Service Dog Training Program
Service Dogs through most traditional programs often cost $30,000–$50,000 and may require a waiting period of 2 to 5 years or more.
We are different.
Freedom K9 works exclusively with owner-trainers. From helping you select the right puppy or dog, to foundation training, advanced obedience, off-leash reliability, temperament testing, public access training, and disability-specific task work — we guide you every step of the way, with support for the lifetime of your Service Dog.
A True Partnership Approach
Your involvement is essential to your Service Dog’s success.
Unlike many programs, we do not train dogs separately and then “pair” them with clients. We believe the strongest Service Dogs are built through the bond between handler and dog.
You will be involved in every step of the training process:
– Choosing the right dog for your needs
– Building a strong relationship and communication system
– Training obedience, public access skills, and disability-related tasks
– Learning how to maintain structure and consistency at home
We can provide as much guidance as you need — or as little as you prefer.
Choosing the Right Dog Matters
Service Dog “washout” rates are high because not every dog is suited for this important work. A successful Service Dog must be:
– Confident
– Social
– Attentive
– Emotionally balanced
– Willing and eager to work
If a dog does not enjoy the job, it is not fair to the dog or the handler to force them into that role.
For the best chance of success, we often recommend starting with a puppy or young dog from a breeder who has produced quality Service Dogs. Knowing your dog comes from physically and mentally sound lineage increases the likelihood of long-term success and lowers washout rates.
Finding the right match for your needs is critical, including:
– Mobility assistance: Dog must be strong, tall, and structurally sound
– Retrieval tasks: A dog with natural retrieving drive is ideal
– Allergies: A hypoallergenic breed may be necessary
– Travel needs: Smaller dogs can be easier to travel with
– Grooming commitment: Coat type affects daily care
– Activity level: Your dog must match your lifestyle and energy
While breeder dogs are often recommended, mixed breeds and existing pet dogs may still qualify. A temperament test is the first step in determining if your current dog is suitable for Service Dog training.
Program Structure & Timeline
Most Service Dogs are “in training” for approximately two years, though timelines vary based on:
– The dog
– The handler’s needs
– Training consistency
– Individual progress
Freedom K9’s Service Dog Program is divided into three structured phases. Each phase must be completed in order.
– Puppies under 6 months old begin at Phase One
– Dogs over 6 months old begin at Phase Two
Each phase offers three training paths:
– Owner-Led Training: You train with our guidance
– Owner & Trainer-Led Training: Shared training responsibility
– Trainer-Led Training: Our trainers handle most of the training
No matter which option you choose, training is a lifelong commitment. A Service Dog requires continued structure, guidance, and reinforcement to remain successful — and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our Three Training Phases
Phase 1: Service Puppy in Training
For puppies under 6 months old.
This phase focuses on proper development, socialization, confidence building, routines, and foundational obedience.
Phase 2: Service Dog in Training
For dogs over 6 months old.
This phase builds reliable obedience, strong manners, focus, communication, and social skills both on-leash and off-leash in real-world environments.
Phase 3: Service Dog & Graduation
The final phase of the program.
Your dog learns disability-specific task training and completes advanced public access training in non-pet-friendly locations, preparing them to work confidently and reliably as a fully trained Service Dog.
Ready to Get Started?
Click on the phases below to explore each step of the program, including training options, timelines, and investment details, and take the first step toward your Service Dog today!
Phase 1: Service Puppy In Training
Training a future Service Dog begins the moment your puppy comes home. Phase One focuses on building the foundation every successful Service Dog needs — confidence, structure, manners, and healthy social skills.
Program designed for puppies UNDER 6 months old.
This program guides you step-by-step through raising your puppy correctly during the most important developmental stage of their life.
What’s Included in Phase One Training:
– Stages of puppy development
– Proper socialization with people, dogs, and environments
– Name recognition and engagement
– Confidence building exercises
– Teaching good behavior and boundaries
– Age-appropriate exercise and enrichment
– Responsible puppy ownership
– Managing multiple dogs in the household (if applicable)
– House training & crate training
– Creating a healthy sleep, potty, play, and training routine
– Grooming needs and handling
– Nutrition guidance
– Recommended equipment and supplies
– Puppy first aid essentials
– Puppy obedience foundations
– Proper praise and appropriate corrections
– Veterinary recommendations
– Shopping checklist for puppy essentials
– Training plans, cheat sheets, and instructional videos
– Unlimited text and email support throughout the program
Phase One Goals
By the end of Phase One, your puppy will:
– Earn their AKC STAR Puppy Certificate
– Develop proper social skills and confidence
– Learn basic obedience and manners
– Build a strong behavioral foundation
– Begin the journey toward becoming a dependable Service Dog
Training Options:
We offer three flexible training paths depending on how hands-on you’d like to be:
Option 1: Owner-Led Program
Good Puppy Program
– 3 private one-on-one training sessions
– 3 days of day training at our facility
– End-of-day pickup sessions to transfer skills to you
Investment: $450
Option 2: Trainer & Owner Led
STAR Puppy Board & Train (2 Weeks)
– 2 weeks of foundation training with one of our professional trainers
– One private session per month until your puppy reaches 6 months of age (up to 5 sessions)
– One day of monthly training at our facility until 6 months of age (up to 5 days)
Investment: $2,750
Option 3: Trainer-Led Program
Full Board & Train Program
– Board and train with one of our trainers until 6 months of age or until training goals are met
– Weekly phone progress sessions
– Up to two in-person private sessions per month so you learn alongside your puppy
– Half-day pickup session to ensure a smooth transition back home
Pricing available upon consultation
Phase 2: Service Dog In Training
(For dogs 6 months and older)
Phase Two focuses on advanced obedience, reliability around distractions, and real-world manners needed for a working Service Dog.
