Superstar Service Dogs, LLC

Programs include Puppy Kindergarten (4 weeks) for foundational obedience and socialization, Intermediate Obedience (4 weeks) for mastering loose leash walking and distractions, and Advanced Obedience (6 weeks) for refining manners and preparing for CGC certification. Service dog training is individualized, lasting 12–18 months, with options for on-site boarding and training or owner-led training with monthly in-person sessions. Therapy dog training is tailored to facility environments. All programs include one-on-one trainer support and ongoing post-graduation guidance.

Pricing Summary

Service dog training is an investment with variable pricing based on dog needs, complexity of tasks, and training duration. Payment options include financing, health savings accounts, personal loans, grants, and crowdfunding. Specific pricing requires direct consultation. Puppy and obedience programs are offered in structured 4-6 week packages.

Policies

Training requires appointments only. Out-of-state clients may choose between on-site boarding (with visits every 3–5 months) or owner-led training with frequent in-person sessions. No cancellation policy is explicitly stated, but clients are encouraged to communicate regularly with trainers for adjustments. Training is not guaranteed and depends on the dog’s suitability for service work.

Superstar Service Dogs, LLC is a premier dog training business based in Mount Vernon, IA, specializing in service dog training for a wide range of disabilities including mobility, PTSD, psychiatric, guide dog, and gluten detection tasks. They also offer puppy training, obedience programs, and therapy dog training using positive reinforcement and Pavlovian methods. Their unique advantages include no waitlist, training owner-owned dogs to become service dogs, and a strong emphasis on bonding between handler and dog through live-in training or frequent in-person sessions. They work with dogs of all ages and sizes, provide in-person and virtual training options for out-of-state clients, and use local breeders for those starting from scratch. Their head trainer, Jackie, is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience and has been training dogs since age 12.

They offer structured programs including Puppy Kindergarten, Intermediate Obedience, and Advanced Obedience, each building foundational skills into advanced tasks. Their service dog training is highly customized to individual needs, and they provide ongoing support even after graduation. They also offer facility therapy dog training and support for behavior modification issues like leash pulling and aggression.

Jackie and her team are certified, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators, and they pride themselves on transparency, accessibility, and client empowerment through education and hands-on guidance.

Accomplishments

Head trainer Jackie Galvin is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of clinical experience, certified by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has trained dogs since age 12 and founded Superstar Service Dogs in 2016. The business is recognized for its no-waitlist policy and successful training of service dogs for complex disabilities including gluten detection and PTSD.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a phone consultation to assess needs and dog suitability. They may then schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation. Clients can choose between on-site training, owner-led training with monthly visits, or virtual sessions. A free initial consultation is offered to discuss goals, options, and training structure.