Glad Wags Tulsa

Training begins with shelter dog selection and Volhard temperament testing. Candidates are placed with volunteer fosters for 6–12 months to learn house manners, public access, and basic obedience. Applicants then join weekly classes to bond with their dog and learn handling skills. The dog is then transferred to one of three professional trainers (Marj, Onyx, or Beth) for task-specific training. Once tasks are mastered, the dog is placed with the handler, and the team continues attending weekly classes for proofing and skill refinement. Ongoing phone and in-person support is provided indefinitely. The entire process can take 1–2 years depending on the complexity of tasks.

Pricing Summary

They emphasize honest, ethical pricing with no predatory rates. They do not publish specific prices but state that their service dog costs are transparent and affordable compared to industry standards. Donations are accepted to support their nonprofit program. Clients pay for training through a structured application and placement process, not upfront fees.

Policies

They have a refund policy available on their website, but specific cancellation or rescheduling details are not outlined in the provided content. They emphasize long-term commitment and expect clients to continue attending classes for the life of the service dog team.

GLAD WAGS SERVICE DOGS is a dog training business founded in 1974, celebrating 50 years of professionally training dogs as of 2024. Led by Marj, the organization specializes in training service dogs for individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and more. They also offer obedience training and directed self-training programs for dog owners. Their unique approach involves selecting dogs from shelters, assessing them with Volhard temperament tests, and placing them with experienced volunteer fosters for foundational training before advanced task training with certified trainers Marj, Onyx, or Beth. Clients are actively involved throughout the process, attending weekly classes to build teamwork with their dog. Training continues indefinitely with ongoing support, phone assistance, and classes to ensure long-term success. They emphasize honesty, transparency, and ethical pricing, avoiding predatory costs. Marj is known for her intuitive understanding of dogs and her commitment to each client and dog, often remembering every dog and handler she has trained. They do not use shock collars and focus on positive, relationship-based training.

They provide service dog training, obedience classes, and directed self-training. Their program is tailored to each individual’s needs, with no one-size-fits-all approach. They also offer continuous support after placement, making training a lifelong process for the handler-dog team.

While they primarily focus on service dog training, they also help owners with puppy behavior issues, reactivity, and general obedience, often transforming unruly puppies into life-saving service partners.

They do not offer grooming, boarding, walking, or pet retail services.

Their training is conducted at their facility and through in-person classes with clients, not via video calls or in-home visits.

They are a nonprofit grassroots organization that accepts donations and relies on volunteer fosters.

They do not breed dogs but source them from shelters.

They do not offer therapy or competition dog training as primary services.

They do not offer day training or board and train as standalone services — training is integrated into a long-term team-building process.

They do not offer pet sitting, daycare, or pet store services.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1974, GLAD WAGS has trained service dogs for 50 years. Marj, the lead trainer, is recognized for her intuitive, hands-on approach and has helped transform hundreds of dogs into life-saving partners. They are known for their transparency, ethical standards, and nonprofit grassroots model. Clients report life-changing outcomes, including medical alerts that have prevented hospitalizations and saved lives.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must apply for a service dog through their online application form. After application review, they are matched with a dog based on their needs and lifestyle. Once matched, they attend weekly classes to begin bonding and training with their dog. The process includes temperament assessments, foster placement, task training, and ongoing team support.