The definition of a Service Dog is any type of Assistance Dog, specifically trained to help people with disabilities.
In the United States, the Codes of Federal Regulation for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 define a Service Animal as any signal dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
Service Dogs are working animals, not pets. They are allowed everywhere people go. In restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, hotels, rental property, and so forth.
Owner-trained dogs are gaining in popularity. This is when the disabled person has his / her personal dog go through a private trainer from start to finish instead of acquiring a Program Dog (pre-trained dog from an Organization). Since each person experiences their disabilities uniquely, the dog can be custom-trained for the individual it will be helping. Owner-trained Assistance Dogs are recognized as Working Service Animals in the United States, along with many other countries.
The main drawback is when the owner's puppy fails to measure up. The owner must then deal with the emotional conflict of whether to rehome the dog to start again, or keep him as a pet.
JCM's has worked behind the scenes for many years in the Service Dog Industry providing exquisitely trained Assistance Dogs to the disabled. Our dogs have also made a difference in the lives of children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Due to the growing need of Assistance Dogs with an ever increasing shortage, JCM's expertise is now available to the private sector. JCM's will work, one on one, with owners wishing to transform their own personal dog into a Working Service Animal.
Fully trained dogs provided by Service Dog Agencies have already gone through an extensive screening and training process, and are ready to start working with the new owner immediately.
Potential Service Animals are selectively bred for their temperament, intelligence, and trainability. Genetic health also plays a major roll in selecting dogs that will have a long life free of any crippling inherited diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
An owner enrolling their privately owned dog in our Service Dog Program must understand that this is a lengthy, involved process. The time it takes an Assistance Dog Organization and JCM's Service Dog Program to produce a finished dog is about the same.
Potential Service Dogs will undergo a week of evaluation at our facility. This will determine if the dog is Service Dog material. Before a dog will be enrolled in our program he must meet the following criteria: • The dog must be at least 6 months old. There is no maximum age. • The dog must be certified healthy by a Veterinarian. • Larger dogs must have at least a hip / elbow preliminary x-ray. Dogs will be evaluated for correct temperament, attention span, focus, desire to learn, and ability to retain what is learned.
If the dog passes phase one, the preliminary evaluation, he will then be eligible for phase two. The second phase of the program will teach the dog all of his basic commands. This will be done under the Board and Train format, and will last approximately 3 months.
Phase three of the program will then teach the dog the necessary skills he will use daily as a Service Dog. This portion of the program will take 4 to 6 months.
These skills include, but are not limited to: • Turning lights on and off. • Alerting to the door, phone, fire alarm, etc. • Retrieving any dropped item. • Opening and closing doors, drawers, and cabinets. • Retrieving specific items by name, ie. car keys, glasses, remote, etc. • Throwing away trash. • Putting things in a specific area, such as a bin or box. • Pulling a wheel chair.
Once the dog's training is completed, he will be returned home where the dog and owner will be worked with, one on one, privately and in public places, for a period of time that can last up to 2 months.
Assistance Dog Organizations are funded by donations and other resources. Trained Service Animals are provided, free of charge, to individuals who qualify.
However, a privately owned dog, trained specifically for an individual owner to perform Service Dog work, will be responsible for the cost of the training program.
Having a Service Dog is rewarding, but watching the dog you selected, transform into a valuable member of society, is gratifying beyond words.
Breakdown of Training Costs
Phase one (evaluation period) (one week): $25.00 per day for a total of $175.00. To be paid at the beginning of the evaluation period.
Phase two (basic training - 3 months): $1,000.00 per month, for a total of $3,000.00. To be pre-paid.
Phase three (specialty training - 4 to 6 months): $1,500.00 per month. To be paid at the beginning of each month. Total of between $6,000.00 and $9,000.00.
Total cost range for a Licensed, Working Service Dog: $9,175.00 to $12,175.00.
This Website Updated: 2-8-2012
JCM's Obedience Training Program adheres to the regulations and standards set forth by the AKC (American Kennel Club).
