Hands and Paws Canine Training #2

Hands and Paws Canine Training offers unique dog training programs focused on building a strong relationship between dog and owner. They provide pet dog lessons, pet dog board and train, group classes/pack walks, day training school, and Canine Good Citizen testing. They also specialize in a highly customizable Service Dog Program, where dogs are tailored to individual needs.

This program involves a multi-step application process, team trainings that take place in Pensacola, Florida, and the client’s home, and ongoing support including annual public access testing and home visits. The service dog program includes training for various disabilities such as POTS, ME/CFS, EDS, MS, medical alerts (cardiac, diabetes, migraines, seizures), Fibromyalgia/RA, Dysautonomia, MCAS, Lupus, and psychiatric disabilities (ADHD, Autism, ADD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety). They train specific tasks like crowd control, self-harm interruptions, pressure therapy, medical alerts, seizure response, hearing assistance, autism assistance, mobility assistance (non-weight bearing and weight bearing), and guide/navigation tasks.

Pricing Summary

The business offers a summer sale with up to 25% off select services. Consultations cost $150 USD. For the service dog program, retainers are $5,000-$10,000 USD and are non-refundable. A reservation fee of $18,000-$25,000 USD is required. The final payment, typically $18,000-$25,000, is due 6 weeks prior to placement. The total price for their service dogs ranges from $35,000-$47,000 USD as of 2024. Clients are also asked to contribute through fundraising efforts, and team trainings are an additional expense.

Policies

Retainers for the service dog program, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 USD, are non-refundable. If a program service dog is out of work for any period or does not pass annual assessments, clients have access to discounted board and train refreshers.

Hands and Paws Canine Training is a dog training business that believes dog training is centered around the relationship between a dog and its owner. They aim to help teams communicate clearly, foster healthy relationships, and enable new opportunities through their unique dog training programs. The business emphasizes caring for both the owner and their dog.

They offer a range of services including pet dog lessons, pet dog board and train programs, group classes, pack walks, day training school, and Canine Good Citizen testing. A significant part of their offerings is a highly customizable Service Dog Program, where dogs are specifically tailored to the individual needs of clients.

A unique advantage of their service dog program is the emphasis on intentional placements to ensure long-term success for the dog and handler team. They actively involve clients in the training process through multiple team trainings, regular updates, and meet and greets. They also offer discounted boarding for program dogs when needed. Hands and Paws Canine Training places service dogs domestically across the USA and internationally.

Accomplishments

MaKayla is the owner and head trainer at Hands and Paws Canine Training LLC. She oversees the service dog training program and has experience working with many clients who have disabilities similar to those for which she trains service dogs.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can fill out a client application form online, with inquiries typically answered within 3-7 business days. For the service dog program, there is a multi-step application process. Step 1 involves reviewing requirements such as documentation of ongoing medical care, financial commitment, secure property, pet policy, a safe home environment, veterinary records and a reference from a Fear Free certified veterinarian, an emergency plan, and a commitment to a 1-1.5 year team training period with ongoing support.

Step 2 requires filling out a detailed application form, which takes about 30 minutes and asks for information about the client’s situation and contact details for their doctor, employer, Fear Free certified veterinarian, and landlord. Step 3 is a paid consultation/interview costing $150 USD, lasting 1-1.5 hours, which includes a home tour and the creation of a customized task list. Step 4 involves receiving a customized quote if approved. Step 5 requires a non-refundable retainer of $5,000-$10,000 USD to join the waitlist, which can vary from 1-3 years. Step 6 encourages clients to contribute through fundraising. Step 7 is a 3-5 day meet and greet with a potential dog after it has been health tested. Step 8 involves paying a reservation fee of $18,000-$25,000 USD and beginning team trainings. Step 9 is the final payment of $18,000-$25,000 USD, due 6 weeks prior to placement, followed by a 10-14 day final placement at the client’s home.