Service Dog Training
Service Dogs through most programs cost $30,00-$50,000 AND/OR have a waiting list of 2- 5 years... or more!
We are different.
We work exclusively with owner-trainers, from helping you choose a puppy, to basic, advanced, and off-leash training, temperament testing, public access training, service dog skills, disability related tasks, and evaluations - all with our support for life!
Your involvement is essential to this program's success. Unlike most programs, we don't have dogs trained and waiting to pair with our clients. We won’t train a dog for someone with little to no involvement from them, then send them on their way saying “good luck to you!!”...
You will be involved in every step of the training process. From finding the right dog to fit your needs, building a wonderful bond and relationship together, to training essential skills, obedience, and disability tasks for your individual needs. We can help as much as you need, or as little as you’d like.
“Wash out” rates for service dogs are very high. Most regular pet dogs don’t have what it takes to be everything a service dog needs to be… Attentive, balanced, social, confident, and of course they must WANT to do the job. If the dog doesn’t love the job, pushing them into that position won’t be fair to them or to you.
To have the best chance at finding the right dog for your situation, with the lowest wash out rate we can, we suggest finding a pup or young dog from a breeder who specializes in AND HAS PRODUCED quality service dogs. Knowing that your dog was born from generations of physically and mentally sound parents/grandparents/and so on... will help the odds that your dog will have the same qualities. Starting with a puppy can also make training easier, and wash out rates lower.
Finding the right breed, size, temperament, drive level, and care requirements for your needs is also very important.
*Do you need mobility assistance? -Your service dog must be tall enough, strong enough, and physically sound to assist you properly.
*Things retrieved for you, like medications, or your dropped keys? - It would be great if the dog liked to retrieve naturally.
*Do you or your immediate family have allergies? - A hypoallergenic dog might be a requirement for your service dog.
*Do you travel often? -Having a smaller service dog might make travel more convenient.
*How much time do you have to brush and care for your service dog? -A very fluffy, long haired service dog will take quite a bit of time everyday to keep groomed, while a short haired dog could make care quicker and easier for you.
Are you active? -Finding a dog that can keep up with you is a must!
Just because we recommend finding a dog from a breeder doesn’t mean that your mixed breed or pet dog doesn’t have what it takes to be your service dog, though it might take more time and effort. A temperament test will be the first step to determine if we can work with your pet dog, and if they have what it takes to assist you.
The first step? Please go to the "Get Started" page and fill out our Contact Form.
Most service dogs are “In Training” for 2 years. That is an estimate, depending on the dog, situation, and needs that time could be less or more.
Freedom K9’s Service Dog Training Program is set up in Three Phases.
You must complete each phase in order, before moving on to the next phase.
If you have a puppy under 6 months old, you will start at Phase One.
If you have a dog over 6 months old, you will start at Phase Two.
There are a couple of training options to complete each Phase. The options you will see will be;
“Owner Led Training” which means you will be the main person training your Service Dog with our guidance.
“Owner & Trainer Led Training” which has an equal amount of training done by you and us.
“Trainer Led” which means we will be doing the heavy lifting and hard work to get your dog to the level you need.
No matter which Training Option is right for you and your situation, a dog is not a robot. He or she will need a life of structure, management, and guidance to be a successful Service Dog. Training is for life. We will be here every step of the way.
Phase 1: Service Puppy In Training This Phase is for puppies UNDER 6 months old. Training a Service Dog starts immediately. From day one in your home you should be guiding your puppy on the right path. This Phase will go over step by step, how to raise your puppy.
Phase 2: Service Dog In Training
This Phase is for all dogs OVER 6 months old. Obedience, good behavior, and great manners are imperative for a Service Dog. This Phase is all about building your dog’s proper social skills, focus, communication skills, manners, and obedience while on or off- leash.
Phase 3: Service Dog & Graduation
This is the final Phase in our Service Dog Program. This is where your dog will learn task training for your individual needs, have public access training in non-pet friendly stores, and all around transform from your Service Dog in Training, to your bomb-proof Service Dog.
To learn more, please click on the Phases below. You will get an in depth look at what is involved in each phase, the different options for training, and the financial investment involved in each option.
We are different.
We work exclusively with owner-trainers, from helping you choose a puppy, to basic, advanced, and off-leash training, temperament testing, public access training, service dog skills, disability related tasks, and evaluations - all with our support for life!
Your involvement is essential to this program's success. Unlike most programs, we don't have dogs trained and waiting to pair with our clients. We won’t train a dog for someone with little to no involvement from them, then send them on their way saying “good luck to you!!”...
You will be involved in every step of the training process. From finding the right dog to fit your needs, building a wonderful bond and relationship together, to training essential skills, obedience, and disability tasks for your individual needs. We can help as much as you need, or as little as you’d like.
“Wash out” rates for service dogs are very high. Most regular pet dogs don’t have what it takes to be everything a service dog needs to be… Attentive, balanced, social, confident, and of course they must WANT to do the job. If the dog doesn’t love the job, pushing them into that position won’t be fair to them or to you.
