The Service Dog Program
Our Service Dog Training (The Faithful Friend) program is a comprehensive, three-stage program designed to train dogs for a range of service roles, including mobility assistance, psychiatric support, and medical alert. We provide custom training for service dog teams based on individual and specific needs.
Our trainers have experience working with children, adults, and families to create successful dog/handler teams. We specialize in a personalized approach that focuses on how your partnership with your service dog will help you overcome the challenges you face in your home and in public. We teach the behaviors that are necessary for dogs working in public settings, and to train the specific tasks you need from the canine partner in your life.
Service dogs increase freedom and independence by providing assistance in everyday life.
While we absolutely love achieving the end result we all want for you (fully trained service dog), it is important to note that sadly not every dog is truly capable of becoming a service dog. Even though we love our dog, and understand that they may help us a lot in our daily life naturally, for a dog to become a true, legal and respected service animal, it requires a lot of training, dedication, desire, willingness, willpower, courage, strength and very stable nerves and temperament.
We do our absolute best for every potential team, but each Owner must know and understand that there are factors that may prevent this from being achievable (even as a professional trainer, some of our dogs we hope will achieve this title simply do not mold into what we hoped for. It does not make them dumb, bad dogs or undeserving of our time and training, but we just know that we have an awesome pet going forward). We will NOT accept every dog into this program, as we do not want to give false hope or simply take someones finances for a result we know is unsuitable for that dog, we truly care about you and your dog and wish to be transparent and work toward all desired goals.
About the Program
Stage One: The Jump Start Program (12 weeks)
During the first stage, your dog will undergo a twelve-week board and train program that focuses on teaching them the fundamental obedience and social skills they need to succeed as a service dog. Our experienced trainers will work with your dog to teach them commands such as sit, stay, come, heel, and WAY more. We will also test their ability to learn and perform the tasks required for their intended role, expose them to triggering environments to work on stabilizing any fears, hesitations and so much more!
Throughout this stage, we will provide regular progress reports and updates to keep you informed of your dog's progress. We will also work closely with you to ensure you have the knowledge and skills you need to continue reinforcing your dog's training at home.
Stage Two:
At the end stage 1, we will assess your dog's progress and determine if they qualify as a candidate for stage two of the program. Following graduation, Owner and Trainer will resume bi-weekly lessons for 2-3 months prior to stage three. It is very important for YOU to maintain training with your dog through this stage to ensure you and your dog can progress according to the schedule to proceed to stage three.
At the conclusion of this stage, you and your dog will take the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, passing is a requirement for stage three.
Stage Three: The Task Course (10-12 weeks)
During the third stage of the program, your dog will undergo a ten to twelve week train and stay course that focuses on the specific tasks required for their intended service role. Our trainers will work closely with you to identify the tasks your dog needs to learn and develop a customized training plan to teach them those skills.
Throughout this stage, we will provide regular progress reports and updates to keep you informed of your dog's progress. We will also work with you closely in lessons to ensure you have the knowledge and skills you need to support your dog's ongoing training.
At the end of this stage, we will thoroughly assess your dog's skills and readiness to work as a service dog. We will also provide you with comprehensive training and support to help you integrate your dog into your daily life as a working service dog.
Our Service Dog Training program is designed to provide your dog with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to be successful in their role as a service dog, and to provide you with the confidence and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable, faithful and capable partner by your side.
What's Included?
Basic to Advanced Obedience Commands: Come, Sit, Down, Stay, Place, Leave It, Quiet, Off, Heel, Look, Walk Nice, Wait, Door Manners, Leash Manners, Car Manners, High Distraction Training & Off Leash Training & Much More!
Training Equipment: Any training gear/tools that work best for your dog to maintain the fantastic results your dog will achieve. This includes collars, leashes, electronic collars and more! Service dog gear is included.
Longer Programs: Our longer program structure allows your dog to really receive and achieve the very best results possible! No quick two week fixes here!
Unlimited Follow Up Support & Group Class Access for LIFE: In our Service Dog Program you receive unlimited follow up support from us for the life of your dog! This means access to follow up concerns, issues, questions and goals. This can be received by phone, email and additional lessons as needed for the life of the dog! As a bonus, you also unlock lifetime access to our Group Follow-Up classes and pack walks!
All of this ensures you and your dog will be successful for life!
Board & Train Stage:
Our Board & Train Program is conducted in a family home environment, this means no stressful and boring facility/kennel environments. Benefits of this are less stress, no dirty conditions, someone with your dog all day every day and night and a realistic training environment for your dog to succeed, all while your dog becomes a part of the family for their stay. All dogs live INDOORS only, no outdoor kennels or outbuildings. Your dog is our family! No wondering where your dog will be, transparency is always provided to every family! We have heard so many horror stories of other Trainer's not disclosing where their dogs will be, here there is no question! Additionally, you will receive multiple training lessons while your dog is in training, which is really uncommon in todays modern dog training world!
Length of Training: Ten to Twelve Weeks Boarding & Training with our Trainers
What will your dog be getting or doing each day? How about you?
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1-3 Formal training sessions each day (Monday through Friday, weekends vary)
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1-3 Walks each day.
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1-3 Field Trips per week ( visiting various stores or parks, attending lessons and more)
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8-15 Potty Breaks & Playtime per day (alone or with other dogs and people)
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Home Access/Living & Lounging (access to living along side the family, lounging around the house, access to doggy door and yard play or time on the couch if allowed!)
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Weekly personal phone updates (Sunday)
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Photo/Video Updates uploaded online almost daily at no additional cost.
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3+ In-Person Lessons with your dog during their training program (Week 2, 4 and Graduation)
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Exit Groom (Bath, Blow Dry, Nails, Ears)
* Multi Dog Discounts available AND in house financing!
Private Lesson Portion:
Our Private Lesson Portion is designed with you in mind! Once per week you will meet with your Trainer who will teach your dog and yourself a few new things each week, leaving you with “homework” to practice with your dog. Your homework should not be over-looked though, as it is imperative that you follow through to ensure you and your dog progress correctly to achieve those amazing results you seek! You will meet at Onslow Pines Park in Jacksonville, NC for many of your lessons.