The goal of this phase is for your dog to earn the following certifications:
– Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
– Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA)
– Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU)
By the end of Phase Two, your dog will:
– Respond reliably on-leash and off-leash
– Maintain focus despite distractions
– Demonstrate polite manners in public and at home
– Show strong social skills with people and other dogs
This phase builds the obedience and confidence required for public access work and future Service Dog tasks.
Training Options:
We offer two structured paths based on your training preferences:
Option 1: Owner-Led
Liberty Day Training Program
– 3 days of day training at our facility
– 3 private training sessions at the end of each training day
– After program completion, one private session every other week (as needed) until your dog passes CGC, CGCA, and CGCU
– Sessions may take place at our facility or on dog-friendly outings to local stores and parks
Investment: $1,450
Option 2: Owner & Trainer Led
Freedom Off-Leash Board & Train Program (3 Weeks)
– 3-week board and train program at our facility
– Two-hour pickup session at graduation
– Optional extended Board & Train available upon request
– After graduation, one private session every other week (as needed) until CGC, CGCA, and CGCU are passed
– Training sessions may take place at our facility or on dog-friendly outings to local stores and parks
Investment: $3,400
Phase 3: Service Dog Training & Graduation
Phase 3: Service Dog & Graduation
This is the final phase of your dog’s Service Dog journey. Here, your dog learns the specific tasks needed to support your daily life and gains the confidence and skills required for public access in real-world environments. This phase transforms your Service Dog in Training into a reliable working partner.
Task Training & Public Access Training
(Service Dog in Training → Graduated Service Dog)
To enter Phase Three, dogs must have successfully earned their:
– Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
– Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA)
– Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU)
Phase Three is the final step in your dog’s journey toward becoming a fully trained Service Dog. This phase focuses on public access reliability and teaching service dog tasks specific to your individual disability needs.
Phase 3 Goals
By the end of this phase, your dog will:
– Master public access skills in non-pet-friendly locations such as stores and restaurants
– Learn and reliably perform at least one trained service dog task to assist with your specific disability
– Demonstrate advanced service dog manners and behavior in real-world environments
– Train for and pass Freedom K9’s Public Access Test (PAT)
– Graduate as a dependable working Service Dog
Training Options:
We offer two customized training paths based on how hands-on you’d like to be:
Option 1: Owner & Trainer Led Program
This option combines private training sessions, supervised public outings, and structured day training.
– Mix of private sessions at our facility
– Outings with a trainer to non-dog-friendly public locations
– Day training as needed based on your dog’s progress
– Sessions scheduled approximately every other week until the PAT is passed and at least one service dog task is mastered.
Training frequency will be determined by our trainers based on the needs of both you and your dog.
– Up to 6 months to meet Phase Three goals
– Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis
Total Investment: $1,700
Option 2: Trainer-Led Program
This option begins with a Board & Train program for intensive foundation work.
– Minimum 3-week Board & Train program
– Additional time may be required depending on your goals and your dog’s needs
Upon graduation from Board & Train, your dog will have a strong foundation in:
– Public access skills
– Service dog behavior
– Task training
– Following Board & Train, training continues with:
– Private sessions at our facility
– Trainer-led outings to non-dog-friendly public locations
– Day training as needed
– Sessions scheduled approximately every other week until the PAT is passed and at least one service dog task is mastered.
Training frequency is determined by our trainers based on the needs of you and your dog.
– Up to 6 months to complete Phase Three goals
– Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis
Total Investment: $3,400
Ongoing Support After Graduation
Follow-up and tune-up training is always available as needed.
We recommend:
– A minimum of one private session per year
– A yearly Public Access Test (PAT) to maintain reliability and standards
Continued guidance and support are always available — for the lifetime of your Service Dog.