To have the best chance at finding the right dog for your situation, with the lowest wash out rate we can, we suggest finding a pup or young dog from a breeder who specializes in AND HAS PRODUCED quality service dogs. Knowing that your dog was born from generations of physically and mentally sound parents/grandparents/and so on... will help the odds that your dog will have the same qualities. Starting with a puppy can also make training easier, and wash out rates lower.
Finding the right breed, size, temperament, drive level, and care requirements for your needs is also very important.
*Do you need mobility assistance? -Your service dog must be tall enough, strong enough, and physically sound to assist you properly.
*Things retrieved for you, like medications, or your dropped keys? - It would be great if the dog liked to retrieve naturally.
*Do you or your immediate family have allergies? - A hypoallergenic dog might be a requirement for your service dog.
*Do you travel often? -Having a smaller service dog might make travel more convenient.
*How much time do you have to brush and care for your service dog? -A very fluffy, long haired service dog will take quite a bit of time everyday to keep groomed, while a short haired dog could make care quicker and easier for you.
Are you active? -Finding a dog that can keep up with you is a must!
Just because we recommend finding a dog from a breeder doesn’t mean that your mixed breed or pet dog doesn’t have what it takes to be your service dog, though it might take more time and effort. A temperament test will be the first step to determine if we can work with your pet dog, and if they have what it takes to assist you.
The first step? Please go to the "Get Started" page and fill out our Contact Form.
Most service dogs are “In Training” for 2 years. That is an estimate, depending on the dog, situation, and needs that time could be less or more.
Freedom K9’s Service Dog Training Program is set up in Three Phases.
You must complete each phase in order, before moving on to the next phase.
If you have a puppy under 6 months old, you will start at Phase One.
If you have a dog over 6 months old, you will start at Phase Two.
There are a couple of training options to complete each Phase. The options you will see will be;
“Owner Led Training” which means you will be the main person training your Service Dog with our guidance.
“Owner & Trainer Led Training” which has an equal amount of training done by you and us.
“Trainer Led” which means we will be doing the heavy lifting and hard work to get your dog to the level you need.
No matter which Training Option is right for you and your situation, a dog is not a robot. He or she will need a life of structure, management, and guidance to be a successful Service Dog. Training is for life. We will be here every step of the way.
Phase 1: Service Puppy In Training This Phase is for puppies UNDER 6 months old. Training a Service Dog starts immediately. From day one in your home you should be guiding your puppy on the right path. This Phase will go over step by step, how to raise your puppy.
Phase 2: Service Dog In Training
This Phase is for all dogs OVER 6 months old. Obedience, good behavior, and great manners are imperative for a Service Dog. This Phase is all about building your dog’s proper social skills, focus, communication skills, manners, and obedience while on or off- leash.
Phase 3: Service Dog & Graduation
This is the final Phase in our Service Dog Program. This is where your dog will learn task training for your individual needs, have public access training in non-pet friendly stores, and all around transform from your Service Dog in Training, to your bomb-proof Service Dog.
To learn more, please click on the Phases below. You will get an in depth look at what is involved in each phase, the different options for training, and the financial investment involved in each option.
Phase 1: Service Puppy In Training
This Phase is for puppies under 6 months old. Training a Service Dog starts immediately. From day one in your home you should be guiding your puppy on the right path.
This Phase will go over step by step, how to raise your puppy.
Topics covered in this Phase:
Stages of development
Proper socialization
Name recognition
Confidence Building
How to instill good behavior
Exercise for puppies
Responsible puppy ownership
How to handle more than one dog in the household (If applicable)
House & Crate Training
Setting up a good sleep, potty, play, and training schedule
Grooming needs
Nutrition needs
Equipment
First Aid Essentials
Puppy Obedience
Proper praise and proper corrections
Vet recommendations
A list of all needed puppy items to make your life easier
Cheat cheats, videos, and training plans to help you every step of the way
& Unlimited text & email assistance
The Goal of Phase One is to earn the AKC STAR Puppy Certificate, have your puppy learn proper social skills, work on building good behavior, and manners. Overall start the foundation that will help your puppy become a solid and dependable Service Dog.
Option 1: (Owner Led)
Our Good Puppy Program (3 one on one Private Sessions)
3 Days Of Day Training at our facility with pick up sessions at the end of the day
$450
Option 2: (Trainer & Owner Led)
STAR Puppy Board and Train (2 weeks of puppy foundation training with one of our trainers)
A Private session once a month until 6 months old (Up to 5 sessions)
A day of training each month for your puppy at our facility until 6 months old (Up to 5 days)
$2,750
Option 3: (Trainer Led)
Board and Train with one of our Trainers until 6 months old or until training goals are met.
Phone sessions once a week to discuss progress
Up to two in person Private Sessions a month while your puppy is with us so you can learn to work with your puppy.
Half Day Pick Up Session to ease the transition back home.
Phase 2: Service Dog In Training
Phase 2: Service Dog In Training
For dogs 6 Months and over
The Goal for this Phase is to earn your Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certificate, Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) Certificate, and Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU) Certificate.
Your dog will listen to you while on a leash and off-leash, no matter the situation or distractions around.
They will also have proper manners and good social skills.
