How It Works
California Service Dog Academy sets itself apart from other programs by not simply selling, or mass producing, service dogs. Through our unique training programs, we enable our future service dog handlers to problem solve, train, communicate, and work with their dogs on their own. We give them the tools they need to be successful without having to rely on an outside trainer. CSDA is here for support and training throughout the life of the client, but our goal is for our service dog handlers to be independent and successful.
The CSDA Way
Our program starts with a 6-week Handler Course that takes place through Google Classroom. This course goes over service dog laws, access requirements, training basics, service dog behaviors, canine body language and husbandry, and more. The information provided in the course allows handler to be informed of what to expect when working with and living with a service dog at home and in public.
After our Handler Course is complete, we begin training. CSDA offers several types of training options including group classes, one-on-one training, virtual check-ins, restaurant training sessions, airplane simulator training, and more to prepare dogs and handlers. Classes take place in public at local businesses, parks, restaurants, and stores.
Handlers are expected to attend training sessions regularly and work with their own dogs outside of classes several hours each week. Practice makes perfect! Our trainers provide ongoing support and feedback for everyone involved and are able to help with any issues that a handler has.
Our teams go through several stages of training. Beginner training, which covers the basic skills and socialization required to pass the Canine Good Citizen test; Intermediate training, which covers public access skills and training; and Advanced training, where tasks are trained for each dog to assist their handler. Tasks are trained specifically for each participant. You are unique, your disability is unique, and your service dog should reflect that. Tasks are trained according to an individual's needs as service dogs are not one size fits all.
After our Handler Course is complete, we begin training. CSDA offers several types of training options including group classes, one-on-one training, virtual check-ins, restaurant training sessions, airplane simulator training, and more to prepare dogs and handlers. Classes take place in public at local businesses, parks, restaurants, and stores.
Handlers are expected to attend training sessions regularly and work with their own dogs outside of classes several hours each week. Practice makes perfect! Our trainers provide ongoing support and feedback for everyone involved and are able to help with any issues that a handler has.
Our teams go through several stages of training. Beginner training, which covers the basic skills and socialization required to pass the Canine Good Citizen test; Intermediate training, which covers public access skills and training; and Advanced training, where tasks are trained for each dog to assist their handler. Tasks are trained specifically for each participant. You are unique, your disability is unique, and your service dog should reflect that. Tasks are trained according to an individual's needs as service dogs are not one size fits all.
Process
The process begins with contacting CSDA to discuss cost and needs associated with receiving a service dog. California Service Dog Academy does NOT train seizure alert dogs, hearing alert dogs, guide dogs, or autism support dogs. CSDA does not provide dogs to applicants under the age of 16, and all applicants under the age of 18 must go through the program with the support and guidance of their legal guardian.
Once needs have been discussed, an application must be submitted and a background check will be conducted. A doctor’s note and one letter of recommendation from a family member or friend must be submitted with the application.
Once the application, including a background check, has been approved, the applicant will have a phone or in-person interview with a CSDA representative to talk about fundraising and training expectations for the dog.
Once the applicant has their dog and all funds raised, training will begin. All teams will be required to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, the Public Access Certification test, and have 3 tasks trained to mitigate the handler’s disability before the team can be granted full service dog status through CSDA.
Eligibility: In order to be eligible for CSDA's CARE Dog Program, the following guidelines must be met
Once needs have been discussed, an application must be submitted and a background check will be conducted. A doctor’s note and one letter of recommendation from a family member or friend must be submitted with the application.
Once the application, including a background check, has been approved, the applicant will have a phone or in-person interview with a CSDA representative to talk about fundraising and training expectations for the dog.
Once the applicant has their dog and all funds raised, training will begin. All teams will be required to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, the Public Access Certification test, and have 3 tasks trained to mitigate the handler’s disability before the team can be granted full service dog status through CSDA.
Eligibility: In order to be eligible for CSDA's CARE Dog Program, the following guidelines must be met
- You have a disability of some kind (please ask us if you are not sure!)
- Your Doctor can provide a note recommending a Service Dog for you.
- Your can provide a letter of reference from a family member or friend
- You live within 150 miles of Visalia, CA
- You are willing to do some of the work!
Applying for A care Dog
CSDA accepts applications year round for the CARE Program, however our waiting list varies.
For those who have their own dog, training takes approximately one year to complete, but can take up to 2 years. For those who are in need of a CSDA provided dog, training takes 6 months to complete. Graduation usually depends on several factors including how often training is attended, how often a dog is worked with outside of class, and the schedule and lifestyle of the handler.
Being part of California Service Dog Academy's training program is not easy, it requires a lot of time, effort and dedication... but it is worth it in the end to have your service dog be an essential part of your life.
For those who have their own dog, training takes approximately one year to complete, but can take up to 2 years. For those who are in need of a CSDA provided dog, training takes 6 months to complete. Graduation usually depends on several factors including how often training is attended, how often a dog is worked with outside of class, and the schedule and lifestyle of the handler.
Being part of California Service Dog Academy's training program is not easy, it requires a lot of time, effort and dedication... but it is worth it in the end to have your service dog be an essential part of your life.
