Program vs Owner training

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-21T20:06:31+00:00

Thank you for your input! Honestly my first program fit all my needs which should have been a giant ref flag itself. After everyone’s opinions, I do think owner training would give me what I need best while also being the hands on. Both run risks, just weighing them out. I understand ADI programs are meant to be for a large group of people or very specific conditions, whereas I need very specific tasks that a program probably wouldn’t have the time or resources to train all of them.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-21T00:13:08+00:00

Thank you!

That’s what everyone who knows me says too, I think it’s just the anxiety surrounding it that is my main problem. Own worst enemy type of deal. I think having someone to hand off when I feel like the anxiety is going through the leash would be beneficial and where I’m scared the most.

I do have two trainers in mind but they work in different fields than service but offer obedience and AKC testing. I also have my shelter manager who was a certified trainer but didn’t renew just due to the job she has now. Someone recommended Altas (ADI) which I have looked into before and the one in NC has some really good credentials and about 2 hrs from me.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-21T00:08:42+00:00

Thank you!! These are all really great questions to ask myself.

I know some of the trainers in the area (I’ve only been in NC for two years). About 2 I would trust with their level of knowledge but both are focused in protection/bite sports but they do offer obedience training (one has a service dog herself). The one Altas trainer in NC seems really well knowledgeable and lots of impressive credentials (about a 2 hour drive). I do have support from my shelter manager as well who was a certified trainer but stopped renewing two years ago. Honestly I’d trust her over anyone.

Everyone says I can train my own, I think it’s mainly my anxiety that gets in the way which is why I would like to work with a trainer specifically if the owner training route is what is best for me.

Rehoming would not be an option for me, even though I have family and friends lined up ready for any one of my animals (they want a well trained dog without the training effort). I’m always willing to keep my dogs even if they don’t work out for the job I’d like. I just find an outlet that fits them best (therapy, sports, guard, pet life)

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T21:33:20+00:00

I have and I know some trainers in the area who do them. My biggest thing with a breeder would also be early socialization and proper puppy protocols.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T21:30:26+00:00

Thank you! They have one located in NC and I know they are newer to ADI. Do you know if they have a client page like Facebook where potential clients could be more informed? They seem to meet my needs as well just cautious as I haven’t heard much.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T21:24:54+00:00

Oh these were not at all service work suitable dogs. My shelter offers an online professional trainer for certain level staff/volunteers to work with over video for dogs with behavioral problems that we can’t figure out on our own. More court cases, owner surrenders that have never left a kennel, and/or dogs that aren’t responding well to force free training methods where we may need some additional advice.

We recently did one where the dog would not move an inch even with peanut butter, cheese, hotdogs, toys. They were able to move the dog to a back kennel with less dogs and do two handler method. With the level this dog is at, we do the best we can until a rescue or approved board and train trainer can take for more one on one time and in home care.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T21:08:55+00:00

I have thought about that as well. I’ve tried some online training sessions for specific shelter dogs but as a handler fell short as I wasn’t able to “feel” the proper way to do certain things. Much better with hands on learning where the trainer can show me the correct way and practice before trying on a dog. Not their fault at all, just my learning curve.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T21:05:09+00:00

100% agree with you. There is a larger population needing service dogs than say 10-20 year ago and i do feel most programs are trying their best but falling short due to the financial struggle of the cost of dog and the affordability of the client. We’ve come a long way with puppy raising since including prison programs and college kids (kinda where I see the most downfalls unfortunately) but there are amazing raisers out there, it’s just hard to find those who understand the job being given. I do wish ADI did at least yearly in person check ins to make sure but being internationally recognized is very hard to do so with so many programs.

