What Makes Us Different
California Service Dog Academy sets itself apart from other programs by not simply selling 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.
California Service Dog Academy also has an in-house mental health team that tracks handler progress through our Sentinel Dog Service Dog Program for Veterans. This ensures that our Sentinel Dog participants are benefitting from our program. This also allows us to see the progress our clients make with their new service dogs.
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.
California Service Dog Academy also has an in-house mental health team that tracks handler progress through our Sentinel Dog Service Dog Program for Veterans. This ensures that our Sentinel Dog participants are benefitting from our program. This also allows us to see the progress our clients make with their new service dogs.
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.
What To Expect
CSDA accepts applications year round but only begins training once per year in the fall. This allows everyone to receive the same attention and move at a similar pace.
Training takes approximately 9 months to a year to complete, but can take up to 2 years. 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 serivce dog be an essential part of your life.
Training takes approximately 9 months to a year to complete, but can take up to 2 years. 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 serivce dog be an essential part of your life.
