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Bring Your Own Dog (BYOD) Process

Our BYOD Assessment gives you a clear, professional recommendation on your dog’s service dog potential.

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At Good Dog! we understand that you may already own a dog and wonder if they could be trained as your service dog. Our BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) Application & Assessment is designed to give you a clear, professional recommendation about whether your dog is a suitable candidate for service work. This process ensures that both you and your dog are set up for success.
 

Please note: The BYOD Application & Assessment is completed in addition to the Standard TYO Application. The order is up to you—some people prefer to have their dog assessed first before applying to the program, while others prefer to complete their personal/family application first and only move forward with BYOD once accepted. Both options are welcome.

Step 1: Start with the Free TYO Dog Suitability Form

Begin by filling out our TYO Dog Suitability Form, a free interactive tool that helps you gauge whether your dog may be a good candidate for service work.

  • If the form indicates potential, you can move forward with the BYOD Application & Assessment.

  • If the form suggests your dog is unlikely to qualify, you’ll still gain valuable insight before investing time and money.


We can also download our Service Dog Manners Sheet and Deal Breaker Checklist to print and review to better understand the standards expected of service dogs.

DOG SUITABILITY  FORM

Step 1: Application Orientation (Required First Step)

ORIENTATION

Before you can apply or have your own dog assessed, you must attend a Train Your Own Application Orientation via Zoom. This session walks you through the structure, expectations, and commitments of the program. Whether you are a parent preparing for your child or an independent adult training for yourself, this step ensures you know what to expect.

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We’ll also discuss the two ways to get started—either working with us to procure a suitable puppy or having your own dog assessed—so you feel confident choosing the starting point that’s right for you.

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👉 Sign up here for the next Application Orientation

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Please review the entire TYO section of our website and visit the Help Me Decide page beforehand.

Step 2: TYO Dog Initial Application (Part 1)

At Orientation we will share a link to the BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) Application & Assessment. To apply, you’ll complete the online form about your dog’s history, training, and behavior and submit a medical form completed by your veterinarian. There is a $150 assessment fee.

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Please note: The BYOD Application & Assessment is completed in addition to the Standard TYO Application. The order is up to you—some people prefer to have their dog assessed first before applying to the program, while others prefer to complete their personal/family application first and only move forward with BYOD once accepted. Both options are welcome.

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DOG APPLICATION

Step 3: References

We will contact two people who know your dog well—such as trainers, neighbors, or pet professionals—to gather outside perspectives on your dog’s behavior and temperament.

REFERENCES

Step 4: Skills & Temperament Assessment

Our team will evaluate your dog’s suitability through a combination of:

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  • Review submitted videos of your dog in daily life and and outside the home

  • Virtual observations with your household (Zoom or other video platform)

  • Real-time discussion with your household about observed behaviors and progress

  • Professional review of behavior, responses, and temperament

  • Assessment of adaptability in new environments and around distractions

  • Evaluation of the dog–household relationship and communication style

SKILLS ASSESSMENT

Step 5: Final Report & Recommendation

FINAL REPORT 

You will receive a written evaluation with our professional opinion on whether your dog is a strong service dog candidate and suitable for the Train Your Own program.

  • If your dog is recommended as a candidate: You can move forward into the Certified TYO program.

  • If your dog is not recommended as a candidate: You’ll still receive a detailed, professional assessment outlining your dog’s strengths and challenges.

 

Assessment Fee: $150 — covers the time and expertise of our professional team.

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