, and attentive.

Once the dogs reach maturity, they enter advanced, task-specific training tailored to service dog work. This phase is rigorous and methodical. Dogs are gradually introduced to the behaviors and skills required of a professional service dog, while trainers emphasize consistency, reliability, and accuracy. Positive reinforcement remains the foundation of all instruction, ensuring dogs are motivated, confident, and responsive. Tools may be used on individual dogs however using LIMA based methods we try to ensure each dog is able to successfully work on a flat or martingale collar upon graduation. Each dog is carefully monitored for temperament, focus, and suitability for service work, and only those demonstrating the necessary aptitude continue toward full certification. Throughout the process, we maintain a strong focus on health, mental stimulation, and emotional balance. 

Regular veterinary care, structured routines, and enrichment activities are integrated alongside training to produce dogs who are not only skilled but also emotionally resilient and capable of thriving in demanding public environments. By the time these dogs reach adulthood, they are fully prepared to begin task-specific training with future handlers, ensuring a smooth transition into their role as a dependable, professional service dog.

This comprehensive, phased approach from puppy socialization to advanced service training ensures that every dog in our program is not only highly trained but also confident, balanced, and ready to provide the independence, support, and companionship their future handler deserves.

All of our fully trained service dogs complete the full spectrum of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certifications, including CGC, CGCA, and CGCU. This structured progression ensures that each dog demonstrates foundational obedience, advanced public behavior, and the ability to maintain focus and composure in complex, real-world environments. By adhering to this documented standard, we guarantee that our dogs possess the temperament, reliability, and adaptability required for professional service work.

Achieving all three CGC levels reflects our commitment to highly consistent training practices. Dogs that meet these standards have been systematically evaluated and reinforced under controlled conditions, providing handlers with the assurance that their service dog is socially competent, mentally resilient, and fully prepared to perform reliably in daily life. This level of preparation sets our dogs apart as professional, dependable partners capable of supporting a wide range of handler needs.

All of our fully trained service dogs undergo a rigorous 50-step public access test, designed to ensure they perform reliably in a wide range of real-world environments. This comprehensive evaluation covers obedience, social behavior, and the dog’s ability to remain calm and focused amid distractions. By requiring our dogs to successfully complete this structured test, we ensure that every service dog is prepared to navigate public spaces safely, confidently, and consistently.

To maintain the highest standards of reliability, our public access test is administered annually. This retesting ensures that each dog’s skills remain sharp and dependable over time, and that their behavior continues to meet professional service dog standards. By integrating this ongoing evaluation into our training program, we provide handlers with the assurance that their service dog is not only highly trained but also consistently capable of performing in any environment, setting our dogs apart as true professional partners.

Our fully trained service dogs are taught to assist individuals with a variety of needs, including PTSD or psychiatric conditions, mobility challenges, and medical concerns. Each dog receives customized training to provide dependable support in daily life, helping their handler feel more secure, confident, and independent. By tailoring tasks to the individual, we ensure that every service dog is prepared to meet the unique requirements of their future partner with reliability and consistency.

It's important to note that we are mindful about the safety and practicality of the tasks we teach. For that reason, we do not train dogs to perform certain behaviors such as getting help in public, bracing, or tethering. Additionally, we only train medical response tasks unless a dog naturally demonstrates an ability to alert to medical issues. In those cases, we carefully shape and track the alert to ensure it becomes consistent, reliable, and beneficial to the handler.

Joining our program begins with a simple and straightforward process. Prospective handlers are invited to complete our JotForm application, which allows us to gather important information about their lifestyle, needs, and goals for a service dog. This initial step ensures we can thoughtfully match each individual with the most suitable dog for their situation.

By completing the form, applicants secure their place on our official waitlist and begin the journey toward partnership with a fully trained service dog. Our team carefully reviews each submission and provides guidance on the next steps, keeping the process clear, professional, and supportive from the very beginning.

Once an applicant has secured a place on our waitlist, we begin a careful and individualized matching process. Every detail from their application is reviewed, including lifestyle, daily routines, living environment, and the specific type of support they are seeking in a service dog. This ensures that we understand not only their needs but also the kind of partnership that will help them succeed long term.

From there, our trainers evaluate the temperament, strengths, and progress of each available service dogs in training. Because no two handlers or dogs are exactly alike, we go beyond skills and focus on the overall compatibility between dog and handler. This includes assessing energy levels, adaptability, and personality traits to ensure the match is both functional and harmonious.

By taking the time to prioritize both work and personal fits, we create matches that foster reliability, confidence, and deep mutual trust. Our goal is not simply to place a dog, but to build a lasting partnership where the service dog enhances the handler’s independence and quality of life for years to come.

Because of the extensive training and care that goes into preparing each of our service dogs, the average wait time for placement is typically 12–24 months. This time frame reflects the commitment required to raise, socialize, and train a dog from puppyhood through adulthood, ensuring they are fully prepared for the responsibilities of service work. While the wait may feel long, it is necessary to guarantee the quality, reliability, and professionalism that define our program.

Throughout the waiting period, our team keeps applicants updated on progress and milestones, offering transparency at every stage. This allows future handlers to follow along as dogs advance in training and provides peace of mind knowing that when placement occurs, their options for of service dogs have been given the highest level of preparation for long-term success.