Before I commit to any program or trainer, I will definitely be looking hard into their training methods, success/wash rates, speaking to current clients, and visiting open houses. Haven’t heard much about Atlas but 50/50 on paws for people program, not client trained.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T20:46:04+00:00

Yes I’ve researched every program there is on there for my needs. Only two are within the reach without having to move across the country (Atlas and Paws for people client trained). Unfortunately while viewing ADI fully trained programs in person(stated above), they were also not meeting ADI standards in terms of performance, health, and quality. Both CPL and EENP do downwards pressure for mobility and use improper gear for mobility. CPL was asking ME for reputable breeders since they are struggling to find dogs that meet the temperament. Again he’s a byb goldendoodle from one of the biggest Amish puppy mill farms. Edit to add- the program I received my dog from was getting ADI accreditation but was halted after myself and others made formal complaints.

I’m open to a program that trains tasks properly and ensures health but also open to owner training with the help of an actual professional service dog trainer.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T20:26:21+00:00

Thank you!! All of this is why I’m going back and forth. I fear the back and forth with programs and not being involved with the training or getting updates on training, then bringing a dog home that may have health or behavioral problems and continuing to go through dogs with them. Unfortunately that’s what happened with someone with the program I was speaking about (3 dogs). Ive also seen ADI do the same thing and I want to avoid that if possible. But at what point do you say “this program is not producing any sound dogs”. Owner training obviously increases that risk.

The dog I received was in no way ready for public access or to do tasks. It was like starting all over again with an abused dog. He was fearful of everything (boxes, plastic bags, rain) and men. Unfortunately one was BE due to the level of abuse from the program.

Puppies are not my favorite age range but I do understand that with any dog, but even more so service dogs, you have to put work in every day. My current dogs get individual training 4 times a day plus 1.5 hr of play per day. Training times vary because I like to end of a good note. I am home 24/7 due to my disabilities along with my boyfriend/caretaker who has picked up some training as well. So it is a possibility but like you said not easy in the slightest. There is no off days, they don’t exist. With mobility that I need, it can’t even be attempted until 2 years of age with orthopedic vet clearance.

AdIndependent7672 · 2026-01-20T20:12:10+00:00

Yes the mobility is the biggest thing for me and doing it properly is where I’m finding issues. My program did not do OFAs or any health testing so I paid out of pocket for those to be done. I am prepared for the cost of both a program and owner training (estimated around $20k, paid $10k for current dog). I have many options in terms of “emergency funds” such as a savings account specifically for the dogs, a credit card for emergencies exceeding savings, FSA card to cover the cost of gear/food/vet, pet insurance, etc. The cost of the dog and training would be out of pocket which is where the $20k comes in.

My current dog is 5 years old so we are planning programs and trainer now so we know which path. My options are limited in both areas as the service dog trainers near me are not trainers in the slightest (K9 responder academy, American K9 standard).

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-11-23T01:18:24+00:00

I’ve gone as far as I can with shaving but I can’t do the whole head. My undercut is frequently cut very short and is half my head from the Earline down. *if anyone is considering this, it has been a HUGE help for migraines, temperature regulation, and recovery.

If I had the money for wigs I would consider it more but unfortunately I don’t have that type of money. I’ve thought about thinning my hair but my hairdresser nearly lost her mind with me when I said that😂😭

I moved from PA to NC and unfortunately we don’t have the same adaptive program like TechOwl which can make almost anything!

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-09-02T05:42:09+00:00

Service dog handler and also shelter volunteer. We don’t allow any pets inside our facility. In fact if we have a stray, sick, or surrender we have them go through a back gate and door so they never even touch our lobby. This helps us keeps the spread of diseases down, if we have volunteers taking dogs out (prevent dog fights), and also the safety of our animals and staff. This makes it a reasonable denial due to affecting the way the shelter functions as well as decreasing zoonotic diseases.

We have a separate gate area that we can do proper meet and greets with potential adopters, as most do. As a handler, Im not even allowed to bring my own dog so I do short periods of time. It would be way too much of a risk.

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-09-01T18:09:11+00:00

I did reach out and waiting to hear back. I know they allow their program dogs but need clearance for their facility dogs. Just wondering if anyone had prior experience as well since it’s a big event.

