COMMITTED CANINE

We take the Training of Service Dogs as well as the Instruction and Coaching of their Handlers very seriously. We have high standards for ourselves. Still, we are only half of the equation regarding whether we achieve our intentions. 

It’s a challenging position in which we find ourselves. For that reason, we offer the information in this section of our website to help prospective clients to learn, understand and properly prepare for what may become the most amazing adventure of their lifetime. It is a venture that may result in an absolutely life changing experience. We are on board with supporting this journey you aspire to take. For that reason, we want you to be as informed as possible on how you can create the best partnership possible with your new Service Dog.

Our clients play a huge role in their success as Service Dog Handlers, and therefore our sense of success, too. If we manufactured bicycles, our product could be evaluated for quality sans a rider, simply by using industry and manufacturing standards and measurements. However, our “bikes” have a brain of their own and are sentient beings. As a social species, dogs have expectations of their “rider.” If we are unsuccessful in imparting the critical information to our clients on how to “drive” their new dog, our success falters. We need our clients to be all-in or we don’t meet our goals.

To achieve the highest level of success and satisfaction for us, our clients and their dogs, we seek to work with folks who recognize that partnering with a Service Dog must be a serious commitment for us, them and the beloved dog that never signed a contract!

Truth be told, failures happen. People give up on the role of service dog handler for many different reasons. We proactively strive to limit those defeats from occurring. The pitfalls fall into two main categories. It’s important that we help you recognize them so that you can work with us to avoid them from occurring. 

Unrealistic Expectations

The internet if full of content about all the miraculous things a dog can do for a human. Even as a scientist (my degree is in Biology and I worked as a professional scientist for 20 years), I have to admit that, when everything aligns and the Universe conspires, I believe that miracles happen. Still, they are very rare events, otherwise they wouldn’t be so phenomenal.  

For that reasons, I don’t think that it’s a good game plan to enroll in the “wing and a prayer” method of training a dog or coaching it’s handler. I also don’t advise that a future service dog handler merely believes all of the things on the internet about what her dog can be trained to do for her, and simply have faith it’s going to happen. The effort has to be there.

Good decisions, hard work, commitment and motivation are all necessary on both the Trainers’ and the Handler’s side of this endeavor. 

One of the first things that you and we must do is to discuss your expectations then reconcile them against the sorts of behaviors we know we can train a dog to perform that you will be able to maintain. 

In the “THINGS TO CONSIDER” category of this IMPORTANT INFORMATION section of our site, you will find information that is critical for you to understand before we are able to comprehensively define your future dog’s task list. Please make sure to read those articles before submitting an application for one of our programs.

Unrealized Expectations

We must establish and then strive to meet certain expectations of each other. Unrealized expectations are the root cause of frustration, anger, angst, worry, disappointment and even anger we humans experience. It results in blaming, shaming and the dissolution of once-amazing relationships, loyalty and trust. We strive to avoid that at all cost.

We offer the service for which you pay us. For that reason, you should have expectations about the quality, quantity and dedication we have towards the services we provide. We also have expectations of our clients.

For us to succeed, you must succeed. We are wholly dedicated to your success. However, if you don’t maintain the dog’s training through daily practice, if you don’t pay attention to your dog’s behavior and respond quickly and adequately to develop his belief in you as a benevolent leader, failure is likely; a little or a lot. We are committed to answering follow-up questions you may have, and providing solutions. But, you must contact us. The dog suffers when standards slide. You should expect us to train and educate you to the best of our ability. We expect you to maintain that training and management. Then, your happy dog will work his best for you. 

Selecting the right dog as your future Service Dog is very important. For that reason, you’ll find information about that topic within this IMPORTANT INFORMATION section of the site. To reach those articles, you can click on the following link.

CATEGORY: SERVICE DOG SELECTION

Over time, new articles will be added to the IMPORTANT INFORMATION section of the site. 

Before submitting an application for one of our programs, please review the current information under the categories listed below. On the application, you will be asked whether you’ve read this material. 

Scheduling a telephone call to discuss any of this information is welcomed. Please see the CONTACT page.