Pre-Service Dog Training Program
A Structured Pathway for Dogs Working Toward Service Dog Training
K9s Place provides a structured, multi-stage training pathway for dogs preparing to become service dogs. Our programs focus on obedience, confidence building, distraction proofing, and handler communication. Every dog begins with a readiness evaluation and moves into the foundation training path appropriate for their age and skill level. From there, qualified dogs enter our group class progression, which creates the foundation needed for all future service dog work.
Schedule your pup's Temperament and Readiness Evaluation
Step 1: Service Dog Temperament and Readiness Evaluation
All dogs entering the service dog pathway begin with a temperament and readiness evaluation. This assessment helps our trainers determine suitability for service dog work and identify the correct starting point in the training process.
Step 2: Required Foundation Training
Puppies Under 6 Months
Puppies follow the structured puppy development pathway:
- Puppy Play and Learn program
- AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy group class
After completing the puppy package, they may move directly into the Canine Good Citizen group class, whether they intend to pursue service dog work or not.
Dogs Over 6 Months
Dogs older than 6 months enter the foundation program recommended by our lead trainer. Depending on the dog’s needs, this may include:
- 5 class private lesson package
- 5 day Day Train package
- Pre-Service Dog Board and Train (3 weeks)
Once a dog completes its recommended foundation program, it becomes eligible to enter the Canine Good Citizen group class and continue through the full progression.
Pre-Service Dog Board and Train
Three Week Program
The Pre-Service Dog Board and Train is a three week immersion program designed to prepare dogs for the demands of advanced obedience and group class work. This program provides structured daily training, environmental exposure, and consistent reinforcement from experienced trainers.
Training includes:
- Foundational obedience
- Loose leash walking and focus
- Confidence building
- Exposure to new environments and distractions
- Calm behavior around people and dogs
- Impulse control
- Public access readiness behaviors
At the end of this program, dogs automatically enter the Canine Good Citizen group class.
Step 3: Group Class Progression
All group classes run once per week for six weeks. Each class is 50 minutes and meets on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Puppy classes meet Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings.
Dogs may enroll in these group classes once they have completed the required foundation training. Completion of the full series is required for any dog intending to progress toward service dog work.
Program | Description | Price |
Temperament and Readiness Evaluation | Initial assessment for service dog suitability | Included |
5 Class Private Lesson Package | One on one foundational training | $675 |
5 Day Day Train Package | Five full days of trainer led obedience work | $895 |
Pre-Service Dog Board and Train | Three week immersive foundation program | $3,995 |
Group Classes | Six week series, 50 minutes each week | $250 |
Dogs may only enter group classes after completing the required foundation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any dog that passes the temperament and readiness evaluation and completes the required foundational training qualifies to enter the group class progression.
Not necessarily. Dogs over 6 months may begin with private lessons or the Day Train program if recommended by the trainer. The Board and Train option is ideal for dogs who need more consistent structure or advanced foundational work.
Most service dog candidates spend at least one year completing the group class series. Some dogs repeat class levels to build reliability before advancing.
Task training begins only after the dog has completed the entire group class progression, including the Service Dog Handler Course, and demonstrates consistent, reliable behavior in public settings.
Puppies under 6 months begin with the Puppy Play and Learn program and the S.T.A.R. Puppy class. After completing the puppy package, they enter the Canine Good Citizen class when they reach the appropriate age and skill level.
Yes. Canine Good Citizen, CGC Advanced, CGC Urban, and the Service Dog Handler Course form the core of the service dog readiness pathway.
Start Your Dog’s Service Dog Training Path
To begin the service dog pathway, schedule your temperament and readiness evaluation. Our trainers will help you determine the best starting point based on your dog’s age, behavior, and goals.
