Service Dogs in the Making
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We are excited to announce our new Owner Trained Service Dog Program!
Here is the step by step process you need to know in order to participate:
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Step 1- Purchase and watch our "Know the Difference: learning the difference between service dogs, emotional support animals and therapy dog" Udemy course ($19.99)
Step 2- Particpate in our 1 1/2 hour Service Dog Orientation Class $20 (proof of completing the Udemy course required)
Next Orientation is on Friday morning, January 29th 2021 from 9-10:30.
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Step 1- Purchase and watch our "Know the Difference: learning the difference between service dogs, emotional support animals and therapy dog" Udemy course ($19.99)
Step 2- Particpate in our 1 1/2 hour Service Dog Orientation Class $20 (proof of completing the Udemy course required)
Next Orientation is on Friday morning, January 29th 2021 from 9-10:30.
Step 3- At the Orientation, you will be given information on how to sign up for the 3 different memberships available:
You'll be able to choose from 3 different membership types all paid by monthly auto pay. (Just like a gym membership)
Gold (weekly classes meeting on Fridays at $100 per month)
Silver (bi monthly classes on Friday at $60 per month)
Bronze (once monthly classes on Fridays at $30 per month)
There are 3 different modules in the service dog program that all teams will be learning in.
Module One (Everyone starts here no matter what other classes they have taken prior to meeting with us!)
Basic Life Skills portion (sit, down, stay, heel, come) the instructor will determine when the team is ready to proceed to the 2nd module
This module meets on Fridays 12- 1 pm
Module Two is the task portion of the program. It meets on Fridays from 2-3 pm. By Colorado state law, in accordance with ADA (the Americans Disability Act) service dogs are required to perform at least 1 trained task for the handler. However, having at least 3 is recommended ) These tasks will vary depending on the needs of the handler but some examples are opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to anxiety and other medical disorders, and retrieving items. The instructor will determine when the team is ready to move into the third and final module.
Module Three is the public access module. This modules meets on Fridays from 4-5 pm. In this section the instructor will be preparing the teams for using their service dog skills in the public. Classes will meet at different local establishments each session. The team will have the opportunity to graduate when the instructor believes they are ready to pass the Public Access Test.They will graduate upon passing the Public Access Test.
Top up classes are available for graduates of the program to continue working on and polish up skills. Graduate teams will be required to attend at least two top up classes per year to maintain their affiliation with this program. Participants for the Service Dog Top up Program will contact our office directly for time and opportunities available and will also be part of the membership program.
Megan Moore is our service dog instructor. Read her bio here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to have a dog already to participate? The first two steps, the Udemy course and the Orientation can be accomplished before you get your service dog. However in order to participate in Step 3 you must already have your dog.
Can you provide a dog for me? No. We can set up Meet and Greets to determine if we think a dog you've selected has potential to be successful with the demands of service work.
Does a Service Dog need to be a purebred? No. Many mixed breed dogs make perfectly good service dog. It's more about temperament and in some cases, size, especially for mobility work, than breed.
How old can my dog be to participate? At least 6 months old. Because service dog training can take 2-3 years in some cases, the younger the dog is when it starts this profession, the better. If the dog you are considering is 5 or 6 years old now, it will potentially be 8 before completion and then may need to be retired 2-3 years later due to old age changes in arthritis, pain, deafness or loss in visual acuity. Having a younger dog from the get go will allow many more years of putting all the training and skills to work.
I have been training my dog on my own to be a service dog and it already knows the basic skills. Can I just join the 2nd or 3rd modules? No The instructor needs to see how the two of you work as a team and determine if the skill set is good enough and up to our standards before moving into Module 2 or 3. This is a perfect opportunity for you to work with your dog around other dogs in a controlled environment and polish the skills you've worked so hard on.
How long does it take to complete the course? The fast answer is "It depends." It depends on where your dog is in the learning process before the course starts. It depends on how much work you are able/willing to do at home between classes. It depends on the ability of the dog as to how fast it is able to process the information and perform the skills and tasks required.It depends on how often you are able to afford to come to class. So in short, lots of variables and no cookie cutter answer here, but expect to spend at least one year in the program.
If I join this class is there a guarantee that my dog will finish as a service dog? There are no guarantees that your dog will be able to complete the course. There are too many variables that would get in the way of such a guarantee; medical concerns for the dog and the owner, ability and will of the handler to do the work, temperament issues that may not be able to be resolved in which a change in career will need to be considered. We can guarantee to set you and your dog up for success, and support you in every step of the process, whether it is as a graduated team or working through a change of career.
Will my dog be certified after this course? While there is no national certification or registration for service dogs, you will receive an identification card and certificate stating you have taken the Public Access Test through Angels in the Making. These will be renewed annually during a top up session.
If I sign up for the Gold membership but have to miss a week or two here and there are there makeup sessions available? Can I get credit for the unpaid prepaid sessions? No. We assume you will sign up for the program that makes the most sense for your current schedule. Just like a monthly prepaid gym membership, if you don't make it to the gym for a couple weeks, you still pay the agreed upon rate with no make up or credited visits. Our schedule does not allow for the flexibility of make up classes. Part of your commitment as the service dog handler team member is to be accountable to do the work and show up to the class you have been assigned
I can't make class on Fridays? Are there any other options? Friday is the only day currently that our service dog classes are scheduled. If that does not work for you,we do offer private appointments for service dog training. Call our office for more information on this option.
If the dog I have chosen is not able to do the work and it is determined that the dog needs to change careers can I get a refund? No.however if it is determined that you need to transition out of the program your membership plan can be immediately terminated.
I need a service dog for my autistic child. Does my child need to attend the classes? No, not for module one or two Though your dog will be performing tasks for your child, YOU will be considered the handler for the dog. Your child may be encouraged to participate in the Public Access test depending on the child's ability to do so. The instructor may determine that private sessions may be necessary to finish the learning if public settings are detrimental to your child's well being. These arrangements would be made when deemed necessary. It may be beneficial for a private, no charge, meet and greet 30 minute meeting with you, your child and the dog to determine if joining the class would be in everyone's best interest.
I have a dog in mind but I'm not sure he has what it takes to be a service dog. Do I have to join the class to find out? The Udemy course and the Service Dog Class Orientation are prerequisites to participating. After participating in those, a free, 30 minute, assessment can be scheduled at our training facility to determine if you should move forward with that particular dog.
If you have other questions, not addressed here, feel free to call our office to discuss them. We look forward to assisting you in the amazing world of service dog work and be part of your service dog training journey!