Service Dog Training - PAWS Training Centers

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Service Dogs assist people with physical, neurological, or psychological disabilities to perform everyday tasks. They help people overcome limitations caused by the disability and increase their independence and freedom. They can provide alerts before the handler experiences a medical problem or assist when the problem occurs. They provide a wide range of assistance to address every kind of physical limitation. They alert people with hearing impairment to sounds such as doorbells or ringing phones. They can help people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, or Traumatic Brain Injury to function successfully in public, helping them to feel secure and easing stressful situations. Each Service Dog/handler team is individually trained to address the unique needs of the handler.

PAWS Training Centers provides Service Dog training to help with the specific needs of his or her handler. The dog, the handler, and often the handlers family or support group are trained to work together to help overcome the specific day-to-day challenges faced by the handler. Service Dog training includes teaching the dog how to behave appropriately in every type of public setting they may encounter, including cars, elevators, public transportation, restaurants, churches, wheelchairs, crowds, other dogs, and noises and distractions. Our training provides concrete and proven methods to prepare the Service Dog and the handler to pass a public access test.

PAWS Training Centers has expertise in many areas of Service Dog Training:

In some cases a customer may need help with just one of these areas, in other cases, their dog may be trained to provide services across these different areas:

PHYSICAL AND/OR NEUROLOGICAL ASSISTANCE DOGS:

Mobility Assistance A Physical and/or Neurological Assistance Dog specially trained to enable individuals with equilibrium or vertigo, or mobility limitation related disabilities to lead a more independent life by providing balance, stability, and wheelchair support. In some instances, these dogs are trained for Laser Designated Retrieval work so the handler can point a laser pen at an item and thereby cue the dog to retrieve that item.

Sensory Development / Tactile Pressure A Physical and/or Neurological Assistance Dog specially trained for individuals with developmental disabilities. These dogs are specifically trained to convey pressure, receive pressure, alert/distract from their handlers vocal, movement, or motor tics, and alert someone nearby if their handler leaves a designated area. [SPECIAL NOTE: We do not tether-train dogs for Autism where dogs are actually bound to their handler, nor do we train personalized tracking and search capabilities.]

MEDICAL ALERT ASSISTANCE DOGS:

Psychiatric A Medical Alert Assistance Dog specially trained to enable individuals with psychiatric disabilities to lead more independent lives by performing tasks that the person otherwise could not do, or would have extreme difficulty doing for him/herself. Handlers for these dogs are generally under medical care or have been diagnosed with a psychological condition, with the most common diagnosis being: Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Complex-Post-Traumatic Stress (CPTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and various personality disorders. These dogs are trained to perform tasks such as search specific rooms before their handler enters, interrupt nightmares, alert their handler to someone approaching from behind, detect changes in their handlers cortisol levels, and physically interrupt disruptive episodes.

Allergen Detection A Medical Alert Assistance Dog specially trained to sniff out a particular substance based on an individuals allergies. Once the dog detects the allergy substance, they are trained to alert their handler, or someone nearby, to notify them of the presence of the scent.

Incident Response A Medical Alert Assistance Dog trained to respond to an emergency situation, and then perform a pre-defined set of commands to provide notification of the individuals condition. They may alert a family member or caregiver, retrieve emergency medications, or press a medical alert button. When assistance arrives the dog can be trained to open the door and direct the responder to the handler. These dogs are trained specifically to mitigate symptoms of numerous disabilities including seizures, brain aneurisms, or heart conditions. [SPECIAL NOTE: These dogs are not specifically trained to pre-alert or sense an episode before it happens. However, in many instances, the dogs will learn to pre-alert over time although the handler should not anticipate this to happen in every case.]

Diabetes Alert A Medical Alert Assistance Dog specially trained to identify changes in scent as a result of hypoglycemia or abnormally low blood sugar and to alert the handler or a caretaker. Diabetes Alert Dogs are taught to recognize changes in the handlers blood sugar level and alert the handler to check the level or take medication.

