Always-At Your Service Dog Training, LLC

Training lasts 18–24 months and includes weekly one-on-one sessions, group classes, and public access practice. Dogs must learn three disability-specific tasks. Owner-trainers are required to practice daily outside scheduled sessions. A minimum of 8 months of training with the provider is required before taking the public access test. All teams must pass a public access test to graduate. Post-graduation support includes monthly check-ins for six months, then quarterly for one year, plus annual public access retests.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed. Fees apply for post-graduation follow-up sessions and training packages. Clients must complete an application to receive personalized cost information after an initial evaluation.

Policies

There is no guarantee a dog will complete training as a service dog. Training requires consistent daily effort from the owner; lack of practice affects progress. Follow-up training after graduation incurs fees. Public access tests are required annually after graduation.

At Your Service Dog Training, LLC trains privately owned dogs to become certified service dogs for individuals with disabilities including PTSD, anxiety, autism, mobility impairments, and medical conditions. With over 15 years of experience, they specialize in reward-based, positive reinforcement training and do not use prong collars, choke collars, e-collars, or gentle leaders. They evaluate owner-owned dogs for service dog suitability or help clients find a suitable puppy. Training is conducted weekly in one-on-one sessions, group classes, and in public settings, with virtual options available for distance clients. Each service dog team trains for 18–24 months and must complete 3 specific tasks tied to the handler’s disability. Post-graduation, teams receive monthly follow-ups for six months, then quarterly for a year, plus annual public access tests. They also train facility dogs for professionals in schools, counseling offices, courthouses, and medical facilities.

Their program emphasizes the bond between handler and dog, ensuring the dog can anticipate and respond to the owner’s needs. They are certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and collaborate with industry experts including Suzanne Clothier, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, and Karen Pryor.

They do not guarantee a dog will become a service dog, as success depends on individual temperament and training progress.

Accomplishments

Lead trainer Susan Wagner is a CPDT-KA certified professional with over 15 years of experience training service dogs. She has trained with experts including Suzanne Clothier, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, Canine Companions, Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, and attended the Clicker Expo and Animal Emotions seminars. The business transitioned from a nonprofit to focus exclusively on owner-trained service dogs in January 2023.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete an online application specifying the type of service dog needed and whether they have a dog or need help finding a prospect. After submission, the team contacts the applicant to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting to assess the dog or discuss prospect options.