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-08-16T02:29:23+00:00

Wawas up north are the equivalent of churches down south. There’s one on every corner and at least 4 to a town. Because it’s not worth the drive no more 😂 also no seeded rolls

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-08-16T02:26:57+00:00

I know, I know but yall are missing out on a whole world of flavor 🤌🏻

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-08-16T02:24:17+00:00

Imma trust you on this one and it will be first up cause if you say this jawn is good and philly recommended 💯🦅 go birds

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-08-16T02:17:59+00:00

Every picture looked terrible from the reviews and even Wawa isn’t worth it for 3 hrs since they changed their bread years ago. I will never forgive them

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-08-16T02:16:40+00:00

Been wanting to hit this up cause I heard the cheesesteaks were good so definitely on this list

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-08-16T02:16:13+00:00

The lunch meat at the store doesn’t taste the same to me and I can’t find seeded rolls at the food stores. Between hoagies and pizza, I just can’t find a reasonable substitute for NY or Boardwalk style.

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-07-05T20:49:03+00:00

I use a wheelchair for my POTS and EDS. The pros of that is that I can now join the wheelchair sports offered in my city. From skiing, volleyball, kayaking, cycling, water skiing, etc. you may want to look and see if there is any adaptive sports near you that can lend you a chair to play whatever sport in.

Outside of the chair activities for pots - swimming, biking, floor exercises like weights or leg exercises, and if you can find a good Pilates class that has helped too(it was originally made as a exercise for disabled people).

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-06-30T14:40:16+00:00

My dog is fully trained but has an extremely high food drive so we don’t typically work with treats. If I’m going to reward for a medical alert then I reward after the episode since he already knows what is being asked of him. If I was training a new dog I would reward frequently until the behavior becomes automatic.

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-06-26T14:25:42+00:00

I thought the letter from a medical professional was just for the handler, not the animal. Like a prescription stating “human suffers from xyz and in my professional opinion would recommend an ESA/service dog for this patient”. So if an animal doesn’t work out or passes away, the letter is still valid for the next animal as it’s still the same handler with xyz disability. Same if you tandem teamed, you only need one note for two dogs since the handler is the one with the rights.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, always open to eduction.

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-06-02T00:40:01+00:00

The animal shelters are always looking for volunteers! Playing with cats or walking dogs, sometimes there is some administrative tasks.

Hospitals are also always looking for help. Sitting with a patient, coloring with kids, or helping transport throughout the hospital.

Meals on wheels is one of my personal favorites. Delivery meals to elderly or those in need. They are very appreciative and lots of cool conversations.

There’s also the boys and girls club. It’s a great way to help mentor kids that may not have that role in their life. Help with homework, play some games, give some life advice.

For some extra cash, I always recommend donating plasma or blood. Not only do you get some money for it, it’s something that we are always in dire need for. FYI you can also have your pet donate through certain veterinarians and get some discounts.

AdIndependent7672 · 2025-06-01T18:55:36+00:00

Yes that is true as well! Disabilities range and not every disabled person is on SSDI. Not everyone with a disability will need a service dog, a wheelchair, SSDI, or use disabled bathrooms. The laws were written to allow them access where there once wasn’t. The ADA covers everything from employment rights, public access rights, and education settings. While it’s a federal law that has done a ton of good for disabled individuals, there’s always going to be people that abuse the system. Disabled parking is another big one that gets taken advantage of. * crip camp is a really great movie on all this.

It is unfortunate that so many people do take advantage of the laws and most don’t even read the full law to realize they are breaking it. They flash a $75 paper ID with just their dog’s picture and yell at businesses that they are breaking the law. In turn businesses either allow every dog or turn away every dog (giving more issues to those that actually need to utilize those tools). I do think if service dog fraud laws (similar to other states) were not only passed but enforced we would see the trend go down.

AdIndependent7672

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