Therapy + Service Dog Training NC
Sally Said So Professional Dog Training is your veterinarian recommended, locally owned source of expert dog trainers. We help you improve your dog’s behavioral wellbeing through trusted reward based training techniques.
We know every handler, dog, and team is different so we come to you to start your customized training plan.
Training begins in the convenience of your living room, then we take you into the real world.
We offer service dog training and therapy dog training throughout North Carolina.
What is a Service Dog?
Service dogs are highly trained canines that assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks to mitigate their handler’s disability-related limitations.
Service dogs are protected by federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which grants them access to public places and accommodations alongside their handlers.
What is a Therapy Dog ?
They offer emotional support and can help people cope with stress, loneliness, anxiety, and more. Despite thorough training and certification, they do not have the same legal designation as service dogs.
Our service dog curriculum includes:
Comprehensive Consultation
We start with a consultation first to determine if your dog is a good fit for service work. Then, we begin laying out a training plan to help you achieve the training goals you need.
Private, In-Home Training
We understand that every dog and handler team is unique, which is why we offer personalized, in-home training sessions. This allows us to tailor our approach to your specific needs and address any challenges or concerns in a familiar environment. Task-specific training is covered during these sessions. We work privately until all training goals are met.
Unlimited Group Classes for Life
In addition to private sessions, our program includes unlimited access to group classes for the life of your dog. This ongoing support ensures that you and your service dog continue to strengthen your skills and remain well-prepared for any situation. These classes become paramount to a well-rounded and desensitized service dog that can handle any environments they will work in.
Behavioral Insurance
We believe in providing peace of mind to our clients, which is why we offer “behavioral insurance” or refresher sessions for the life of your dog. If you ever encounter behavioral issues or simply want to brush up on your training, we’re here to help, no questions asked.
Public Access Training
The ability to navigate an environment calmly while staying engaged with their handler cannot be understated. This training ensures that your dog can handle common and uncommon distractions while out in public in a calm manner.
Handler Education
Educating handlers on effective communication, handling techniques, and understanding how to navigate the public space.
We Can Train
Mobility Assistance
Mobility assistance dogs help individuals with mobility impairments by providing support with tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, turning on lights, and providing stability and balance while walking or standing.
Psychiatric
Psychiatric service dogs provide support to individuals with psychiatric disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or depression, by providing emotional support, interrupting harmful behaviors, and providing grounding techniques during times of distress.
Hearing
Hearing dogs are trained to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, or telephone calls.
Therapy Dog Training NC
Our therapy dog curriculum includes:
Comprehensive Consultation
We start with a consultation first to determine if your dog is a good fit for therapy work. Then, we begin laying out a training plan to help you achieve the training goals you need.
Private, In-Home Training
Starting your dog in your home sets everyone up for success by ensuring you and your dog have the skills needed to navigate public spaces confidently and comfortably.
Unlimited Group Classes for Life
In addition to private sessions, our program includes unlimited access to group classes for the life of your dog. This ongoing support ensures that you and your therapy dog continue to strengthen your skills and remain well-prepared for any situation. These classes become paramount to a well-rounded and desensitized therapy dog that can handle any environments they will work in.
Socialization + Desensitization
Exposing dogs to different people, places, and situations helps them become comfortable and confident in diverse settings. We offer several styles of group classes to ensure your dog is prepared for all types of environments. You’ll find training techniques to help dogs remain calm and focused on leash amidst distractions, loud noises, and unfamiliar stimuli.
Therapy Specific Skills
Teaching specific behaviors and cues needed for therapy work, such as gentle interaction, appropriate greetings, and entering/exiting public spaces, manners around wheelchairs and walkers, food refusal, and strong impulse control.
Handler Education
Educating handlers on effective communication, handling techniques, and understanding the needs of the populations they will be serving.
At Sally Said So Professional Dog Training, we offer comprehensive therapy dog training programs designed to prepare both dogs and handlers for their important role in therapy work.
Therapy Dog Training FAQs
What is the best age to start training a therapy dog?
You can begin training a puppy at 8 weeks of age. It’s best to begin the foundational work with your dog as soon as you’re ready. The best time to test your dog for certification is around 1.5 years to 2 years of age. That gives your dog time to mature and develop emotionally and physically.
Is it hard to train a dog to be a therapy dog?
The training requires consistency, repetition, and patience. The process will be hard without those things.
Is my dog a candidate for therapy work?
These working dogs must show an inclination to socialize and interact with many different people and be capable of remaining calm in public spaces. Impulse control in these spaces is of utmost importance. Our training will help teach you and your dog how to exhibit strong impulse control and remain calm amidst distractions while working.
Any dogs displaying anxious or aggressive behaviors would need to undergo behavior modification training prior to being considered for
Do I need my Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) title to begin therapy dog training?
You do not need to have your CGC title prior to starting the program, although the CGC title would mean your dog is a step ahead in the process. If you’re interested in your dog earning its CGC title, check out our Civil Citizens classes.
Do you provide the test for certification after therapy dog training is complete?
We have partnered with Dogs With A Purpose who will test you and your dog for certification after training is completed with us.
What else can I expect during this program?
Your training journey begins with a comprehensive consultation first.
Then, training begins with private sessions at your home.
Once your dog is proficient with their basic skills in your living room, we move outdoors and begin proofing known commands in public settings.
Group classes become crucial to exposing your dog to different environments, dogs, and people.
You will also begin working on therapy-specific skills such as manners around wheelchairs and walkers, food refusal, manners in public buildings, and more.
Why Choose Sally Said So for Therapy & Service Dog Training in NC?
Experienced Trainers – Our team consists of trainers with years of experience.
Customized Approach – We understand that every dog is unique, and we tailor our training methods to suit the individual needs and personality of each dog.
Behavioral Insurance – Our commitment doesn’t end after your program. We provide ongoing support and refreshers to ensure the success and well-being of our teams.
Start Your Service or Therapy Dog Training Today!
Ready to embark? Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about our programs.
Whether you’re looking for assistance with mobility, psychiatric support, or other specialized tasks, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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