Jf Service Dog Training

Jill offers an intensive, one-on-one service dog training program that lasts approximately two to three days, with full-day sessions conducted at her facility. Training includes public access skills, task training specific to the handler’s disability, and handler education. Clients are present throughout training and receive follow-up virtual support. Pre-training assessments involve phone calls and emails to tailor the program. Dogs are trained in real-world environments on her 100-acre sanctuary. Obedience and behavior modification are also offered for non-service dogs.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is customized based on the dog’s existing obedience level, the complexity of tasks needed, and the amount of time required for training. Costs reflect the intensive, one-on-one nature of training and include pre-training consultation, in-person or virtual training, and post-training support. No fixed rates are listed, but clients are informed of costs after an initial assessment.

Policies

Jill requires a doctor’s letter or direct contact with the client’s physician before beginning training. She does not train dogs with aggression issues. Training is only conducted with dogs that have the right temperament. Clients must be willing to actively participate and follow instructions. No cancellation policy is explicitly stated, but ongoing support is provided after training.

J.F. Service Dog Training is owned and operated by Jill Forster, a dedicated service dog trainer who trains one dog and one owner at a time using a personalized, intensive approach. She specializes in training service dogs for individuals with anxiety, PTSD, autism, and mobility disabilities, often working with rescued or shelter dogs that show strong loyalty and temperament. Jill trains dogs in approximately two to three days through full-day, one-on-one sessions that include field work and task-specific training tailored to the handler’s disability. She emphasizes open communication, requires a doctor’s letter for service dog qualification, and provides ongoing virtual and phone support before, during, and after training. Jill also offers obedience training and dog sitting services, with clients staying in her home on her 100-acre wildlife sanctuary. She does not train puppies for service work but accepts dogs aged one year or older. Her training methods are force-free, and she avoids dogs with aggression issues. Jill is a member of the Professional Service Animals (PSA) and claims to be among the first psychiatric service dog trainers in the U.S.

She trains dogs of all sizes but has a preference for beagles due to their calm nature, loyalty, and adaptability. Clients are actively involved in training and leave with a well-socialized service dog capable of handling public distractions and performing custom tasks. Jill also helps clients select appropriate dogs from shelters when needed.

Her facility is located on a quiet, 100-acre wildlife sanctuary, offering a peaceful environment for training and boarding. She provides virtual training options and has successfully trained dogs remotely during the pandemic. Jill’s approach combines decades of personal experience in training dogs, horses, dancers, and figure skaters with her background in psychology and counseling.

Accomplishments

Jill Forster is among the first psychiatric service dog trainers in the U.S. She has an A.A. degree in Social Science, extensive background in psychology, and experience as a counselor for teenagers. She has trained dogs for clients with complex disabilities, including TBI and PTSD, and has successfully trained service dogs from shelters. She is a member of PSA, which upholds high ethical training standards.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact Jill via phone or email to provide their name, phone number, and address. A preliminary conversation occurs to assess the dog’s temperament and the handler’s needs. A doctor’s letter is required. If the dog is suitable, training is scheduled. Jill may assist in selecting a dog from a shelter if needed. Virtual consultations are available for those unable to travel.