If you want to train service dogs, or your own dog, this is the course you need.

If you are interested in raising and training your dog as a service dog, or pursuing certification for your dog, this course is invaluable for you. Don't muck around with Youtube videos giving conflicting advice most of which is based on pet dog training "do as I cue" and thus counterproductive. Instead learn the teamwork mindset from a professional so you can work with your dog like a professional.

This course is NOT for you if you are looking for an easy way to get around strata regulations or dog-hating landlords, or if you want the dog to be completely raised and trained by someone else.

Note: This course is a pre-requisite for entering our Service Dog Certification Prep program. We require all service dog program applicants to demonstrate that they understand how to communicate with their dog and teach them in a teamwork mindset, as opposed to "do as I cue". They must be able to demonstrate that they have taught their dog foundations basics such as loose leash heel toward a distraction and asking their dog yes/no and choice based questions.

To access the course you will need an internet connection and either a computer or smart phone. You will be given access to a password protected online course area where you can view the recordings, notes, and handouts.

You are welcome and encouraged to contact the trainer with questions and to submit videos for feedback - written help is included in the cost of the course. You can also book private one-on-one time at additional cost. You may also book an in-person assessment and training session to see if your dog has the right temperament and to get detailed help and feedback.

Training starts the day your dog comes home, but since this program doesn't cover puppy behaviors such as nipping, or puppy-specific training such as potty training, so we recommend that you work with a puppy trainer or take our puppy prodigy program in combination with this course.

Sometimes it's best to practice before you teach. You can always practice with another dog - the skills will be with you forever and you'll be even better prepared when the right dog comes home.

We can not certify your dog .

Our program will teach you key skills that you need to get to that point. These foundational skills are so vital that clients of ours who do not master them cannot raise their dog to certification standard. 

This course is a pre-requisite for those hoping to enter our advanced Service Dog Certification Program, which requires that you have the foundational skills AND that you have the right dog who has what it takes! Our Certification Program focuses on preparing clients with good service dog training skills for success with the provincial certification exam.

Yes. Your training will benefit from this program. Professional charities train dogs for other people all the time! However, unless the end-user (the person with the disability) is eager and committed to learning these foundational techniques, the team is very unlikely to succeed. 

Even when charitable institutions place fully trained dogs with clients, the clients are put through a crash course "team training" to help them develop these vital skills. So please encourage the disabled person to engage with the content and learn the skills along with you. 

If you're struggling with your dog, or unsure if your dog really wants this job, then this is the ideal program for you. It will help you sort out which of the problems stem from miscommunications or clumsy training, and which stem from the dog's base personality/temperament.