Rewards & Realities
Training your own service dog is a unique journey — full of incredible rewards and meaningful challenges.
For many families and independent adults, it’s a chance to take an active role in shaping a life-changing partnership. This page is here to help you weigh both the joys and responsibilities before deciding if the Train Your Own (TYO) path is right for you.
REWARDS
Rewards
Deep Bond
From day one, you’ll be building a lifelong connection as you raise and guide your dog.
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Flexibility
You can customize training to fit your child’s unique needs or your daily routines, instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Empowerment
Gain confidence and new skills as you learn alongside your dog. Many families find the process transformative, strengthening not just their partnership with their dog but also their sense of capability and resilience.
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Accessibility
With service dog wait times often stretching 2–5 years, TYO allows you to start sooner and bring a dog into your life without the long delay.
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Affordability
TYO is significantly lower in cost than traditional full-service placements, making service dogs accessible to more people.
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Personal Criteria
You decide which trained skills are most important for your family or lifestyle. This flexibility makes it easier for your dog to qualify as a working partner in your home and community.
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Freedom of Choice
You get to choose the dog that’s right for you — including breed, size, color, and sex — so your partner truly matches your preferences, lifestyle, and needs.
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Ownership from the Start
From the beginning, your dog is truly yours — no transfers, no rehoming, no question of who your dog belongs to.
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Work at Your Own Pace
Every family and individual’s timeline is different. In TYO, there’s no deadline for certification. You can progress as quickly or gradually as fits your capacity.
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A Family Affair
For many families, training becomes a meaningful project that everyone can share. Siblings, parents, and even extended family often take pride in contributing to the process.
Realities & Risks
REALITIES & RISKS
No Guarantees
Even with expert guidance, not every dog is suited for service work. Some dogs may become full service dogs, while others may serve as task-trained companions or beloved pets if challenges arise (such as fearfulness, reactivity, or health concerns).
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Responsibility
You own the dog and are accountable for all training, behavior, medical care, and overall well-being. This responsibility begins on day one and lasts for the dog’s lifetime.
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Time & Energy
Raising and training a puppy requires daily consistency, patience, and ongoing practice. Progress doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through hundreds of small steps.
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Added Stress
Adding a young dog to a busy household can be overwhelming. Consider carefully whether your family has the time, capacity, and support network to manage this additional responsibility.
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Public Access Readiness
Certification only comes if your dog meets the standards for public access. Families and individuals must be prepared to accept that not all dogs will reach this level.
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Possible Outcomes
Your dog may graduate as a working service dog, or you may decide together that they are better suited as a skilled companion or pet. Either way, the love and learning along the way are real and lasting.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why It Matters
The need for service dogs is greater than ever. Many people face long waitlists — sometimes up to five years — or are unable to access a dog at all. Good Dog’s Train Your Own program is one way we’re opening more doors, empowering families and individuals to take their future into their own hands.
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TYO isn’t the easiest path, but for the right families and adults, it can be one of the most rewarding. If you’re ready to take the lead, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
BENEFITS OF A SERVICE DOG
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Trained Support: Service dogs are trained to perform tasks that help with daily living — from interrupting repetitive behaviors to retrieving items, opening doors, or alerting to medical changes.
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Emotional Regulation: Dogs provide calming comfort, helping children and adults manage stress, anxiety, and sensory overload.
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Community Access: A service dog can help increase independence and participation at school, work, and in public spaces.
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Companionship & Confidence: Beyond tasks, service dogs bring unconditional love and friendship, empowering families and individuals alike.