Service Dog Training

Owner Trained Service Dog Program

Nine Realms Canine Training works one on one with individuals that are seeking guidance training their own dogs for service work. At Nine Realms Canine Training we believe that if an individual needs a Service Dog, they should not be limited by the high cost of a fully trained dog. This is why Nine Realms offers an affordable Owner Trained Service Dog Program.

Those wanting to join the program must have a disability that qualifies them for a Service Dog. Individuals may train a dog they already own, if it passes evaluations, or may work with Nine Realms to select a dog. Dogs that you already own must go through an evaluation before being allowed into the program to ensure the dog is suited for service work. Evaluation cost is $85 for roughly 30-50min of testing at a pet friendly location. The evaluation does not guarantee that the dog will become a Service Dog. The evaluation weeds out dogs not suited for service work from the beginning. Dogs that enter training may still wash out (fail) later on for many reasons. Frequently the dog demonstrates that he does not enjoy the work, is nervous in public locations, or does not have the desire to task for his handler. Dogs that have human aggression, dog aggression, major anxiety, are nervous in new locations, or have major behavioral issues will not be considered for the program.

The Owner Trained Program is set up for owners to learn how to train their own service dog with regular guidance from Nine Realms. Clients choose how often they wish to meet based on their schedule, training needs, and skill level. This is discussed in the in person evaluation.

Training starts in the home or pet friendly locations, working on obedience and tasks, and then moves to public access training, with permission from several locations. Handlers and dogs meet with Karin and train several times a month, working on obedience, tasks, and public access until the dog is a fully trained service dog. All dogs must pass all three Canine Good Citizen Tests, the Nine Realms’ Public Access Test, a Task Proficiency Test, and then are certified through the American Society of Canine Trainers (if handlers want this final component). This ensures that the dogs leaving the program are highly trained, prepared, and skilled for their future careers. Please note that certification is not required per ADA law for Service Dogs, as well as the CGC tests. Nine Realms holds its handlers and dogs to higher levels of standards and thus requires each team to meet these standards before passing the program.

Training is on a contract and lasts until the dog is fully trained for service work. The length of the contract depends on the age and skill of the dog. Nine Realms decides when the dog is fully trained and won’t allow dogs into the working world before they are fully prepared. Please note: Do not contact and ask us how long it will take your dog or how much it will cost. That question will not be answered until the evaluation has occurred. Each dog is different. We do not know how fast or slow a dog will learn until we start training. Generally it takes a year of training meeting at least every other week.

Cost

Owners may send their dog away for board and train for service work on a case by case basis. This is the most expensive option but also the best option for individuals who want the training to be completely done by a professional. Board and train costs are listed on the board and train page. The service dog rate is a little different so feel free to email for more information.

Private lessons are the most common method for folks training their own service dog. Owners choose from the packages of lessons listed below. Most service dog handlers start with a package of six lessons and purchase more as needed. Owners will continue to purchase lesson packages until the dog is fully trained (this can take anywhere from four months to a year). Owners may use those lessons at their leisure as long as it is within five months of lesson purchase. It is up to the owner and the trainer to determine if meeting weekly, every other week, every third week, or every month is the ideal training schedule or fit for the budget. This is tailored to each client budget, schedule, and dog training needs. Every other week is the recommended minimum. The average number of private lessons needed for a dog to become a service dog is 18-24.

Half hour lessons are available to service dog clients that have finished one package. This option is great for those that need more fine tuning in one area, a quick review, or have limited time.

Miles are no longer charged as long as the location is within 30min of the Nine Realms Facility. Trips to clients homes or training that are farther than 30min away from the Nine Realms Facility are charged as follows: Up to 45min away $50: Up to 1hr away $100.

Service Dog Package Rates:

Evaluation: $85.00

Four Lessons: $450.00

Six Lessons: $650.00

Half Hour: $65.00

Need Help Selecting a Service Dog?

Nine Realms also offers assistance selecting a dog. There are several options available depending on need.

For a quick 30min phone call to discuss how to select a breeder, what to look for in a dog, temperament tesing, and other questions the cost is $50. This service does not include the trainer looking at the breeder selected for you or doing further research.

For folks needing help selecting a breed, breeder, and to review videos or information over the phone/email/text only, the cost is $125.

For help selecting a breed, breeder, and to do an in person temperament test on one litter or one dog the cost is $250. Travel fee applicable for testing outside the Spokane area.

For help going through the entire process from start to finish, multiple dogs, litters, breeders, etc. the cost is $500. Travel within 30min of Nine Realms facility is not charged, any further travel will be charged accordingly.

Below are some of the types of Service Dogs Nine Realms trains for:

-Anxiety/Psychiatric Service Dogs

-Mobility Support Service Dogs

-Assistance Service Dogs

-Hearing Alert Service Dogs

-PTSD Service Dogs

-Autism Assistance Dogs

-Seizure Response Service Dogs: We cannot guarantee or accurately train for seizure alert, no trainer can.

Diabetic/Cardiac/Medical Alert Service Dogs: This training is done via private lessons where Nine Realms teachers the owner/handler how to teach their own service dog how to alert to each handler’s specific needs. We do not offer board and train or fully trained dogs in this area at this time.

We do not train Guide Dogs.

Currently we do not offer fully trained Service Dogs. We do offer selective board and trains for current Owner Train Program clients. Please contact.

Clients wishing to owner train with guidance from Nine Realms’ Master Trainer Karin Wagemann are highly encouraged to email (not call) for more information and a sample of the training contract.

Service Dog Board and Train

For those that are not able to train their own dog (either due to disability, time, or training skill) board and train is an option. Starting with a board and train for a young puppy to ensure the proper socialization and exposure, owners will then continue with private training lessons, another board and train around 8 months of age, and then between a year and a year and half. Owners enroll the dog in several board and trains of various lengths depending on the dog’s needs, age, and training, and continue training between the board and trains with private lessons (the owner train program). This is the method recommended as it ensures that a trainer is giving your service dog a solid foundation. However, Nine Realms understands that not all those in need of a service dog can afford board and trains, which is why we offer the Owner Train Program.

The Service Dog Board and Train Program is available on a case by case basis so please email.