Narcolepsy Alert A Medical Alert Assistance Dog trained to wake-up their handler to alarm clocks or other designated sounds. People with narcolepsy can also experience a disorienting narcoleptic fog. The Narcolepsy Alert Dog can keep the handler from going in the wrong direction or doing something dangerous such as walking into the street. Oftentimes, Narcolepsy Alert Dogs are also trained to alert their handler to specific times of the day in an effort to remind them to take their medication. [SPECIAL NOTE: Individuals who also have Cataplexy should consider a dog trained with a Secondary Classification of Incident Response.]

Hearing Alert A Medical Alert Assistance Dog trained to assist people with hearing disabilities by alerting them to everyday sounds a ringing doorbell or a knock on the door, a telephone, an alarm clock, or a smoke detector. Outside, they may alert the handler to a siren sound, a vehicles back-up beep, or someone calling the handlers name. Hearing Alert Dogs are trained to get the handlers attention and lead the handler to the source of the sound.

What is a Service Dog (Assistance Dog)?

Service Dogs (sometimes referred to as Assistance Dogs) assist people with physical, neurological, or psychological disabilities to perform everyday tasks. They help people overcome limitations caused by the disability and increase their independence and quality of life. They can provide alerts before the handler experiences a medical problem or assist when the problem occurs. They provide a wide range of assistance to address many types of physical limitations. They alert people with hearing impairment to ringing phones and doorbells. They can help people with Post Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, or Traumatic Brain Injury to function successfully in public, helping them to feel secure and easing stressful situations. Each Service Dog/handler team is individually trained to address the unique needs of the handler. The PAWS Training Centers Service Dog Training Program is designed to exceed training requirements of Service Dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are instead interested in Therapy/Facility Dog training, where dogs are trained to visit individuals in different facilities, please contact us or see our Obedience Dog Training FAQ.

How is having my dog trained through PAWS Training Centers different than getting a dog through a non-profit Service Dog organization?

Clients of PAWS Training Centers reap significant benefits that most reputable non-profit Service Dog organizations do not have:

1. The most common is that PAWS Training Centers is able to train clients privately owned dogs, assuming those dogs prove to be good candidates. Most non-profit organizations breed and train their own dogs and do not train their clients pet dogs.
2. Our clients are involved in every step of the training process from the beginning to the end, including lessons that we conduct in our clients homes.
3. There are no wait times with PAWS Training Centers. Most non-profit organizations have lengthy waiting lists (oftentimes a few years) to receive a dog.
4. Non-profit organizations typically receive a large number of applications, but very few individuals are accepted because there are a limited number of dogs available.
5. Your dogs training will be customized to your needs rather than having generalized disability mitigation training that may not apply to you.
6. If you dont already have a dog, we will help you select a suitable dog that is the breed and size of your choice.

How long does it take?

The length of training is different for every dog and there are many factors that need to be taken into account (i.e. age of dog, trainability, command/skill sets they need to acquire, and level of involvement of the owner/handler). Sometimes training can take in excess of 1 year to complete depending on these factors.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on how much training is involved and the length of time the training will take. Payments are scheduled throughout the course of training to help make this program affordable to as many peoples budgets as possible. (See How does the training work? for a comprehensive breakdown of costs.) Also, see the following cost estimates:

I dont have money for training; do I have other options?

Many of our clients fundraise to help with the cost of training prior to starting the training process. We have had clients start online fundraisers or ask different businesses in their community to help with the cost. As much as we would like to help in the training process, if you are unable to pay for training and are unable to fundraise, PAWS Training Centers is unable to train you or your dog. An alternative is applying to a non-profit organization that provides Service Dogs.

Is the cost for training tax deductible?

Likely. Costs associated with purchase of a dog, training costs, veterinarian bills, food if prescribed by the veterinarian, and other expenses may all be tax deductible! Please consult your tax preparer for additional information.

How does the training work?

