Curriculum

Potential service dog puppies need to learn to navigate stairs safely, ride elevators and escalators like pros, walk on all the different kinds of flooring that humans use, cross streets safely, and how to follow the lead of their human to navigate the many different situations they may encounter in their life.

Our classes – both group and private – put a heavy emphasis on meeting the developmental needs of your puppy as they grow.

Your own route is unique to you. Some have the money and time for private one-on-one sessions. Some do not. Some find they benefit from the social contact and examples (and struggles!) of other service dog users in group classes. Some do not. 

We offer both group and private training, and service dogs in training can use either (but usually both) depending on their handler, their needs, their budget, and many other circumstances. 

Remember, YOU are doing the training! How you learn from us is as unique as you are. 

Either way, we will help coach you and your dog as we guide them through the stages of learning listed below. 

Level 1: Puppy/Remedial Programs

Newbie

  • I am learning to trust my family members

  • I am learning how to ask for the things I want

  • I am learning that I am safe and loved
  • I am learning to play with toys instead of hands and feet

  • I am learning where and when to potty

  • I am learning what is safe to chew

  • I am learning my name and the names of my family members

Beginner

  • I know my name and my family’s names

  • I can follow at least 3 simple requests

  • I can ask for food, water, and outside.
  • I bring a toy when I want to play

  • I can follow on leash for short distances

  • I look to my guardian for help when I am unsure of something.

  • I have fun exploring new places and encountering new things

Learner

  • I love to meet new people and other dogs

  • I only go into the road with permission

  • I can follow on leash in stores most of the time
  • I know the name of 3 different objects
  • I can follow at least 5 simple requests

  • I am learning to match my behavior to the situation

  • I am proud of all the things I can do

Positive Reinforcement Or Bond-Based:

Your Choice

We give our clients a choice of two force-free styles of training – the popular and effective “positive reinforcement” style, which is based on the behaviorism model of psychology, or the more pioneering “bond-based” approach, which is based on social learning and cognitive psychology.

Positive Reinforcement

  • Behaviour-Focused Learning

  • Food and Fun Are Rewards

  • Behaviour Is Motivated By Rewards

  • Removal of Reward/Attention Instead of Scolding

  • Proven by Thousands of Studies to Be Highly Effective

Bond Based

  • Feelings-Focused Learning

  • Fun and Food are Shared Unconditionally

  • Behaviour Is Guided By Emotions and Role Modelling

  • Role Models Guide Behaviour With Approval/Disapproval

  • Based On Latest Research in Canine Cognition and Pioneered by Jennifer Arnold of Canine Assistants in Atlanta.

Positive reinforcement and bond-based training use the same curriculum and are both fear-free, force-free, ethical, and evidence-based.

Level 2: Service Dog Program Student

In Training

  • I walk on a loose leash most of the time

  • I wait for permission before eating or going through doorways (usually!)

  • I can use my nose to find something or someone that is hidden.

  • I can use my paws and nose to press buttons or manipulate objects

  • I can find home at the end of a walk

  • I look away from distractions when I am asked

  • I greet people by sitting on their feet

  • I can put my toys into a basket

Advanced

  • I can navigate streets, malls, elevators and escalators confidently.

  • I can follow my person off leash in public places

  • I can stay calm around other well behaved dogs

  • I am learning to my job outside of the home

  • I can ignore strangers who are not talking to me

  • I can settle down and relax in busy public places within 1-2 minutes without being asked.

  • I am learning to split my attention in distracting situations

Certified

  • I can do my job even with other dogs acting badly around me

  • I can follow my guardian’s requests in distracting situations

  • My guardian doesn’t have to tell me what to do – I know already!

  • I can wait calmly by myself or go with someone else if my guardian asks me to.

  • I can walk past food on the ground or distracting people touching me. 

  • I can pass the provincial certification test

Level 3: Heeling Assistants Accreditation

  • I can settle and relax in less than a minute in nearly any situation

  • I can go anywhere my guardian asks me, even strange, cramped places

  • I can walk through a labyrinth of temptations… off leash!
  • I can refuse treats offered by a stranger until my guardian says I can have them

  • I can stand still while a stranger handles my feet, ears, and face

  • I can pass Heeling Assistants’ Accreditation test!