SW Canine Rehabilitation, Inc.
Service area: Service area not explicitly stated; based in Orange County, CA, with partnerships in Laguna Woods Village and Costa Del Sol Hearing Club.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- In-Home
Program Formats
- Intensive Program
- Ongoing Weekly
- One-Time Consultation
Types of Dogs
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Programs include intensive board-and-train boot camps (14–21 days), private and group lessons, in-home training, and specialized service dog certification. Training covers obedience, behavior modification, emotional support, and protection. Clients receive video resources and ongoing phone support. Service dogs are fully trained before placement.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing not publicly listed; service dogs for sale available with tax-deductible costs. Financial planning assistance provided through partner Full Throttle Tax and Consulting Services. Boarding rates vary by breed and size.
Policies
No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies provided in content.
Testimonials
Steve and his team are absolutely fabulous, so very friendly and down to earth!!! We left our 4 year Old English Bulldog , Boris , with him for a 14 – 21 day boot camp to help with aggression and obedience. While Boris was learning at boot camp, Steve had my husband and I learning as well though one of his beginner training DVD. After practicing with the DVD and several calls with Steve (he was always available for questions whenever they came up), our whole perspective on pet ownership and responsibility shifted for the betterment of our entire family! Every family member has a role and a job, Boris included!!! Boris was ready to come home at 14 days because he responded so well to the training. When we arrived to get him, my husband and I did a nice hour long training session with Steve and two of his wonderful trainers. We feel very confident with the skills and tools SW K9 has given us to continue Boris’ success! It’s also extremely nice that they call and check up on him/us even after the job is finished. Our relationship with Steve and his trainers will definitely continue beyond this one job!
– Anonymous
I’ve had the pleasure of having Steve train our little mixed breed puppy Baxter at a very young age. Steve delivered back to me a very obedient and well trained pet and friend. He’s been there for us and I would recommend him to anyone! Also when he tells you to watch the video….watch the video!
– Anonymous
I was referred to Steve by a good friend. He was very excited about a German Shepheard Protection dog trained by Steve. My friend was very impressed with the training his dog had received in such short time. So I called Steve and we spoke for months before I purchased a dog. I admired his patience with me as I was undecided on which way to go. I purchased a German Shephard puppy and Steve trained my dog . My dog is freakin amazing. She is super sweet and has an ON/OFF Switch in protection. I was so happy and excited that I bought another puppy a Doberman. She is now 6 months and already doing protection. This guy knows his stuff so well, I know call him Mr. Dog Encyclopedia.
– Anonymous
About the Trainer
SW Canine Rehabilitation, Inc. is a nonprofit dog training organization founded by Steve Welch, a 4th generation master animal trainer with over 50 years of experience. Steve specializes in training service dogs for individuals with visual, hearing, mobility, and autism-related disabilities, as well as search and rescue, police K-9, and family protection dogs. The organization offers private lessons, group lessons, and board-and-train programs at their facility, which includes eco-friendly boarding with premium dog food, daily exercise, and professional training. They also provide in-home training for drug detection in retail, commercial, and industrial settings. Steve created the first Signal Dog program for the hearing impaired in 1973 and has rescued countless dogs deemed unplaceable. The facility is AKC certified and emphasizes behavior modification, nutrition, and lifelong support for clients.
They sell fully trained service dogs, including rare breeds like the Xoloitzcuintle, and partner with tax consultants to help clients with IRS tax deductions for service dog expenses. Their services extend to therapy, working, and behavior modification programs, with ongoing follow-up support after training completion.
Accomplishments
Steve Welch is the #1 dog trainer in the US, created the first Signal Dog program in 1973, trained thousands of service, search and rescue, and police dogs, and is an AKC Certified Evaluator and Behaviorist. SW Canine Rehabilitation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 50 years of experience.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to call 1-800-400-OBEY to discuss training needs, service dog availability, or boarding. Initial consultation likely occurs via phone, followed by evaluation and program selection.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Certifications
- AKC
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Pet groomer
- Dog breeder
Location
1005 S Hathaway St, Santa Ana, CA 92705Listing Tools for Trainers
For SW Canine Rehabilitation, Inc. Only
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