Looking for service dog training ? Available in Shelburne, Alliston, and Barrie areas
Accepting Applications
Living with a disability is a daily struggle for many of us. Service animals can be life changing, providing much-needed freedom to their handlers. Service animals should never replace the use of technology or medications in terms of support or alerts, however they can assist us with many day to day tasks which living with a disability can make more difficult.
Whether you are an owner- trainer, are looking to purchase a puppy/pre-trained service dog, or if you are looking to adopt a rescue dog, we can help. We are now accepting Mobility, Anxiety, PTSD, Autism, and Diabetic Alert Dog Applications.
Acquiring a Service Dog
A service dog is trained to complete a task which assists a person with a disability.
There are two common ways service dogs are trained:
1. By an organization, where they are raised from birth and trained to a very high level before being placed in a home.
2. By an owner, who trains their own dog with the guidance of a trainer.
Both of these methods are effective, and both are legal and legitimate ways to obtain a service dog.
Training Service Dogs
If you have a dog you would like to train to become a Service Dog and looking for professional assistance this is the program for you.
The owner trained service dog is a 14 month program where the handler trains their own service dog with weekly guidance. Total of approx. 120 hours of dog training with a certified dog trainer.
Are you an Owner-Trainer? Are you looking to find a service dog to join your family? We can help.
Service Dog Program STEP 1 - Application
During dog training, the handler must provide their own equipment (collar, leash, vest, and treats). OARC will not start any service dog training or assessments until the paperwork is received and proof of disability is given. Download the application (above) and email completed forms to training@outrunrescue.com
Service Dog Program STEP 2 - Assessment
An initial assessment must be done of the dog for service dog work. This assessment is done in a public setting and covers temperament only (not obedience) and takes approx.1 hour to complete. The dog must be a minimum of six months of age to be assessed.
Service Dog Program STEP 3 - Basic-Obedience
If the team passes its assessment, they begin basic obedience classes starting with a 6-week session. This time serves as an initial trial period where the dog and handler are further evaluated for the handler’s ability to manage a dog and the dog’s temperament and trainability.
Any issues with the dog or the handler’s ability to manage a dog will be identified during this trial period should further service dog training not be advisable.
Service Dog Program STEP 4 - Advanced-Obedience
If the team passes its assessment and their basic obedience, they begin a 6-week session (6 x 1 hour training sessions) to refine their team's obedience skills around distractions.
Any issues with the dog or the handler’s ability to manage a dog will be identified during this trial period should further service dog training not be advisable.
Service Dog Program STEP 5 - Public Access Training and Task Training
If the dog and handler pass probation and they wish to continue training with OARC, a separate agreement will be signed outlining payment options for the remaining training. Service dog training begins after advanced obedience has been completed and will consist of twice weekly 2-hour training sessions (4 weeks a month) for a minimum of 10 months.
This training will be focused on teaching the required medical tasks in the dog as well as proofing advanced obedience. Upon conclusion of the training, OARC dog trainer will administer a practice Public Access Test (PAT) to ensure the team is ready for any required provincial testing.