Option 1: (Owner Led)
Liberty Day Training Program (3 days of day training at our facility with 3 private sessions at the end of the day)
Once the Liberty Day Training Program is complete, you will have 1 private session as needed every other week until CGC, CGCU, & CGCA are passed (at our facility or on dog friendly outings to local stores or parks)
$1,450
Option 2: (Owner & Trainer Led)
Freedom Off-Leash Board & Train at our facility (3 week Board and Train at our facility with a two hour pick up session)
Optional extended Board and Train may be discussed if desired
After Graduation of the Board and Train, owner may schedule 1 private session every other week (as needed) until CGC, CGCU, & CGCA are passed (at our facility or on dog friendly outings to local stores or parks)
$3,400
For dogs 6 Months and over
The Goal for this Phase is to earn your Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certificate, Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) Certificate, and Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU) Certificate.
Your dog will listen to you while on a leash and off-leash, no matter the situation or distractions around.
They will also have proper manners and good social skills.
Option 1: (Owner Led)
Liberty Day Training Program (3 days of day training at our facility with 3 private sessions at the end of the day)
Once the Liberty Day Training Program is complete, you will have 1 private session as needed every other week until CGC, CGCU, & CGCA are passed (at our facility or on dog friendly outings to local stores or parks)
$1,450
Option 2: (Owner & Trainer Led)
Freedom Off-Leash Board & Train at our facility (3 week Board and Train at our facility with a two hour pick up session)
Optional extended Board and Train may be discussed if desired
After Graduation of the Board and Train, owner may schedule 1 private session every other week (as needed) until CGC, CGCU, & CGCA are passed (at our facility or on dog friendly outings to local stores or parks)
$3,400
Phase 3: Service Dog & Graduation
Phase 3: Service Dog & Graduation
Task Training & Public Access Training
Service Dog In Training to Graduated Service Dog Dog must have their CGC, CGCA, and CGCU to graduate to Phase 3.
The goals for this Phase:
Master public access, going on all kinds of public outings to non-pet friendly stores and restaurants.
Learn and master AT LEAST one service dog task to assist you with your specific disability.
Have your dog learn and master the service dog skills needed for public access.
Train for and pass Freedom K9's Public Access test (PAT)
Option 1 (Owner & Trainer led)
This option has a mix of Private Sessions at our facility, Outings with a trainer to non-dog friendly locations, & Day Training for your dog. Sessions will be scheduled as needed every other week until PAT is passed and 1 task is solid. Private Sessions, Outings, and Day Training frequency will be determined by us based on what you and your dog need.
You will have up to 6 months to meet the Phase Goals. Extensions may be given on a case by case basis.
$1,700
Option 2 (Trainer led)
This option starts with your dog joining us for a Board and Train. Your dog will stay and train with us for a minimum of three weeks. More time may be needed depending on your needs and requirements.
Once your dog graduates from our Board and Train, they will have a foundation for public access, service dog skills, and their service dog task/s.
After that, you will have a mix of Private Sessions at our facility, Outings with a trainer to non-dog friendly locations, & Day Training for your dog.
Sessions will be scheduled as needed every other week until PAT is passed and 1 task is solid. Private Sessions, Outings, and Day Training frequency will be determined by us based on what you and your dog need.
You will have up to 6 months to meet the Phase Goals. Extensions may be given on a case by case basis.
$3,400
Follow up and tune up training is available as needed.
A minimum of 1 Private Session and a PAT is recommended yearly after graduation.
More guidance and support is always available forever.
Task Training & Public Access Training
Service Dog In Training to Graduated Service Dog Dog must have their CGC, CGCA, and CGCU to graduate to Phase 3.
The goals for this Phase:
Master public access, going on all kinds of public outings to non-pet friendly stores and restaurants.
Learn and master AT LEAST one service dog task to assist you with your specific disability.
Have your dog learn and master the service dog skills needed for public access.
Train for and pass Freedom K9's Public Access test (PAT)
Option 1 (Owner & Trainer led)
This option has a mix of Private Sessions at our facility, Outings with a trainer to non-dog friendly locations, & Day Training for your dog. Sessions will be scheduled as needed every other week until PAT is passed and 1 task is solid. Private Sessions, Outings, and Day Training frequency will be determined by us based on what you and your dog need.
You will have up to 6 months to meet the Phase Goals. Extensions may be given on a case by case basis.
$1,700
Option 2 (Trainer led)
This option starts with your dog joining us for a Board and Train. Your dog will stay and train with us for a minimum of three weeks. More time may be needed depending on your needs and requirements.
Once your dog graduates from our Board and Train, they will have a foundation for public access, service dog skills, and their service dog task/s.
After that, you will have a mix of Private Sessions at our facility, Outings with a trainer to non-dog friendly locations, & Day Training for your dog.
Sessions will be scheduled as needed every other week until PAT is passed and 1 task is solid. Private Sessions, Outings, and Day Training frequency will be determined by us based on what you and your dog need.
You will have up to 6 months to meet the Phase Goals. Extensions may be given on a case by case basis.
$3,400
Follow up and tune up training is available as needed.
A minimum of 1 Private Session and a PAT is recommended yearly after graduation.
More guidance and support is always available forever.