Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training

Training programs include an 8-week Basic Obedience course, an 8-week Canine Good Citizen program, and advanced classes by request. Service dog training is an intensive, long-term process involving temperament evaluation, puppy raising, and handler training. Puppy raisers attend weekly obedience classes and complete required paperwork. Training is conducted in group settings at their facilities, with individualized support for service dog teams.

Pricing Summary

Services are free for Active Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their special-needs dependents. Public obedience classes and temperament testing are offered for donations. All programs are funded by donations, with no fees charged to qualifying clients.

Policies

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only. Due to a flood, the physical office is temporarily closed but operations continue. Clients are encouraged to call for appointments. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated, but communication is required for all inquiries.

Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that provides free service dog training to Active Duty Military members, Veterans, First Responders, and their special-needs dependents. They pair rescue or donated dogs with qualified individuals to help manage PTSD, TBI, MST, and other physical or mental disabilities through highly trained service dogs. While their primary focus is on military and first responder populations, they work with civilians on a case-by-case basis when trainer availability allows. They offer public obedience classes including AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and advanced CGC-C and CGA-A classes by request. Their trainers are volunteers, and all donations go directly to program costs like veterinary care, equipment, and insurance. They also operate a Puppy Raiser/Foster Program to prepare young dogs for service roles.

Their training methods emphasize structure, consistency, and building strong handler-dog bonds. Trainers are certified through NADOI and serve as AKC CGC Evaluators. They provide training at multiple locations in Louisiana and Texas, including Leesville, Mansura, DeRidder, and Orange.

The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with no paid staff, and relies on community donations to sustain operations. They do not charge veterans or first responders for services, making them a critical resource for those in need of emotional and physical support through service dogs.

Accomplishments

Founded in 2009, the organization has trained hundreds of service dogs for veterans and first responders. Lead trainer Deb Cawley is a NADOI-certified trainer (#1134) and AKC CGC Evaluator (#95895). The organization is recognized for its volunteer-driven model and has received testimonials from military veterans and first responders for life-changing outcomes.

How to Get Started!

Individuals seeking service dog training must complete an application on their website. After submission, a program representative will contact them. For public obedience classes, interested parties should call to inquire about availability. Puppy raisers must apply, pass a home visit, and complete training requirements before joining the program.