Pros:

• It does not keep the person in need (referred to as the "handler" from here forward) dependent on the trainer to fix problems as they come along in the future. Through the journey, the handler or assisting family member learns to train.

• Learning to train means you can do more with your subsequent service dogs down the line.

• We can work with your dog if suitable. We have found no 501 organizations that will work with your current pet dog, no matter how suitable. Many of them will not allow you to own other dogs.

• We have found that the bond between the dog and handler is greater and often therapeutic for the handler when he/she does most of the training with guidance.

• You do not have to wait on a list for years to get started.

• We can find you a dog that you also have a say in choosing if you do not already have a suitable dog.

• You will learn more then training. We will assist you in all aspects of dog ownership- something you cannot learn in one weekend upon meeting your free, donated dog.

• There is a personal relationship beween trainer and handler. Handlers are not just another recipient of a service dog. They are now one of our clients, and one of our family who will be assisted throughout the dog’s life.

• This method is very successful and many have chosen this route.

• Handlers can take as long as they need to do the training.   

Cons:

• The above can only be achieved if the handler is within reasonable driving distance. To ensure we can keep up with our handlers, we prefer them to not live any further then 1 to 2 hours from our facility. Some of our handlers have lived as far away as a day’s drive, but they were very capable handlers. It has to be reasonable enough for the handler to make the drive a couple times a month for training and to get their homework.

• The handler or a family member must be capable of doing the work. This may vary depending on the required tasks.There will be some handlers that are unable to perform the training due to their disability. Overall though, most would be surprised how well they will do once shown the steps.

• The handler has to have at least a $2,000 budget over a year’s time for training, not including transportation costs associate with getting to training sessions.

• The handler or family member has to be committed to doing the training. We have found that even with good intentions, some handlers or helpers cannot handle the training for many reasons. Fortunately, payment is as-you-go, so those who cannot complete training are not out the whole amount. Your loss is minimal if you try and do not succeed. We believe the experience makes it worth the try.

 

Some of my current owner/trainer dog teams in training are:
Diabetic and seizure alert dogs, PTSD, MS, child autism, and Down's Syndrome.

Don’t underestimate how much a dog can do for you, whether you want a full time service dog or a dog to assist you in the home with small tasks. The task can be something as small as picking up dropped items after back surgery, all the way to complicated scent work to take someone back home with dementia or disorientation.  We can help with all of them.     

To learn more about service dogs and to know your rights, consider visiting the web sites provided below:

Americans with Disabilities Act
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

To learn about voluntary minimum training standards visit:
IAADP
International Association of
Assistance Dog Partners
http://www.iaadp.org/iaadp-minimum-training-standards-for-public-access.html

 Contact us for more information