Once a handler is matched with their service dog, the transition process begins with an intensive hands-on training period. Handlers may choose to travel to our location, or we can arrange transport to them at the buyer’s expense. During this one-week period, our trainers meet with the new team daily to practice in real-world environments such as stores, restaurants, libraries, and other public settings. This structured approach allows both dog and handler to build confidence and consistency together before returning home.

At the conclusion of the week, each team is required to complete our comprehensive public access test. This assessment ensures that both the dog’s training and the handler’s handling skills meet the highest standards for public work. Upon passing, the team is officially granted their certification, and the handler is able to take their service dog home to begin their partnership.

Our support does not end at placement. We provide daily virtual follow-ups during the first week after the dog transitions home, helping to reinforce training and address any challenges in real time. Following this period, we schedule monthly check-ins up to the six-month mark, offering ongoing guidance and encouragement as the team grows together. After this point, handlers are always welcome to reach out with questions or for additional support, ensuring a strong foundation for long-term success. 

Every fully trained service dog placed through our program goes home with a complete starter kit of high-quality gear designed to support a smooth transition. This includes a properly fitted service dog vest, a sturdy leash, a leash wrap, and a comfortable training collar. We ensure all equipment is sized and adjusted to the dog before placement, so the team can begin working together right away with reliable tools.

In addition to working gear, we also provide essential supplies for the dog’s comfort and care. Each dog is sent home with food and treats they are already accustomed to, food and water bowls, a cozy blanket that carries familiar scents, and a selection of toys to keep them engaged and relaxed in their new environment. These items not only help maintain consistency but also ease the transition, giving both dog and handler the resources they need to start their partnership on the right path.

Finally, every placement includes a comprehensive packet of veterinary and breeder records, along with all program paperwork. This ensures full transparency regarding the dog’s health history, vaccinations, microchip details, and any genetic or orthopedic testing completed. Breeder information is also included, honoring the careful foundation that begins each dog’s journey. Together, this documentation provides handlers with complete confidence and peace of mind as they welcome their service dog into their life.

The first few days at home with a newly placed service dog are an important transition period for both dog and handler. While our dogs are fully trained, it takes time for them to adjust to their new environment, daily routines, and the unique lifestyle of their handler. Families should expect the dog to need patience and consistency as they settle in, learning where they sleep, eat, and relax while building trust in their new home.

During this time, we recommend handlers follow the guidance and routines provided by our trainers, as consistency helps the dog understand expectations and prevents confusion. It is normal for the dog to test boundaries or seem a bit reserved at first, but with structure and reinforcement, they quickly adjust and begin bonding closely with their handler. 

To ensure a smooth transition, we provide ongoing support after placement. This includes virtual check-ins, training reminders, and resources to answer any questions that arise in the early days. With patience, clear communication, and the foundation already built through our program, handlers can expect their new partner to settle in and begin working confidently within the first weeks at home.

Our program offers continuous training opportunities to ensure both handlers and service dogs maintain peak performance throughout their partnership. Graduates of our program are invited to join ongoing classes, workshops, and refresher sessions designed to reinforce skills, address new challenges, and provide exposure to a variety of real-world scenarios. These opportunities help keep the team confident, consistent, and adaptable in everyday life.

We also provide options for retraining specific behaviors as needed. Whether a handler wants to refine an existing skill, introduce new techniques, or address challenges that arise over time, our team is available to provide personalized guidance and hands-on support. This ensures that both dog and handler continue to grow together and maintain the reliability expected of a professional service team.

Beyond classes and retraining, our program offers 24/7 access to professional support. Handlers can reach out at any time with questions or concerns, receiving timely guidance from experienced trainers who understand the nuances of service dog partnerships. By offering ongoing education, retraining, and continuous support, we ensure that every handler and their service dog have the tools and confidence needed for long-term success.

All handlers of our fully trained service dogs are required to retake the public access test each year to ensure that both dog and handler maintain the highest standards of performance in public settings. This annual evaluation verifies that the team continues to demonstrate reliability, composure, and appropriate public behavior, reflecting the rigorous training and professional expectations of our program.

The tests are held locally four times per year, providing multiple opportunities for handlers to schedule their evaluation within a convenient timeframe. Participation in the test requires travel to our location, allowing our trainers to personally assess the team in a controlled and standardized environment.

Completing the public access test annually is mandatory for all handlers, reinforcing accountability, consistency, and skill retention. By maintaining this requirement, we ensure that every service dog and handler team remains confident, capable, and fully prepared to navigate public spaces safely and effectively, upholding the professional standards of our program.

When a service dog reaches the end of their working career, we provide guidance for a smooth and respectful retirement process. Retired dogs have earned a life of comfort and care, and handlers are given the option to either keep the dog as a beloved pet or return them to our program. This ensures the dog’s well-being while honoring the handler’s unique bond and long-term needs.

Once the dog is retired, we require that the service vest and any other identifying equipment be returned. This helps maintain the integrity of the program and ensures that retired dogs are no longer presented as active service animals, keeping public safety and professional standards intact.

Our retirement policies are designed to provide both the handler and the dog with clarity, support, and a smooth transition. By planning for retirement proactively, we ensure that every dog completes their career with dignity, while handlers receive guidance on continuing to enjoy their partnership safely or welcoming a retired dog into their home as a pet.