Train Your Own Service Dog: Your FAQ Guide

Thinking about whether to train your own service dog? It may surprise you to know that many people DO choose to train their dogs themselves, and it’s often a smart choice! 

Not only can owner-trained service dogs be just as skilled as program-trained dogs, but they can also save you up to $40,000 and offer completely customized training from day one. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’re ready to begin the journey, this FAQ covers everything you need to know.

What’s the difference between a service dog, therapy dog, and working dog?

Service Dog:
Trained to perform tasks that assist a person with a disability like guiding the blind, medical alerts, or mobility support.

Therapy Dog:
Provides comfort and emotional support to others in settings like hospitals or schools.

Working Dog:
A broad category that includes many job-trained dogs such as police K-9s, herding dogs, hunting dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs.

It’s important to recognize that only service dogs are granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Where are service dogs allowed to go?

Under the ADA, service dogs can accompany their handler anywhere the public is allowed, including restaurants, stores, workplaces, and hotels.

Businesses are not permitted to deny a service dog… but they can ask:

1. Is the dog required because of a disability?
2. What task is the dog trained to perform?

You are never required to show documentation or explain your disability.

Note: Please respect the hard work and value service dogs provide and never put a service dog vest on an emotional support dog or family pet in order to grant them access to public areas.

Why train your own service dog instead of buying one?

Cost savings:
Program-trained service dogs can cost $25,000–$50,000. Owner-trained dogs cost a fraction of that.

Customization:
You can tailor all training to your specific needs from day one.

Bonding:
You and your dog learn and grow together, strengthening connection and communication.

Faster accessibility:
Waitlists for fully trained dogs can be years long. Owner-training lets you begin now! 

When should training begin?

Ideally, start with a puppy so you can build good manners early and begin desensitization to sights, sounds, and new environments. 

If your dog is already grown though, don’t let that stop you! Training an adult service dog is absolutely possible. What matters most for a good outcome is temperament and trainability.

What breeds make the best service dogs?

There are no breed restrictions, but certain breeds tend to adapt well to task-based work:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Poodles
• Border Collies
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Pomeranians (surprisingly good at medical alert!)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Of course, the “best” breed is the one whose temperament, size, and stamina match the tasks you need.

What basic skills should a service dog have?

Before task work begins, good manners are essential, including:

• Calm behavior in public
• No aggression toward people or animals
• No soliciting attention, sniffing people, or begging for food
• Walking politely on a leash
• Staying quiet and focused
• Tolerating loud noises, crowds, and distractions
• No bathroom accidents in public
• Remaining under control at all times

If your best pal doesn’t already have these skills, don’t worry, we can teach them! 

• If they have a few of the necessary basics, we may be able to dedicate a few sessions to bring them up to speed and then move into full Service Dog Training. 

Or, if they’re really starting from scratch, consider beginning with a basic training program like our Foundations class before moving up.

What conditions can service dogs be trained to assist with?

Service dogs can be trained to assist with almost any unique need, including guiding the blind, seizure and epilepsy alerts, autism support, allergen alerts and more!

Here at White Mountains College for Pets we can assist with the following:

• PTSD and psychiatric support
• Mobility and balance assistance
• Seizure response
• Diabetic alerting
• Hearing alert
• Panic attack interruption
• Stress & anxiety support
• Reading assistance

How long does it take to train my own service dog?

The length of time it takes to train your own service dog will vary depending on how old your furry friend is when you begin training, whether your companion has already learned some basic skills, and also on their temperament and eagerness to learn. 

• If you’re starting from true puppyhood, plan for a structured training period of several months, followed by consistent practice into their adulthood. 
• If you’re starting with a dog that’s 5-month-old or more, plan for that same structured training period, followed by a year of practicing their skills in everyday life. 

That can sound like a lot, which is why we’ve created several options that help to get the most from owners’ time commitment, ready access to professional guidance, and program affordability. 

Learn more about our service dog training programs that incorporate in-person and virtual training for maximum guidance AND owner flexibility. 

What are the biggest challenges when you train your own service dog?

When you begin to train your own service dog, the biggest challenge is typically less about the dog and more about you! It’ll be up to you to commit to working with your dog every day on learning their new skills. Here are some of the things to keep in mind:

• Time commitment
• Consistency in training
• Maintaining public access standards
• Financial investment in training, equipment, and ongoing education
• Emotional difficulty if your dog turns out not to be a good fit for service work

How much does it cost to train my own service dog?

At College for Pets our owner-trained service dog training programs start at $4,500 for adult dogs and up to $8,500 for premier training (which includes a 4-week lodge-and-train jump start).

How do I know if my dog is a good candidate?

A calm, eager to please temperament is at the top of the list! Iif you’re unsure if your companion is a good candidate, a professional evaluation is really helpful. A suitable dog should be:

• Confident but not pushy
• Friendly but not overly social
• Highly trainable
• Calm in new environments
• Healthy with sound joints and stamina
• Comfortable being handled

Ready to train your own service dog?

When you train your own dog for assisting with service needs you can be sure that the most important box has already been checked: a companion that you love and want by your side! 

Though there is commitment involved, the investment in time and communication will strengthen your bond and provide a truly one-of-a-kind relationship unique to your life and needs.

If you’d like to explore further, White Mountain College for Pets would love to help you! Reach out to us to learn more about getting started or to evaluate your pup to determine if they’re a good fit for service work. We’ll help you train your own service dog successfully, affordably, and confidently!