Frequently Asked Questions

The Owner Trainer Service Dog Program at Masterpeace Dog Training is designed to assist individuals in training their own dogs to become service dogs. This program provides comprehensive support, resources, and guidance from professional trainers to ensure that the dog meets the necessary standards to become a reliable service animal.

The program is open to individuals who meet the ADA definition of disabled who wish to train their own dog as a service animal. Applicants must provide documentation of their disability and demonstrate that their dog has the potential to be trained as a service dog.

Our program supports the training of various types of service dogs, including those for mobility assistance, psychiatric support, medical alert, and more. The specific training plan will be tailored to the individual needs of the handler.

Prospective participants must complete an initial evaluation to assess the dog’s temperament and suitability for service work. The dog should be in good health, up-to-date on vaccinations, and exhibit a calm and focused demeanor.

The training process includes:

• Basic obedience and socialization

• Task-specific training tailored to the handler’s needs

• Public access training to ensure the dog behaves appropriately in various environments

• Regular assessments and progress evaluations

The duration of the training varies depending on the dog and the specific tasks required. On average, it can take 12-24 months to fully train a service dog. Consistent practice and commitment from the handler are crucial to the dog’s success.

Participants receive ongoing support from our professional trainers, including one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and access to training resources. We also offer troubleshooting and problem-solving assistance as needed.

The Public Access Test is a crucial component of the program that evaluates whether the service dog can behave appropriately in public settings. The test assesses the dog’s obedience, demeanor, and ability to perform specific tasks in various environments. Passing this test is required for the dog to be recognized as a service animal by MasterPeace Dog Training.

The MasterPeace Home Helpmate Test is an option for those who do not intend for their dogs to become full service dogs with public access. This test allows owners to demonstrate their dog’s ability to perform a certain number of tasks at home. Upon successful completion, the dog receives the MasterPeace Home Helpmate title.

For those training their dogs as full service dogs, attaining the Home Helpmate title is a milestone en route to completing the program with the Public Access Test. It demonstrates the dog's ability to perform tasks and provides a solid foundation for further training.

If a dog does not pass the Public Access Test, we will provide additional training and support to address any issues. The goal is to ensure that every dog in the program can meet the required standards, and we are committed to working with handlers to achieve this.

Yes, there are is a monthly fee to be enrolled in the program. This includes an individual training plan by our certified service dog trainer, progress tracking, and one monthly check-in.

Yes, puppies can be enrolled in the program. Early training can be beneficial, as it lays a strong foundation for future service work. However, check with your veterinarian that your puppy has received the necessary vaccines to be in our facility safely.

Yes, if you have a service dog that requires additional or specialized training, we can work with you to enhance the dog’s skills and ensure they meet all necessary standards.

Yes, our program welcomes individuals who wish to learn more about training service dogs, even if their current dog is not intended to become a service dog. This can be a great way to gain knowledge and skills for training a future service dog.

A typical timeline for the program can vary depending on the dog's age, current skill level, and the specific tasks needed. On average, it takes between 12-24 months to fully train a service dog, with milestones such as basic obedience, task-specific training, the Home Helpmate Test, and ultimately the Public Access Test.