OUR TRAINING METHODS
Training Built on Science.
Powered by Trust.
We use evidence-based, reward-based training to develop service dogs that can think, problem-solve, and work confidently alongside the people who depend on them.
Science-based • Force-free • Individualized • Built for real life
WHAT MAKES OUR APPROACH DIFFERENT
A service dog needs to do more than follow commands.
Service dogs routinely encounter situations they haven't rehearsed exactly: a change in their handler's condition, an unfamiliar environment, a crowded store, an unexpected obstacle.
They need to be able to notice, think, and respond.
CONFIDENT
Comfortable making choices and navigating new situations.
MOTIVATED
Dogs work because the training has created a strong history of reinforcement.
ABLE TO PROBLEM-SOLVE
They learn principles rather than simply memorizing routines.
CONNECTED TO THEIR HANDLER
Training builds communication and cooperation rather than fear of making a mistake.
HOW WE TRAIN
We teach instead of punish.
Dogs learn what to do, rather than being corrected for getting something wrong.
We reinforce good choices.
Food, play, praise and access to things the dog values help make desired behaviors worth repeating.
We build skills gradually.
Training progresses from simple behaviors in controlled environments to increasingly complex real-world situations.
We adapt to the individual dog.
Dogs learn differently. Training plans change according to the dog's temperament, motivation, experience and needs.
WHAT YOU WON'T FIND IN OUR TRAINING?
We don't believe pain, fear or intimidation are necessary to train reliable service dogs. These methods can undermine confidence, suppress communication and damage the relationship between a dog and handler.
Choke and Prong Collars
A service dog should never be afraid to make a choice.
Shock Collars
Intimidation or Physical Correction
FROM FIRST SKILL TO REAL LIFE
LEARN
Build the behavior in a quiet environment.
PRACTICE
Develop fluency and reliability.
GENERALIZE
Practice with new people, places and distractions.
APPLY
Use the behavior where it matters in everyday life.
MAINTAIN
Continue reinforcing skills throughout the dog's working life.
TRAINING DOGS TO NOTICE WHAT HUMANS CAN'T
Through specialized scent detection training, we teach dogs to recognize physiological changes associated with certain medical conditions such as hypoglycemia, seizures, syncope, anxiety, etc.
WE DON'T JUST TRAIN DOGS, WE TEACH PEOPLE TOO
A service dog partnership continues developing long after formal training ends. Clients learn how to reinforce behaviors, recognize their dog's communication, troubleshoot challenges and maintain skills over time.
THE GOAL ISN'T OBEDIENCE
It's partnership
A successful service dog is confident enough to make decisions, motivated enough to keep working, and connected enough to respond when their person needs them most.
MEDICAL MUTTS teaches the dog to think and make choices so they can alert me and get me what I need, sometimes faster than I can do on my own. It's more than just training
Medical Mutts Client