Service Dog - Program Introduction

Training your own service dog is a journey that requires the dedication of both time and financial resources.  This seminar is designed to educate you on the process and requirements of training your own service dog thru The Dog Alliance.  This seminar is also required if you are interested in adopting a dog trained by our professional staff.  

• Does your pet dog have the right characteristics to be a service dog?
• What is the legal definition of a service dog?
• What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog or emotional support dog?
• What laws cover dogs out in public, on planes, and in apartments?
• Do I really need The Dog Alliance's help?
• What are public access rights?
• How long will it take to train my dog?  How much will it cost? 
• What happens if I spend 6 months training my dog and he decides to start growling at other dogs? 
• What are the steps required to train public access?
• How will I learn to teach my dog to do tasks for me? 
• What training methods will be used?
• What skills are needed for The Dog Alliance public access test?
• What is Assistance Dogs International?
• Can you help me fundraise to cover the cost of training?
• Can I participate online?
• What types of scholarships are available?  
• I have a puppy, when should I start training?
• Can you help me find a suitable dog?
• What benefits do I receive if I pass the certification exam?
• What paperwork is required prior to taking the certification exam? Why is it needed?
• What types of diagnoses are appropriate for a psychiatric service dog?
• How will the dog help me with my PTSD, anxiety, or depression?  Do service dogs really help?
• Can I train my own dog to alert for seizures, diabetes, the sound of a doorbell, peanuts?
• I'm in a wheelchair, how can my dog help me?
• I'm in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, can I train my own dog?
• Can a friend or family member help me train my dog?

By the end of the seminar, you should have enough information to determine if this is the right path for you and your dog partner.  

The next steps are in person:  We are located in Cedar Park, TX.  Please read our FAQs for more information on program requirements. 

The first step in training your own dog is to teach basic skills.  If your dog has not learned to sit, down, come, stay, leave it, loose-leash walking, and how to politely greet people, please consider enrolling in a puppy or dog manners class as soon as possible to begin your journey.  Our system will allow you to register in ONE multiple-week service dog course without being an approved member of the program.  If you choose to join our program, the fee from the multiple-week class is applied to your deposit.  

This seminar is required prior to having your dog evaluated for the program.  After you attend the seminar, our system will automatically send you a link to schedule a free consultation with our senior service dog trainers.  

Disabled veterans and first responders:  Thank you for your service.   During the check-out process, please provide information about your service to attend for a discounted fee.  Our generous donors provide scholarships for disabled veterans and first responders in our Hounds for Heroes Service Dog program.  

Successfully attending and completing a course or the entire series of service dogs courses does not qualify you as a service/assistance dog trainer that is qualified to train dogs for others.  The purpose of our program is to guide you as you train your own dog to be your service dog.  The Dog Alliance is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International.