Can my dog be a service dog?

According to the Americans With Disabilities Act, a person must require a service dog due to a disability. No matter how much training a dog has, it is not a service dog if the handler does not have a disability.

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Being a service dog is challenging and requires the right temperament. If you think your dog might be a good service animal candidate, we can evaluate his or her suitability for public access behavior as well as the task training you will need to mitigate your disability. 

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Our team of experienced professionals will ensure your dog can assist you by performing the tasks you need, has good manners in any environment, and is trained in public access behaviors that are specific to service dogs. We will also build your dog's confidence, independent thinking, and problem-solving skills.

 

How does your program work? 

Our Service Dog Training begins by following our signature Day Camp program for both Level 1 and Level 2. Suitable dogs will then continue on to Public Access which includes public access handling for your dog and you together, Task Training, and lastly Teamwork where we teach you and your dog to work together.  While we offer an approximate timeline for your dog to graduate each level, your dog will not move on until he or she can demonstrate all skills for that level.

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Payments are made monthly as your dog progresses through the program. You can choose to pay in full or take advantage of one of our financing options. We monitor your dog's progress, provide weekly reports with video, and three temperament evaluations to ensure your dog's progress. You are free to withdraw your dog from the program with no penalty at any time if you're not satisfied with our training.

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R+K9's service dog program follows a day training format. You'll drop your dog off at our Winchester facility on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Saturdays are reserved for field trips where we practice your dog's skills in public. Our schedule:

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Have you trained service dogs before?

Why yes, we have! Anna continues to train service dogs and their owners through on-line classes as well as completing a rigorous year long program covering service dog evaluations, temperament testing, training task skills, and understanding disabilities. Jill has an extensive background running the America’s Vetdogs service dog training prison puppy program at the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, MD. Our team will also continually monitor your dog's progress throughout the program for any temperament issues that might arise. 

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How do I get started?

Call 540-532-1300 or email us at info@rplusk9.com to set up an intake meeting for you and your dog. This is a great time to ask questions and discuss tasks needed.