Circle Tail, Inc.

Circle Tail offers intensive, long-term service dog training programs that begin with puppy socialization and continue through advanced task training over 18–24 months. Clients are matched with dogs after a thorough application and evaluation process. Training includes obedience, public access, and specific disability-related tasks. Facility dogs are trained for institutional settings. Prison-based training partners inmates with adolescent dogs for 6–12 months. Public classes are offered for foundational skills but are secondary to their service dog mission.

Pricing Summary

Pricing for service dog training is not publicly listed and is typically covered through fundraising, grants, or client contributions after an application and screening process. Public classes and boarding services have set fees, but specific rates are not disclosed online. Payment plans and financial assistance may be available for service dog placements.

Policies

Application for a service dog requires a detailed health and lifestyle review. Once accepted, clients must complete training sessions with their dog. Cancellation or rescheduling policies for public classes are not published. Boarding clients are expected to adhere to facility rules regarding weather conditions and kennel use. No refund policy for public classes is stated online.

Circle Tail, Inc. is an Assistance Dogs International (ADI)-accredited organization based in Pleasant Plain, Ohio, that specializes in training and placing Service Dogs and Hearing Dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, including mobility assistance, seizure response, Type I diabetes, and hearing loss. They also place Facility Dogs in schools and care facilities. Their training programs are conducted at a state-of-the-art Living & Learning Center and Education Center, featuring obedience, agility, and nose-work training facilities. While they offer public classes, their primary focus is on professional service dog training rather than general pet obedience. They also operate a prison-based training program that teaches incarcerated women to train dogs, providing vocational skills and emotional fulfillment. Additional services include pet boarding, fostering, and volunteer opportunities. The organization is led by founder Marlys Staley, a certified professional trainer with decades of experience, and Executive Director Brad Phillips, who brings strong organizational leadership. Their training methods emphasize ethical, positive reinforcement techniques aligned with LIMA principles.

Circle Tail does not primarily offer private, in-home, or general pet training for the public, but does provide structured group-based training for service dog candidates and their handlers. They do not advertise dog grooming, walking, or daycare as core services, though they maintain a small on-site dog supply store. Their reputation is built on high standards, accreditation, and impactful partnerships with individuals with disabilities.

While some clients have reported issues with customer service responsiveness for public class inquiries, the organization is widely praised by participants in their prison program and by families who have received service dogs for their life-changing impact.

Accomplishments

Circle Tail is an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited organization, one of the highest standards in the service dog industry. Founder Marlys Staley is an IACP Ambassador and certified LIMA practitioner, and a former member of the IACP Dog Trainer’s Certification Committee. The organization has trained and placed hundreds of service and facility dogs since 1997, and operates a modern, purpose-built training center with a Living & Learning Center and Education Center.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients seeking a service dog must complete an online application. After submission, the organization reviews eligibility based on medical needs and lifestyle. If approved, clients are placed on a waiting list and paired with a dog when one becomes available. Training begins with an in-person orientation and continues through a series of handler training sessions at the facility. Public class enrollment requires contacting the office directly.