The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs assists clients in training their own dog to be a service dog. Owner Training is extremely challenging, and requires discipline and commitment; it can also be incredibly rewarding and therapeutic. If you don’t already have a dog, we can assist you in identifying and purchasing a prospect to train as part of this program.
About our Owner Trainer Program
- CT state law has strict guidelines for service dog training. We will provide you with your state-required ID to allow you to train your dog to be a service dog.
- We can assist you in identifying and purchasing a prospect to train, or you can elect to train your currently owned dog.
- All dogs entering our owner-trained service dog program must be in good health and up-to-date on their vaccines.
- The puppy or dog must pass an initial temperament and assessment test.
- As with all service dogs in training (SDiT), your dog must continue to pass frequent temperament evaluations throughout training and will stay in the training program at the discretion of our trainers.
- There is no guarantee that your dog will have a suitable temperament to qualify as a service dog as their personalities evolve.
- We require that owner-trained service dog teams train with us for at least six months and that the dog be trained to perform a minimum of 3 tasks to offset the owner’s disability.
Application Process
(1) We recognize that circumstances change. Applicants may withdraw from the application process at any point for any reason.
(2) Complete the online application ($15 fee) for review by our Executive Director.
(3) You will receive a link to schedule a call with our Director of Canine Development
(4) We can help you find a prospect to train, or we schedule a date to have your dog assessed by one of our trainers to determine suitability for service dog work. The fee for this comprehensive assessment is $225.
(5) Although we would love your support, public relations activities and fundraising efforts beyond your contracted cost for one of our dogs are not requirements of our program.
Program Cost
The Owner-Trainer Program fee ranges from $5,500 to $14,000, depending on the unique training, support, and services required of each team. Your cost will be determined after meeting with our team and discussing your specific needs. Services offered based on your team’s assessed needs are listed below.
Services Offerred
- Public Access classes
- Private lessons for task training
- Phone & text support
- Access to our training resources
- Initial Public Access test and certification with our organization
- Growing Puppy Program
- Group training classes
- Additional private lessons for support
- Branded vest
- State-approved ID for public access while in training
- Annual Public Access testing and certification with our organization
- Private lessons for new puppy support in the critical first few weeks
Re-Certification and Follow Up
To keep your handling skills current, you will be required to pass the Public Access Test and prove task training each year after your initial certification in order to continue to use our equipment and support services.
We are grateful for the support from The Exceptional Pet. Their generosity enables us to offer our services at a significant discount.
