Service Dog Training Program | AZ Dog Sports

Service Dog Q&A - Answers to your questions

"Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability."

(Please read this ADA document for further clarification.)

AZ Dog Sports is dedicated to protecting the sanctity of the Service Dog industry. We understand that there are many types of disabilities for which Service Dog's are trained, and we want to help those in need. As quoted above from the ADA, a person with a Service Dog must have a specific disability for which the dog performs a specific act. An Emotional Support Dog is not considered a Service Dog under the ADA.

What are Psychiatric Service Dogs?
- from Medical Mutts Service Dogs, Inc.

Can my ESA become my Service Dog?
- from Medical Mutts Service Dogs, Inc.

Service Dog Program at AZ Dog Sports

AZ Dog Sports (AZDS) offers affordable training for Service Dogs in the valley. Our program is geared at handlers who wish to train Service Dogs for themselves. We offer both group-class options or private in-home training sessions, with professional CCPDT-KA certified trainers. We use science-based training under APDT guidelines.

**Participants in our Service Dog Program are required to provide a letter from a medical professional advising that the use of a Service Dog would be beneficial to their treatment.**

Your dog can be trained for mobility, psychiatric assistance, PTSD, diabetic alert, therapeutic facility dogs and more.

Many nonprofit Service Dog programs have long waiting lists, admit limited numbers of applicants, long application processes and/or very large price tags. Most rely on the individual to be able to spend a significant amount of time away from their own home to be trained or attend weeks of handler training with the organization.

Our program is timely, affordable, and builds on the existing bond between you and your dog. We screen the puppy or dog selection with a professional evaluator before you enroll to ensure the dog is a suitable candidate for our program.

We provide handlers, day training, board and train, private in home and small group classes. We fit the training to the needs of the client.

SERVICE DOG STARTER PACKAGE (8 weeks)

$995 - Prerequisite CGC or equal obedience
Dogs 9 months or older.
8 1-hour lessons.
Lessons are weekly, outdoor privates covering advanced leash skills, public access, tasks, impulse control, and social skills.
Handlers do reading assignments and in home daily practice.
This package is education PLUS hands on.
Your trainer will work with diabetic alert, mobility, and PTSD/anxiety.
Additional group classes are recommended.

SERVICE DOG TRAINING PHASE 1

Our Service Dog Training Phase 1 is for handlers who are starting with a puppy or young dog (younger than 9 months). This part of the program will take 3 - 4 months, depending on your needs. $1,295 and includes the basic equipment you will need. Each team will be provided with a high-quality handmade leather 8-way lead, a treat pouch, treats, a clicker, and a place mat for beginning training with initial sign up (one time).

This phase of beginner classes can take anywhere from 3 - 4 months, while the dog learns and matures.
3 consecutive months, Silver membership (10 classes maximum each month).
Handler and dog may be required to repeat some courses before advancing to the second level.

Beginner classes include:

- Puppy Obedience
- Polite K9
- Obedience 1 and 2
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
- Beginning Public Access
- Therapy Dog
- Rally

SERVICE DOG TRAINING PHASE 2

This level of study is customized to each client’s needs and can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Length of training depends on the requirements of the individual guardian, the dog’s level of maturity, and ability to work on the desired tasks.

$1,500 includes up to 16 group classes and 8 private lessons (in home or doing public access including hospitals, airport, restaurants, movies, Dr appointments, all manner of daily living) - all completed within a 6 month period.
Public Access and Continuing Advanced Service Skills

Intermediate classes include:

- Helpful Canine
- Tasks
- Clicker Training
- Impulse Control
- Scentwork
- Intermediate and Advanced Public Access
- Therapy Dog
- In-home specific skills for mobility, Diabetic Alert, PTSD, and Anxiety Disorders