Freedom Dogs

Freedom Dogs offers a nine-month Partner Program that pairs a trained service dog with a wounded warrior. Training is conducted in weekly sessions involving the veteran, the dog, and certified trainers. The program includes puppy raising, adolescent training, and ongoing support after placement. Trainers work closely with medical providers to align training goals with the veteran’s therapeutic needs.

Pricing Summary

Freedom Dogs provides service dogs and training at no cost to qualified veterans. Funding is supported through donations and grants. No public pricing is available as services are not offered to civilian dog owners.

Freedom Dogs is a nonprofit organization that provides specialty trained service dogs to wounded military heroes, with a focus on helping veterans cope with physical and emotional challenges. Their training program pairs veterans with highly trained dogs over a nine-month period, working closely with medical providers. The trainers are certified professionals with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, animal health, and humane dog training methods, many holding certifications from Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT), and the Assistance Dogs International (ADI). While their primary mission serves military veterans, their trainers possess deep expertise in service dog training, behavior modification, and working with dogs in high-stress environments. They offer structured training programs that include weekly classes for both trainers and participants, and their team includes experienced trainers who have raised and trained puppies from adolescence through certification. Their approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and empathy, with trainers who have personal experience with health issues, military service, or working with special needs populations.

Freedom Dogs does not offer general public dog training services to civilian dog owners; their programs are exclusively for wounded warriors referred through the Wounded Warrior Battalion – West. Therefore, while their trainers are highly qualified, their services are not available to the general public.

The organization also offers opportunities for volunteers to raise puppies and become trainers, but these are application-based and not open as commercial services to civilian dog owners.

Accomplishments

Freedom Dogs has trained service dogs for wounded military veterans since its founding. Key trainers hold certifications from Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA/KSA), and are accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Founder Beth Russell is a certified service dog trainer and registered critical care nurse. Executive Director Peggy Poore has donated puppies and led training since the program’s inception.

How to Get Started!

Service dog placement is exclusively for wounded military veterans referred through the Wounded Warrior Battalion – West. The general public cannot apply for training services. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer trainers or puppy raisers may click the “Become a Trainer” link on the website to request information and begin the application process.