What It Is
Owner Training Is Not DIY
Under the ADA, individuals with disabilities have the right to train their own service dog. But that doesn't mean doing it alone. Owner training means you are the primary handler and trainer -- with a professional mentor guiding your decisions, correcting your mechanics, and holding you to the same standard as any program-trained dog.
Our academy provides the structure, curriculum, and accountability most owner-trainers are missing. You get a clear path from puppy or prospect selection through public access readiness, with benchmarks at every stage.
The Process
How the Academy Works
Every handler-dog team moves at its own pace, but the structure stays the same. Here's what the journey looks like.
Application & Consultation
You fill out an intake form and we have an honest conversation about your disability-related needs, lifestyle, experience level, and goals. Not everyone is a fit for owner training -- and that's okay. We'll tell you upfront.
Dog Selection & Evaluation
Whether you already have a prospect or need help choosing one, we evaluate temperament, health, and trainability. The right dog is the foundation of everything. We'll help you avoid the expensive mistakes most owner-trainers make at this stage.
Foundations & Obedience
You learn how dogs learn. Marker timing, reinforcement schedules, leash handling, impulse control, environmental confidence. We build a rock-solid obedience foundation before any task work begins.
Task Training & Proofing
Your dog learns the specific tasks that mitigate your disability -- deep pressure therapy, medical alerts, mobility assistance, psychiatric interrupts, or whatever your team needs. Every task is proofed across environments until it's reliable.
Public Access & Graduation
The final stage. Your dog must demonstrate consistent, safe, non-disruptive behavior in public environments. We prepare you for real-world access challenges, ADA rights, and how to handle confrontations. You graduate as a confident, capable team.
Investment
Academy Pricing
Transparent, straightforward pricing. No hidden fees.
| Item | Investment |
|---|---|
| Initial AssessmentApplied to tuition if you enroll | $199 |
| Monthly Tuition4 private sessions + curriculum + support | $950/month |
| 3-Month PrepaySave 5% | $2,700 |
| 6-Month PrepaySave 10% | $5,130 |
| A la carte SessionFor graduates or single sessions | $275/hr |
What You Get
Built for Handlers, Not Hobbyists
Structured Curriculum
A clear training plan tailored to your dog, your disability, and your pace. No guesswork.
1-on-1 Mentorship
Private sessions with a professional trainer. You're never left to figure it out from YouTube.
ADA Education
Know your rights, know the law, and know how to handle access challenges with confidence.
LIMA Methodology
We start with the least intrusive approach and adjust tools to the individual dog's needs.
Milestone Benchmarks
Clear progression markers so you know exactly where your team stands at every stage.
Public Access Prep
Real-world proofing in stores, restaurants, airports, and medical settings.
Is This Right for You?
Owner Training Is a Commitment
This program is for individuals with a disability who are ready to invest the time, energy, and patience it takes to train a reliable service dog. It is not a shortcut and it is not cheaper than a program dog -- but it gives you something no program can: a deep understanding of your own dog.
This program is a good fit if you:
Have a disability that a service dog can mitigate
Are committed to training 5-7 days a week
Can handle constructive feedback on your handling
Understand this is a 12-24+ month process
Want a partner, not just a pet with a vest
Handler Testimonials
What Academy Graduates Say
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