I'll contact several breeders that have produced a quality line of service dogs to see availability. I'll then visit the breeder observing the litter of puppies for natural behaviors that would optimize the dog’s chances of becoming a successful service dog. Once a puppy is identified, I'll conduct some simple "tests" in an isolated location so distractions are at a minimum. Depending upon how the puppy performs, it would be identified as quality service dog candidate.

There is no concrete way to determine the length of training a service dog. Each puppy is unique as are the client’s needs. This combination will determine the length of training. Normally, service dogs take from 12 to 18 months or longer to fully train, depending on the tasks needed for the client.

Normally, the cost of service dogs ranges from $10k to $50k depending on the exact training and the breed of dog. The average cost should fall somewhere between $20k and $30k. The exact cost of your service dog depends upon specific training needed. Service Dogs are not inexpensive. When one considers the original cost of the dog, the year or more of individual training, cost of food, medical bills, etc. one might imagine that owning a service dog is out of reach. However, there are ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by seeking help from religious organizations, community organizations and relatives.

Normally, we will have two home-training sessions with you and your service dog. The first will take place about half-way through the estimated training period. This will take place as a 2-day visit where the trainer and service dog will accompany the client in their home for up to 4 hours each day introducing skills and management of the service dog. Normally, no overnight stays during this visit. The final home-training session will take place at the end of training and the beginning of placement with the client. This will be up to 5 days and up to 5 nights where the client and family will have the service dog. During the days the trainer will be at the client's home for up to 5 hours each day. The client will have the service dog overnight, but support will be a phone call away. The trainer will stay at another location within a short distance of the client and service dog. Weekend and evening training sessions are also available. Once this final training and transition takes place the service dog remains with the client. To support this transition, the trainer will be available for phone or video conferences as needed and in-person support as deemed possible.

Although some rescue dogs are trained to assist people, these are primarily for comfort dogs. Even though it is possible to use a rescue dog for certain type of service training, we mainly use puppies from proven breeders to ensure the best match for your needs. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. I have worked with older dogs that perform all the tasks required well and have the temperament for a service dog. Most often, we start with an 8-week-old puppy, where we can assure the dog has had no traumatic experiences that may impede training and proficiency of the dog's performance.

Once we determine what skills/services your service dog will perform and agree with a contract, and once your training with the dog is complete there is a one-year guarantee. If after one year you are not satisfied with your service dog because they are not performing the agreed upon skills and services, we will accept the dog back and reimburse your fees less return transportation costs for 1-on-1 Service Dogs.

From birth, puppies here at 1-on-1 Service Dogs that become service dogs grow in a loving environment with high quality food and all of the best veterinary care available. Once training begins, puppies are with one trainer 24/7 providing outstanding care, love and bonding. Throughout their training, service dogs eat healthy, quality food that provides all the nutrients needed to grow into healthy service dogs. Professional veterinary care continues throughout this training. Once a service dog is placed, the new owner/client are trained how to continue training and working with their service dog. It is my experience that each service dog is pleased they make an impact with their client. They are rewarded, loved, sheltered and fed better than most pets I have seen. So, if one wonders if service dogs lead a happy life, the answer is absolutely, positively yes.