top of page

Who We Serve:

Train Your Own Certified Good Dog!

Our Train Your Own Good Dog! program is designed to support both families raising a child with a disability and independent adults with disabilities in training a service dog to meet your specific needs.

KB_GoodDogVest1..jpg

Our Train Your Own Good Dog! program is designed for anyone—both families raising a child with a disability and independent adults with disabilities—who wants to take an active role in training a service dog to meet their specific needs.

​

While we specialize in autism service dogs and related disabilities such as developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, and other neurologically based conditions,

​

We also help you train dogs for a wide range of service dog roles, including:

​

  • Neurocognitive support
    (autism, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, social and emotional support, etc.)

  • Medical alert & response
    (hard of hearing, diabetic alert, seizure alert, POTS, cardiac conditions, other episodic or chronic medical needs)

  • Mobility Support
    (balance and stability assistance, retrieving items, opening doors, wheelchair support, tasks to enhance independence)

  • Psychiatric support
    (anxiety and depression, PTSD/trauma recovery, community reintegration)

…and many other unique or rare disability needs. If a trained service dog can assist, we can help guide you in training for it.

​

We cannot help you train a guide dog for the Blind and the visually impaired.

​

All applicants must be accepted via our application process and provide proof of a qualifying disability if they wish to use a Service Dog in public establishments. 

WHO WE SERVE

Service Dog Eligibility

Before applying, please review the following requirements:

​

The Recipient must:

  • Have a disability diagnosis that can be verified by a medical professional and that would benefit from trained service dog tasks

  • Be six years of age or older when you begin the program

  • Live with the parent or caregiver who will lead the training (if the recipient is a child), or be an independent adult able to manage the training process

  • Must have access to the internet and a webcam (or smart phone).

The Parent or Caregiver (if applicable) must:

  • Live with the recipient and be willing and able to train the dog and serve as its main handler

  • Understand that, once training is complete, the recipient may become the handler—if all parties agree it is safe and appropriate

  • Be prepared that in most cases, the parent or caregiver will remain the dog’s handler for its working life

  • Have access to the internet with a webcam or smartphone to participate in the program

 ELIGIBILITY

CUSTOMIZABLE

Customizable Training for Your Goals

While we provide expert guidance in teaching common service dog tasks such as:

  • Deep pressure for emotional regulation

  • Tactile input

  • Behavior interruption or redirection

  • Focus and grounding assistance

  • Support for community access and engagement

  • Bridging social connection and communication

…the Train Your Own program is fully customizable. You’ll work with our team to identify and guide your dog’s training in the specific skills and public access behaviors that best support your lifestyle, health, and goals—whether that’s emotional regulation, mobility, independence, safety, or assistance in public spaces.

Additional Requirements for a Successful Start

  • No children under the age of 4 currently living in the home
    (Young children can unintentionally disrupt training and increase stress for both the dog and family. Case-by-case exceptions may be considered.)

  • No dogs in the home with a history of aggression toward people or animals

  • No one in the household should be fearful of dogs or uncomfortable with normal puppy behaviors

  • Ability to commit to daily training, especially in the first 6–12 months

  • A stable living situation without frequent moves or major transitions

​

Important: We cannot support service dog training in homes where any individual may inadvertently physically or emotionally harm the dog due to dysregulation, unpredictable behaviors, or other safety risks. The wellbeing and safety of the dog are essential for everyone’s success.

REQUIREMENTS

Is This Program a Good Fit?

 A GOOD FIT?

Our Certified Good Dog! Train Your Own program is a great match for those who:

 

  • Want to take an active, hands-on role in training their own service dog

  • Can provide daily structure, consistency, and time for training

  • Feel comfortable learning new skills and working with dogs (dog experience is a plus, but not required)

  • Need a more accessible or flexible alternative to a full-service placement

  • Want the guidance of an experienced team while they customize and lead their dog’s training

  • Are open to working at their own pace and understand that certification is not guaranteed

 

Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, or an adult with disabilities looking for greater independence, this program empowers you to build a lasting partnership with your service dog and create meaningful change in your daily life.

ADDITIONAL

Additional Information on Eligibility

While Good Dog! has established eligibility criteria for the type of service dogs we provide, we do not discriminate against any applicant based on race/ethnicity, creed, gender, religion, marital status, age, nationality, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service status or any other consideration as indicated by federal, state or local laws.

bottom of page