California Service Dog Academy

The program begins with a 6-week Handler Course conducted via Google Classroom, covering service dog laws, access requirements, training basics, canine body language, and husbandry. Following this course, training commences, offering various options including group classes, one-on-one training, virtual check-ins, restaurant training sessions, and airplane simulator training.

Classes are held in public settings such as local businesses, parks, restaurants, and stores. Handlers are expected to attend training sessions regularly and dedicate several hours each week to working with their dogs outside of class. The training progresses through Beginner (basic skills, socialization, Canine Good Citizen preparation), Intermediate (public access skills), and Advanced (task training tailored to the handler’s specific disability) stages.

For clients training their own dog, the program typically takes approximately one year to complete, potentially extending up to two years. For those receiving a dog provided by CSDA, training is generally completed within 6 months. The overall duration for training a service dog can range from 6 months to 2 years, with an average completion time of 9-12 months. All teams must successfully pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, the Public Access Certification test, and demonstrate at least three tasks to mitigate the handler’s disability to achieve full service dog status through CSDA.

Pricing Summary

For Veterans in the Sentinel Dog Program, there is no cost to obtain a service dog from CSDA, and participation in fundraising is not required. For civilians in the CARE Dog Program, costs range from $7,500 to $30,000, depending on the individual’s situation and training needs, and applicants are responsible for raising these funds in advance of services.

Policies

CSDA maintains a strict policy of respect and dignity for all individuals within the organization, including staff, clients, volunteers, board members, and applicants. Any hostile, threatening, or offensive conduct is unacceptable and may result in removal from the program. The organization takes timely steps to prevent and correct inappropriate behavior, which may include counseling, education, disciplinary action, transfer, demotion, or termination. Failure to provide required name change documents may lead to disqualification from the program. Complaint procedures are available for any issues or concerns.

California Service Dog Academy (CSDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising, training, and providing Service Dogs to individuals with legitimate needs. They are an Assistance Dogs International accredited member, upholding high standards for both dog and handler training. CSDA exclusively uses positive reinforcement training methods.

Founded in 2018 by Matthew and Rebecca Corso, who also own a dog training and behavior consulting company, CSDA was established to meet the significant demand for quality service dogs for people with disabilities. They offer assistance with the selection, evaluation, and training of puppies and dogs for service work, aiming to provide suitable dogs to those who truly need them.

Beyond service dog training, CSDA operates a “Canines for Community Outreach” (CCO) program, which delivers animal-assisted activities to local businesses and organizations. This program provides valuable socialization for dogs in training while offering comfort and care to community members. Additionally, CSDA has a breeding program focused on purpose-bred Golden Retrievers, prioritizing health and temperament to produce potential service dog candidates, though they also evaluate and accept other breeds and mixes.

Accomplishments

California Service Dog Academy is an Assistance Dogs International accredited member. The co-founder and CEO, Matthew Corso, has a 25-year career in business and technology and is pursuing a Juris Doctorate to advocate for Veterans and those facing discrimination. Under his leadership, CSDA has received federal grants and has annually reduced mental health stressors for 20-60 veterans by over 80%, as assessed by licensed clinicians.

How to Get Started!

To begin, applicants should contact CSDA to discuss costs and individual needs for a service dog. An application must be submitted, followed by a background check. Required documents include a doctor’s note recommending a service dog and one letter of recommendation from a family member or friend. Once the application and background check are approved, applicants will have a phone or in-person interview with a CSDA representative to discuss fundraising and training expectations. Training commences once the applicant has their dog and all necessary funds have been raised. CSDA typically contacts applicants regarding their status within 2-4 weeks of application submission, providing monthly updates until acceptance into the program.