The training consists of four separate phases: (1) basic obedience, (2) advanced obedience, (3) disability skills, and (4) public access. At the end of these training phases, you and your dog are tested prior to starting the next phase of training. Some dogs may already have the necessary foundational skills to quickly pass through specific phases (i.e. some may be ready to simply take the test for that phase to move to the next phase). The length of each phase and intensity of training will depend on you and your dog. It is very important that you continue working with your dog on a daily basis between their lessons so they continue to learn from you and progress. Depending on the phase and intensity level, your trainer will recommend which training type will be best for you and your dog. A combination of several training options will likely be utilized to pass through all phases of training. The program types are:

Initial Evaluation and Consultation The first step of the process is scheduling your initial Evaluation and Consultation. During this time we will answer any questions you may have and will explain step-by-step our Service Dog Training Program. We have a Service Dog Binder that we will give to you that itemizes every skill and task required in our program. If you already have a dog, we are able to meet them during this time to have a basic evaluation of their overall temperament. If you do not have a dog, we will discuss your preferences and explain available options. We will convey what to expect throughout the course of training and explain all of the requirements needed.
- Approximately 1 1.5 hours $200 (due open scheduling)
- Please note that no training is conducted during this evaluation
- A telephone Evaluation and Consultation may be scheduled for those located a distance from us
- Travel charges may apply:
- Travel Charges Worksheet

Wipe Your Paws Individual private lessons conducted at our home facility, or a venue of our selection nearby our home facility within 5 minutes travel. These lessons are 1 hour each and are customized to fit the needs of you and your dog. We will be teaching you (and any other members of your household who attend) how to work with your dog in between lessons and will ask for daily practice (homework) from you!

$115 per 1-hour lesson (due upon scheduling)
Purchase 5 lessons (5 hours) for $500 (non-transferable) (full payment due upon scheduling first lesson)
Lessons may be conducted back-to-back if you would prefer multiple-hour lessons
These lessons may periodically be scheduled via Skype/Facetime at the trainers discretion
There is no additional charge for multiple dogs of the same household participating in these lessons

My Dog Ate My Homework Individual private lessons conducted in your own home or at a public venue near your home, at a meeting place, or a venue of your selection. These lessons are 1 hour each and are customized to fit the needs of you and your dog. We will be teaching you (and any other members of your household) how to work with your dog in between lessons and will ask for daily practice (homework) from you!

$175 per 1-hour lesson (due upon scheduling)
Purchase 5 lessons (5 hours) up front for $800 (non-transferable) (full payment due upon scheduling first lesson)
Lessons may be conducted back-to-back if you would prefer multiple-hour lessons
There is no additional charge for multiple dogs of the same household participating in these lessons
Travel charges may apply:
Travel Charges Worksheet

Love Me, Love My Dog Your dog will come to stay with one of our professional trainers in the trainers own home. They will be loved and cared for as if they were part of our family. They will be learning new commands and skills throughout their stay while living in a structured environment. A scheduled time will be given for you to drop-off your dog and their luggage to the trainer.

1 Week-Long Stays: (Half-payment is due to schedule training and half-payment is due by the take-home lesson.)
(Minimum)1 week + take-home lesson + 1 My Dog Ate My Homework lesson = $1,500
Add a Day = $200

2 Week-Long Stays: (Half-payment is due to schedule training and half-payment is due by the take-home lesson.)
2 weeks + take-home lesson + 1 My Dog Ate My Homework lesson = $2,750
Add a Day = $175

3 Week-Long Stays: (Half-payment is due to schedule training and half-payment is due by the take-home lesson.)
3 weeks + take-home lesson = $3,350
Add a Day = $160

4 Week-Long Stays or Longer:
-4 weeks + take-home lesson = $3,750 (Half-payment is due to schedule training and half-payment is due by the take-home lesson.)
Multiple 4 week-long packages (includes take-home lesson at completion of stay) = $3,500 each (after the initial 4-week stay of $3,750) (Half-payment of the first 4 weeks is due to schedule training and remaining half is due by the end of the first 4-week period. Subsequent months: half-payment is due every 2 weeks with first payment due on first day of the new period.)
Add a Day = $150
Add a Week = $950

Additional Notes for Love Me, Love My Dog:
Only your dog participating in the Love Me, Love My Dog program with no other customers dogs scheduled $25/day (not available for 3 week or longer stays)
Daily email updates with pictures/video during Love Me, Love My Dog $25/day
Dog pick-up may be scheduled for an additional $30, plus any applicable travel charges.
Travel charges may apply for the take-home lesson and follow-up lesson.
If multiple dogs from the same household are participating, the first dog is full price and each additional is half price.

