Summer’s Dogs

Training begins with a 1-hour evaluation to assess dog and handler needs. Obedience programs are structured in four stages: The Base (sit, down, stay, come), Good Dog (loose leash walking, place), Proud Parent (distraction work, far recall), and Overachiever (heeling). Service dog training includes 12+ hours weekly over 1–2 years, with task-specific training for Autism and PTSD. Boarding and daily intensive sessions are available for public access and task training. Puppy raisers receive weekly in-person training and home assignments for 1 year before the dog returns for advanced training.

Pricing Summary

Service dog training is income-based: free for incomes under $35,000; 25%, 50%, or 75% of cost for incomes up to $150,000. Obedience training packages include a $100 evaluation, $300 for a 6-week course, and $500 for a one-day intensive. Service dog placement costs are subsidized and vary by income. Puppy raisers cover food and basic expenses; training is provided free by Summer’s Dogs.

Policies

Handlers receiving service dogs must sign a contract protecting both parties. Puppy raisers commit to weekly training and home work. All training requires an initial evaluation before proceeding. No explicit cancellation policy is stated, but follow-up communication is required for program continuation.

Summer’s Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Arkansas, founded by Ebb King, that provides professional dog training for service dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs. They specialize in training task-trained service dogs for individuals with Autism and PTSD, using personalized, behavior-based methods that emphasize building respect, structure, and bond between dog and handler. Training is offered through private sessions, including evaluations, 6-week courses, and one-day intensive programs. They also breed and raise health-tested German Shepherd Dogs for service dog placement, and offer a Puppy Raiser program where volunteers raise puppies for future service work. Their training philosophy focuses on positive encouragement, especially for dogs with high food or toy drive, and they provide ongoing support for at-home issues like house training. All training funds support their mission to provide service dogs to those in need, with income-based pricing to increase accessibility.

They offer evaluations as the first step for all training, followed by structured stages of obedience and task training. Their team includes experienced trainers and a board of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are puppy raisers or have personal experience with service dogs. Summer, the namesake service dog and rescue, exemplifies their mission of transforming dogs to help humans.

In addition to training, they sell dog gear, accept donations, and provide resources for families seeking service dogs.

Ebb King, the founder and head trainer, has over a decade of experience training dogs, beginning with training her own service dog in college. She is deeply committed to ethical breeding, dog welfare, and community education.

Accomplishments

Founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to provide service dogs to disabled individuals. Successfully bred and trained multiple German Shepherd service dogs. Trained founder’s own service dog, Summer, a rescue who became the program’s namesake. Maintains a team of dedicated puppy raisers and board members supporting the mission. Has trained clients’ dogs since 2019 with documented success in behavior transformation.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free evaluation session to assess your dog’s needs and your goals. After the evaluation, choose from obedience packages (6-week course or one-day intensive) or apply for the service dog program via a detailed intake form. Puppy raisers apply through a separate application form.