Gutsy Mutts Service Dogs, LLC

Ranked #7 in Cincinnati and #26 in Ohio

5 Stars,2 Reviews
4182 Mt Carmel Tobasco Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45255

Service area: Gutsy Mutts works with clients no matter the location, implying nationwide service, with travel expenses varying by time and location. Their physical address is in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Service Dog

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • In-Home

Program Formats

  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Sporting
  • Doodles

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Food Rewards

Gutsy Mutts specializes in training service dogs, with each dog’s learning timeline varying, but generally taking up to one year to complete. Training occurs in a home environment, where the dog is treated as part of the family.

They work directly with clients to train dogs with specific tasks beneficial to that individual’s needs. For seizure alert dogs, training involves using seizure scent samples to teach the dog to alert to impending seizures. The process includes a slow transition of the dog into the client’s life, with guidance provided throughout and after the adoption to ensure a successful partnership.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Gutsy Mutts offers service dogs at a lower price than larger companies, with prices starting at $23,500, excluding travel expenses. Most dogs cost $22,000 unless excessive additional training is required.

The fee schedule includes a $50 nonrefundable application fee due upon applying, and a $5,000 nonrefundable deposit due when a specific service dog is agreed upon. Travel expenses, typically around $1,000, are due approximately one month prior to dog delivery. The final payment of $17,000 is due on Day 3 of the transition/placement, allowing the client to see the dog in action. Travel expenses are managed to be as low as possible, with efforts to travel on cheaper days and stay at moderately priced hotels, and car rental only if necessary.

Policies

The application fee of $50 is nonrefundable. The deposit of $5,000 is also nonrefundable once a specific service dog has been agreed upon.

About the Trainer

Gutsy Mutts Service Dogs, LLC is owned by Eileen Casey, who brings a unique background from training marine animals at Sea World of Texas, including killer whales, dolphins, and walruses. Her training foundation is built on a positive behavior reward system.

The business specializes in training service dogs, often rescuing mutts for this purpose. They aim to provide life-changing partners to clients by customizing the dog’s training to work specifically with its person.

Gutsy Mutts offers service dogs at a lower price point compared to larger companies, making them more accessible. They conduct training in a home environment and are willing to work with clients regardless of their location, traveling to the client for transition and placement. They also provide ongoing help and guidance after the service dog’s adoption.

Accomplishments

Eileen Casey, the owner, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she also studied psychology, specifically behavior. She worked as an animal trainer at Sea World of Texas, training killer whales, beluga whales, dolphins, walruses, sea lions, seals, and otters, learning from top trainers using a positive behavior reward system. After leaving Sea World, she continued training pet dogs and later transitioned to service dog training with the guidance of a mentor. Her background in behavior training and psychology was also an asset during her time working at an elementary school, particularly with students considered difficult or having special needs.

How to Get Started!

To begin the process, clients can submit an application. Gutsy Mutts aims to get to know clients well to ensure a happy and successful match between the dog’s personality and the client’s. A deposit is required to hold a dog once a match is established and agreed upon. During this holding period, the dog is trained to the client’s specific needs and lifestyle. When the dog is ready, the bonding and learning process for both dog and client begins, with a slow transition of the dog into the client’s life. Gutsy Mutts provides guidance throughout this process and offers continued help and support after the adoption.

Gutsy Mutts Service Dogs, LLC featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 6 Years Experience

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Morning
  • Afternoon

Languages

  • English
  • Women-owned
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Location

4182 Mt Carmel Tobasco Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45255