Board and Maintenance Your dog will come to stay with one of our professional trainers in the trainers own home. They will be loved and cared for as if they were part of our family. This is primarily a boarding program; no new training will be conducted. It is meant for clients who are traveling and want their dog to stay in a structured environment while they are away. Your trainer will practice previously taught and refined commands to upkeep their current level of training. This program is not meant to teach refinement of commands, but instead maintain your dogs current level without regression.

Belly Rubs (the Add-Ons)

Phone/email/text message interaction between lessons or during Love Me, Love My Dog program beyond what is agreed upon in the Training Agreement = $40/30 minutes
Skype/Facetime interaction between lessons or during Love Me, Love My Dog or Board and Maintenance program = $65/up to 30 minutes (minimum); $50/additional 30 minute slots during same call
Travel Charges:
Travel Charges Worksheet

Do you provide training for Emotional Support Animals (ESA), training if I do not need my dog to accompany me in public, or training for just a few specific disability tasks?

We are happy to help train disability skills even if you decide not to pursue the entire Service Dog Training Program. You would still need to enter into the Service Dog Training Program (with all of the same requirements) and test out of Phase 1: Basic Obedience and Phase 2: Advanced Obedience prior to moving into Phase 3: Disability Skills training. You are not required to complete the full program.

I dont currently own a dog. Can you help me find one?

You will first meet with one of our trainers for an Initial Evaluation and Consultation to determine the type of dog to best fit your needs. We will then help you decide on an appropriate dog breed and will provide helpful tools to find a reputable breeder. If you are unsure about training a new puppy, we recommend that you consider the following option: purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder and take advantage of a long-term Love Me, Love My Dog program allowing one of our trainers to teach proper puppy behavior and introduce basic obedience commands. (This option is often utilized for two, three, four or more months.) Dogs obtained from a rescue or shelter sometimes have unfortunate histories that make it a challenge for them to get through the entire Service Dog Training Program, though there are always exceptions and we are thrilled if a suitable rescue dog can be found. Please consult with your trainer before considering a shelter pup/dog so you understand the requirements for the dog. If you would like one of our trainers to accompany you to a facility to help in the dog selection process (approximately 1 hour), or to arrange meeting / pick-up of the dog, the cost is $200 (plus any applicable travel charges).

Does my dog have to be a certain age to start training?

We recommend that puppies start training as early as possible to ensure proper puppy development. We train dogs of all ages and start as young as 8 weeks! Older dogs can learn too! Please keep in mind that service/assistance work can be tiring for dogs especially as dogs approach mid-life. We do not recommend starting with a dog older than about 6 years old, depending on the breed.

What breeds of dogs do you use?

Although we often use Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers because of the likelihood that they will have the preferred temperament and trainability, we have also trained dogs of many different breeds and sizes that ultimately have become certified Service Dogs.

I am not located close to any of your centers. Is there any other way you can help me?

If you are not close to any of the locations listed on our website and are willing to travel, we are happy to discuss potential training options. We have had successful training programs with clients located internationally that have been willing to travel to work with us and use tools such Skype or Facetime for video conferencing in between in-person sessions. If you are not near any of our locations and are unable to travel, or are unable to pay to have a trainer travel to you, please check back on our website as we continue to add additional trainers and locations.

Why shouldnt I just buy a vest online that indicates my dog is a Service Dog?

There are many scam organizations online that people use to purchase vests for imposter Service Dogs. Anyone can purchase these vests to give the illusion to the public that their pet is actually a Service Dog. Due to the increase in number of fraudulent Service Dogs, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is in the process of changing their policies to accurately identify a legitimate Service Dog. We are actively petitioning Congress to change the laws and requirements for Service Dogs. Unlike scam organizations, PAWS Training Centers program ensures that dogs are highly trained and tested so they are able to mitigate the disabilities of their owner, properly trained for all public venues, and have a handler that thoroughly understands how to work with them.

Is my dog guaranteed to become a Service Dog?

