Welcome to Our Service Dog Training Program
Thank You for Your Service
At K9 Partners for Patriots, we are dedicated to empowering veterans through a structured, hands-on service dog training program.
Welcome!
At K9 Partners for Patriots, we are dedicated to empowering veterans through a structured, hands-on service dog training program.
Our approach strengthens the bond between veterans and their service dogs, creating lifelong partnerships that foster independence, mental well-being, and purpose. Below are the best practices that guide our training process, ensuring success for both veterans and their K9 counterparts.
Veteran Involvement from Day One
Our training process is unique in that the veteran is the primary handler and trainer of their service dog from day one. This involvement creates a deep bond, allowing the veteran to build trust, confidence, and communication with their dog.
Best Practices for Veterans
- Be actively involved in every training session.
- Practice daily commands and exercises at home.
- Attend weekly classes at our training campus with your service dog in training.
- Communicate openly with your trainer about any challenges.
- Be patient and consistent with your dog during training.
Customized Training for Individual Needs
Each service dog and veteran team is unique. We assess the veteran’s needs and the dog’s abilities to tailor training to ensure the service dog can provide appropriate support, such as:
- PTSD Symptoms: Deep pressure therapy, nightmare interruption, managing social situations, panic attacks, flashbacks, onset of certain medical conditions.
- Mobility Assistance: Balance support, retrieving items, stairs, getting out of chairs, and standing up after a fall.
Best Practices for Training
- Collaborate with your trainers to develop specific tasks based on your individual requirements.
- Provide feedback on how your dog is responding to training.
- Continue practicing learned tasks daily to reinforce your dog’s abilities.
Socialization & Exposure
Service dogs must be well-socialized to different environments, people, and situations. This exposure helps them perform their tasks in any setting while remaining calm and focused.
Best Practices for Socialization
- Bring your service dog to new environments like stores, public parks, or events (with supervision).
- Ensure they remain focused during distractions, using the training techniques learned.
- Always reinforce positive behaviors in public settings.
Consistent Support & Communication
We provide ongoing support throughout your journey with your service dog, including weekly training classes and access to our trainers and mental health professional. Our in-house licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is available to help veterans maintain mental wellness throughout the training process.
Best Practices for Ongoing Support
- Attend all scheduled training sessions.
- Utilize our clinical social worker if you feel overwhelmed or need additional support.
- Communicate regularly with your assigned trainer to discuss progress or challenges.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the program requires that the veteran-service dog team has successfully completed all training modules, including basic obedience, service task training, and public access training.
Graduation Best Practices
- Ensure your service dog consistently performs all required tasks.
- Complete public access training to ensure your dog can navigate any environment.
- Stay dedicated to the practice even after graduation to keep your dog’s skills sharp.
Lifelong Commitment to Care
The relationship between a veteran and their service dog extends beyond the training period. It’s a lifelong commitment to caring for the dog’s well-being, continued training, and maintaining their service skills.
Best Practices for Long-Term Success
- Continue regular training exercises after graduation.
- Schedule routine veterinary visits and prioritize your dog’s health.
- Keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated to prevent burnout.
The Roll of Fosters
Our foster families play an essential role in preparing rescue dogs for their future service work by providing them with a loving, stable environment during evaluation.
Best Practices for Fosters
- Socialize the dog with different environments and stimuli.
- Provide regular feedback on the dog’s personality and progress.
- Work on basic house manners, crate training, and leash walking.
Join Our Mission
Through these best practices, we aim to build strong, capable service dog teams that can provide invaluable support to veterans in need. Whether you are a veteran, a foster family, or someone interested in supporting our mission, we invite you to explore how you can get involved.
Application
Become A Foster
Support Our Heroes
Accreditation
Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans
Ensuring that qualified organizations pair Veterans with the most beneficial service dogs; increase awareness and understanding of the medical evidence that supports the use of service dogs; and advocate for the expanded use of qualified service dogs.
