Service Dog Classes

SERVICE DOG SKILLS

Taught by Pat Moberly who recently moved to Spokane after working with Summit Assistance Dogs on the coast as a puppy raiser coordinator and trainer. Pat is an avid clicker trainer with broad experience in selection and screening of potential service dogs, matching dogs and owners, ADI testing and problem solving. She is an honors graduate of the Academy of Dog Trainers in San Francisco.

The Service Dog Skills program is a levels program.
Students will remain at their current level of training class until they and their dogs have mastered a required skill set of handling exercises and on-cue behaviors. Each student is required to pass a minimum skills test as a prerequisite to move on to the next skill level. The harder you work, the more you practice, the faster you will progress!

< Student Jim Mace and his wonderful Service Dog, Hope, practice their lessons in class.

To be considered a service dog, the dog must be trained to perform tasks
directly related to the handler's disability. The Diamonds in the Ruff program
teaches you to train your dog to be a true working dog.

Class Descriptions .......... Schedule..........Online Registration

Who may attend:
Dogs must be at least 6 months of age, spayed or neutered and in good health, physically sound, with stable temperament and good social skills with people and other animals. Dogs with shyness or aggression issues will not be admitted. Dogs must be calm and confident in any situation. Handler must be able to handle their dog or bring a helper. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

QUESTIONS?
Need help deciding what class to take?
Contact Pat at helpingdogs@televar.com - 276-1760

Class Descriptions:

Service Dog Orientation
The Service Dog Orientation is week one of the Levels class
and is required for all students. This class is for people only, without their dogs.
It covers clicker training and basic service dog care, use and etiquette.
It is offered once per month on Sundays from 1-3:30PM.

The orientation is week one of the Levels class - tuition fee $85/4weeks.
Or you may register for the Service Dog Orientation alone, $25.

The orientation class is REQUIRED as week one of the Service Dog Skills Class session

SCHEDULE
Sunday 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Email Pat at helpingdogs@televar.com or call 1-509-429-5134

After attending the orientation, you and your dog will be placed in a
Basic Skills Class where you can work at your own pace in a small group setting.

Service Dog Skills
$85/4 classes
Includes week 1 orientation, plus 1 field trip
Addition field trips, $10 each

Basic Skills classes are held on weekdays and times are flexible. We will try to accommodate your schedule.

For more information contact
Pat Moberly at helpingdogs@televar.com - 276-1760

Level 1:
Basic Skills (dogs 6 months and older) includes targeting, sit, down, come, stand, stay, impulse control, leave-it, leash work and greeting behavior. We also cover basic public manners, solutions for problem behavior, leadership and management, plus foundation service dog skills. Students must pass a test of basic skills to go on to the Public Access level.

Level 2:
Public Access Skills includes the components of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC), more positioning skills, solid stays and greetings, working around distractions, leading up to passing the ADI Public Access Test and the AKC CGC test .

Level 3:
Advanced Skills assisting with lights, doors, retrieves, alerts, bracing, etc. including specialized tasks for the individual needs of the student.

Required Field Trips, at all levels, provide an opportunity to practice public working skills under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

A good service dog is seen but not heard
and keeps its nose to itself.

Fees:
$85 per four week session, includes 1 field trip
$10 per additional field trip

Are you and your dog ready to perform in public?
PUBLIC ACCESS TESTS will be offered
- dates and times to be announced -

contact Pat to be placed on the waiting list.

Service dogs must be well behaved and
under control at all times when in public.

Home Helpers
Dogs enjoy having a job to do! Teach your dog to retrieve useful items, to help with the laundry, and to put away his toys. We'll also work on opening and closing doors, turning on lights, delivering notes and carrying things for you. Prerequisite Prep class and an understanding of how to shape a behavior. Dates posted on the Advanced Levels schedule page, or contact Pat for more info.

Service Dog Overview
answers the questions:

What a service dog is - and isn't.
What time, energy and commitment is involved in training?
What skills will I require as a handler?
How do I determine if my dog has the aptitude and temperament necessary for this work?
We will also discuss access rights and responsibilities.

The Service Dog Overview is available on request
for local businesses, healthcare professionals
and other interested groups who want to know more
about Service Dogs in the community.

Call Pat Moberly at 276-1760
or email helpingdogs@televar.com

QUESTIONS?
Need help deciding what class to take?
Contact Pat at helpingdogs@televar.com