Everyone at PAWS Training Centers is committed to being completely honest and forthcoming with all observations to give you a realistic expectation of what will be accomplished during training. We will listen and work with you diligently and take time to answer any questions throughout the training process. We certainly want to see continued success and progress. We also know that there are no absolutes with dog training. How well your dog learns and how much he improves will depend on many factors including his level of socialization, genetic predisposition, and how much time you train with him. Our ultimate goal at PAWS Training Centers is to give you the tools to establish clear communication, mutual respect, and the necessary confidence that is crucial between you and your dog. We will show you how to understand your dog, how to teach your dog to understand you, and how to remain consistent in every situation. The trainers at PAWS Training Centers believe that building this close relationship with your dog is accomplished through constant, positive interaction thereby creating a healthy foundation on which even the most difficult challenges can be resolved. Participation in our training program does not guarantee certification. If, at any time the trainer feels the dog is not well suited for assistance work due to behavior or lack of response with training, the handler will be promptly informed.

What does the program require to get started?

We require a letter of medical necessity from one of your licensed medical providers and a copy of your dogs Rabies Certificate to commence training. If you are a veteran, we further require a copy of your DD-214 (or a copy of your active duty ID if you are currently still in service). If you complete all 4 phases of our Service Dog Training Program, we will provide you with a letter verifying that training has been completed through PAWS Training Centers. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) you are not required to be certified by any one organization.

Are you affiliated with any organization that would provide certification for me and my dog?

We are an Authorized Training Partner of paws4people foundation. More information about paws4people may be found at www.paws4people.org. paws4people is a candidate of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). To pursue a certification with paws4people, following your Initial Consultation and Evaluation, you would be required to complete its Application process. If accepted by paws4people, you will commence training with PAWS Training Centers while maintaining a close relationship with paws4people throughout the course of training. paws4people and PAWS Training Centers will work together on your training plan and implementation. If you are seeking certification for a Psychiatric Service Dog, paws4peoples medical evaluation team (pMET) will contact you at the end of Phase 2: Advanced Obedience to complete a telephone evaluation. paws4people reserves the right to require you to work with its pMET for any type of certification sought, as it does with all of its Psychiatric Service Dog Clients.

A minimum of a 6-month relationship needs to exist with paws4people and all 4 phases of training need to be completed prior to being invited to attend training with paws4people in Wilmington, NC. As with all paws4people clients, this training is provided free of charge, and is available upon invitation only. Typically, the training usually lasts 3-days and is scheduled approximately once a month. You are responsible for the cost of your travel, lodging, food, etc. paws4people will determine how many 3-day training sessions you are required to attend. Upon successful completion of training as determined by paws4people, you will be eligible to take the paws4people Public Access Test. If you pass your Public Access Test, you will become a certified dog/handler team with paws4people. You will then be provided with all paws4people policies and procedures, including annual re-certification testing.

I travel via airplane frequently, will my dog be able to go with me?

We have an optional add-on to our program that includes a trainer going on a round-trip flight with you to teach you and your dog the appropriate procedures. The cost of this training is the airplane tickets (yours and your trainers), plus $115/hour of your trainers time. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this program if you intend on flying with your dog. Be sure you have a copy of your letter of medical necessity and successful completion of training letter from PAWS Training Centers anytime you fly.

Once my dog has completed training, are they able to go everywhere with me?

Service Dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are able to be with their handler out in public anywhere a civilian is permitted.

What types of Service Dogs do you train?

We train Service Dogs for many types of disabilities. This includes individuals with psychiatric or psychological diagnoses, as well as mobility, balance or other physical and neurological challenges. We also train dogs for medical conditions such as narcolepsy, seizures, traumatic brain injuries, hearing, allergen, and diabetes. We are able to customize training based on need and often work with clients who have rare conditions. We do not train Guide Dogs for the blind.

Sign me up! How do I start?

The first step is having an evaluation with one of our trainers (see How does the training work? above for information and cost of the initial Evaluation and Consultation). If you would like to schedule the Initial Evaluation and Consultation, please contact us. You do not need to have any documentation for the Initial Evaluation and Consultation and we will begin compiling that information from you once a plan has been determined to begin training. We look forward to meeting with you!

Service Dog Training - PAWS Training Centers

PAWS Training Centers has expertise in many areas of Service Dog Training:

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