Service Dog Training: Purpose-Driven Partnership

Trauma-informed, real-life service dog training—where trust, skill, and stability begin.

A Program Rooted in Expertise and Empathy

Training a service dog is one of the most meaningful commitments you’ll ever make. It requires consistency, patience, and a bond that goes deeper than commands.
As a licensed clinical social worker with specialized experience in trauma, I understand what it takes—not just from the dog, but from the human too. This work is personal to me.

Through my ongoing work with Bodhi Battalion, a nonprofit supporting veterans and first responders, I’ve trained service dog teams navigating PTSD, anxiety, mobility challenges, and more. I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing this partnership can be—and how important it is to train with honesty, compassion, and clarity. While Bodhi Battalion is a core part of my mission, I also work with civilians and individuals outside the nonprofit system who are seeking highly personalized, trauma-informed service dog training.

Who This Program Is For

The Service Dog Program is for individuals with a documented disability who seek to train a dog to perform specific tasks that mitigate their condition. We work with owner-handler teams who are committed to the process, ready to learn, and open to growth.

In addition to supporting handlers through the full
training journey, we also offer “starter dog” development
—raising and preparing young dogs through foundational training, social stability, and early task work before they transition to their future handlers.

Because service dogs are protected under federal law,
they must meet exceptionally high standards for public
access behavior, task reliability, and emotional regulation.

What You ll Learn & Practice

Foundational & Advanced Obedience

Consistent response under
distraction, inside and outside

Behavior Regulation & Stress Management

Calm, stable behavior in
unpredictable or high-pressure environments.

Public Access Skills

Navigating public places
with focus, confidence, and
impeccable manners.

Disability-Specific Task Training

Skills such as alerting,
interrupting, retrieving, guiding,
or grounding—based on your
medical or psychological needs.

Legal Education & Advocacy

Understanding public access
laws, how to answer questions,
and when/how to advocate for
yourself and your dog.

Handler Support & Integration

Training is collaborative—we
work closely with you to build
routines, language, and skills
that create a reliable team, not just a trained dog.

Grounded in Reality, Not Perfection

It’s important to know that not every dog is meant to become a service dog. Even with early promise and excellent training, temperament, health, or environmental sensitivity can prevent a dog from completing the program. Estimates suggest that up to 70% of dogs do not finish formal service dog training—and that’s not failure, it’s information.

We walk with you every step of the way—from evaluating
potential candidates to pivoting if needed. We also offer pre-purchase temperament testing to help increase your chances of long-term success before you invest in a puppy or young dog.

A Partnership Built on More Than Commands

This isn’t about getting a dog to behave.

It’s about building a teammate who shows up when you need them most. A dog who understands your world, your signals, your stress—and responds with consistency and care.

That kind of dog doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from time, trust, and training built on purpose.

If you’re ready to begin that journey—we’re here to help.

Apply or Schedule a Consultation

Let s explore whether service dog training is the right path for you. We ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and map out a plan that s built for real life.

Build a great relationship with your four-legged friend!

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