Stage 1: Foundations
- Name response and focus (eye contact on cue)
- Sit, down, stand, stay and release
- Recall (come when called)
- Loose-leash walking and heel
- Settle on a mat
- Handling tolerance: nails, ears, paws, grooming and restraint
- Crate and alone-time comfort
Stage 2: Impulse control & proofing
- Leave-it and drop-it
- Wait at doors, cars and thresholds
- Ignoring food, toys and other dogs
- Calm greetings (no jumping or soliciting)
- Recovering quickly from startling noises and surprises
Stage 3: Public access
- Walking calmly through stores and crowds
- Settling under tables, chairs and in waiting rooms
- Riding elevators, escalators and transit
- Neutrality around people, children and other animals
- Quiet behavior: no barking, whining or sniffing displays
Stage 4: Task training
Tasks are chosen with the handler and health care providers and should directly mitigate the handler's disability. Typical task categories include mobility assistance, retrieving, medical response, psychiatric support (such as deep pressure or interruption), hearing alerts and more. See what to expect at your first class.
Handler skills
Handler skills are half the work. A strong class teaches timing of rewards, reading dog stress signals, managing the environment, calmly handling challenges and knowing your legal rights under the ADA.
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- Free to request
- Classes for adult dogs, puppies and handlers
- Group, private and hybrid options
- We never charge you for a referral