SERVICE DOG TRAINING PROGRAM
A service dog is a specially trained canine that assists individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks to mitigate their conditions. These tasks can include guiding visually impaired people, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, pulling a wheelchair, fetching items, or providing support during a seizure. Service dogs undergo extensive training to ensure they can perform these tasks reliably and safely, and they are granted public access rights to accompany their handlers in most places.
meet your trainer!
Sadie Kosenko
**AKC CGC, S.T.A.R Puppy, Trick Dog Evaluator**
Sadie grew up in California, where her passion for animals began. As a kid, she trained family dogs and studied animal behavior extensively. At 13, she used her birthday money to buy a boxer puppy named Bear. She taught him numerous tricks, eventually training him as a service dog for her disabilities. Her passion is specializing in service dogs, helping them enhance their owners' lives.
In 2018, Sadie started a farm with a variety of animals, training them for cooperative care, riding, packing, and performing tricks. She also participated in livestock shows, parades, and community events with her trained goats. In 2021, she moved to Oregon, where she learned from experienced trainers and became a professional herself. In 2022, she moved to Oklahoma where she opened her own business, specializing in Board and Train, and private lesson programs for reactive dogs. Currently, her primary focuses are CGC series group classes, and service dog training. She is also working towards titling her personal dogs in Disc, Dock, and Parkour.
Sadie's mission is to create a positive experience for both dogs and their owners, focusing on play, relationship building, and clear communication. She aims to improve the quality of life for every animal she trains and ensure pet parents are confident in the training process.
Pre-requisites
Before starting any advanced training, such as service dog training, dogs should have a good foundation of skills to build upon. Dogs should be able to perform basic skills and tasks in a variety of locations before starting service dog training.
Specific Pre-requisites:
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BASIC MANNERS CLASS: Graduated from at least a 6 week basic training class. (Board and train does not count - the team needs to have done the training together.
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AKC Canine Good Citizen: This is required before dogs start their service dog training.
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AKC Trick Dog: We highly recommend that all service dog prospects at least receive the Novice Trick Dog Title through AKC.
Dogs in the service dog program are expected to have stable temperaments, public manners, and natural arousal control. Aggressive dogs, or dogs who are hyper-social, may not be accepted into the program.
Public Access Prep Class
Our Public Access Prep Class is designed to learn, practice, and maintain those super important skills that allow service dogs to navigate the inside of stores, shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. A service dog exhibits superb manners, obedience and respect in their environment, while serving "on call" to their human 24/7. This class has many benefits for many dogs who require public access!
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Therapy dogs
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ESA dogs
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Detection dogs
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Service dogs
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general areas such as cafe's & restaurant patios
This 60-minute class is open to all students who have completed their 6 week obedience/manners course, either at our facility or another. Dogs will be practicing skills aligned with the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. All students will be required to complete the CGC, CGCU, & CGCA certifications before their service dog training. Dogs are encouraged to take the Public Access Prep Class as a way to train for these tests. Sadie can test you when you are ready! After this class, dogs will then meet with Sadie for more individual work if they need it, specifically gearing toward service dogs.
Upcoming Class Dates:
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Saturday, November 16th, 12:30 pm
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Saturday, December 21st, 10:30 am
tuition + fees
$40 per class
$150 for a package of 5 classes
Private Sessions
As you attend and complete all of the required public access training, either on your own or through our classes, you are then ready to start your service dog training! Dogs are required to have at the very least completed the AKC Canine Good Citizen before they start their service dog training.
This type of training is incredibly individualized, so this training will only be done through private lessons. Sadie will work with you on your dog's specific tasks, and focus more on task training rather than public access training. It is a great idea to continue in our Public Access Prep Class to reinforce those important skills and practice common scenarios.
Fill out the form below to request a lesson. or E-mail us at TheFundamentalDog@gmail.com