Service Dogs for Veterans
Service area: Service Dogs for Veterans is located in Greenville, South Carolina, and serves Veterans in Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Georgia. Typically, any Veteran within a 2-hour or less driving distance can enter the program.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Fearfulness
Training Formats Offered
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Service Dogs for Veterans offers a unique training program where Veterans train their own dogs using positive reinforcement techniques. The program is structured in two phases: a 3-month Companion Dog training phase and an additional 5-month Service Dog training phase, totaling an 8-month commitment.
Veterans attend a weekly one-hour group class, available during day-time or evening hours, and are encouraged to have family members attend. Participants are required to maintain a daily training log. To graduate into the Service Dog training phase, applicants must successfully complete the Companion Dog phase and have a verified diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST.
The program aims for significant symptom reduction, with Veterans experiencing an average of 50% reduction in their life-limiting symptoms after graduating as an ADA-compliant Service Dog Team. Throughout all three phases, Veterans are supported by a Veteran Advocate. SD4V also considers a Veteran’s own dog for the program, subject to discussion during the intake process and a complete wellness check-up by their veterinarian. The organization’s goal is to use 100% local shelter and rescue dogs, selected and vetted based on the Veteran’s individual needs.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
With the generosity of donors, 98% of the program costs are paid through scholarships, resulting in very modest out-of-pocket costs for the Veteran.
Testimonials
“Originally, I planned to get a dog that was already trained as a Service Dog. But training Starla myself through Service Dogs for Veterans brought me a kind of relief I didn’t expect. Her presence comforts me. I’m no longer alone.”
– Dot
“Baylor had spent five years just being our family dog, so I wasn’t sure how he’d adjust to being trained as a Service Dog. But around the third week of class, it was like a light switch flipped—he realized that when we came to the Training Center, it was time to work. Everything started to click. He had always loved me and been there for me, but within the first two weeks of training, that connection deepened. We both began to understand how much we could truly help each other.”
– Ken
“Going through it again, I was reluctant.” I had previously trained Willow to be my Service Dog through SD4V, but due to her declining health, I had to make the difficult decision to retire her. For Rosie’s first class, I brought Willow along to give her a little extra support and comfort. Now that we’ve graduated, I feel accomplished. Rosie’s story is incredible—she was found abandoned in my son’s neighborhood, and we don’t know much about her past. But she quickly picked up the Progressions, even faster than Willow did, which really helped us bond. I’m so impressed by her growth, and the time and effort we put into the SD4V program was worth it. I felt fully supported throughout the journey, and now I want to give back.”
– Rodney
About the Trainer
Service Dogs for Veterans (SD4V) is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to helping Veterans and active military reclaim their lives by training their own Service Dogs. The organization provides a unique program designed to help Veterans cope with the pain of loss, memory, and loneliness, fostering strong ADA-compliant Service Dog Teams that enhance the quality of life for both the Veteran and their dog.
SD4V rescues shelter dogs, carefully selecting and vetting them based on the individual training needs and lifestyle requirements of each Veteran. The program emphasizes positive reinforcement training techniques, empowering Veterans to bring out the best in themselves and their canine companions. A significant advantage is the low out-of-pocket cost for Veterans, as 98% of program expenses are covered by scholarships from generous donors.
After completing the 8-month program, Veterans can expect an average of 50% reduction in their significant life-limiting symptoms. The organization’s mission is to complement traditional treatments for Veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST by creating highly effective Service Dog Teams.
Accomplishments
Service Dogs for Veterans has been operating since 2014 and is a 501(c)(3) charity based in Greenville, SC. They have successfully graduated 180 Service Dog Teams and 60 Companion Dog Teams. On average, Veterans participating in their program experience a 52% reduction in significant life-limiting symptoms.
How to Get Started!
The program is open to Veterans and active military regardless of their era of service. Any Veteran, with or without a disability, can apply for the 3-month Companion Dog training phase. Applicants seeking an ADA-compliant service dog must successfully complete the Companion Dog phase and have a verified diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST to graduate into the 5-month Service Dog training phase. The Veteran’s own dog will be considered for the program, with this discussed during the intake process, and a complete wellness check-up provided by their veterinarian.
Listing Tools for Trainers
For Service Dogs for Veterans Only
Update Your Info
To update your profile, contact us with your changes.
Share Your Achievement!
Let the world know you’ve been recognized by Goody Doggy as a top-ranked dog trainer in Greenville. Add your achievement badges to your website to stand out from the competition and convert more website visitors into clients.
Upgrade Your Profile - Get Featured!
Become the obvious choice for dog owners in the Greenville area and grow your dog training business.
- 3x More Views – Featured profiles are seen first and visited the most
- Qualified Leads – A constant stream of motivated Greenville clients
- Enhance Your Profile – Stand out from the crowd with more photos, social media links, and custom sales copy
- More Web Traffic – Improve your site’s search engine exposure (SEO)
- Build Your Brand – Establish trustworthiness and prestige