Owner training program

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Partners with Paws is proud to offer an intensive owner training program. Our instructors will work closely with individuals with disabilities providing guidance such as mentoring, coaching, and support as they raise and train their own service dog. 

• An evaluation of your dog.
• A personalized training plan to help you meet your training goals with your dog.
• 2 monthly one-on-one lessons with our instructor for the duration of up to 2 years. 
• Several group class opportunities. 
• Our public access testing and certification
• Upon passing our public access test and certification, you will receive a Partners with Paws Owner Trainer Program ID card and a patch for your dog’s vest or harness.

What is asked of me?

• To qualify for our owner-trainer program, you must have a medically diagnosed disability. 
• Owner-trainers must have the desire to work and train their own service dog and have a realistic plan of use for their dog. 
• Training log - you will be required to bring a 3-ring binder to class. In this binder, you will keep your training materials and monthly training logs to help monitor your progress. 
• Participation - you are required to attend monthly lessons and provide your own transportation.
• Respect for others - you will be training in a small group setting during some classes. Respect for others, including instructors or other representatives of Partners with Paws, is expected. Failure to maintain appropriate conduct may result in removal from the program.
• Provide proof that the canine is up to date on all vaccines including DHLPP, Rabies, and Bordetella.
• Provide proof that the canine is up to date on heartworm and tick prevention. 

Prior to Certification

• Owners must complete a minimum of two years of training through Partners with Paws Owner Trainer Program. 
• Canines must be spayed/neutered
• Owners may be required to provide proof of health clearances ensuring the physical soundness depending on the tasks and/or services the dog will provide to the handler. (For example, guide dogs or mobility service dogs must pass a hip and elbow clearance.)  

After Certification

We will continue to follow up with you every month for the first six months, and then every other month for the next year to make sure that the standards of the certification are maintained. As a new handler, it is your responsibility to have the canine re-certified annually.  

If you and your canine partners need additional follow-up training throughout the time you are together, we will be sure to address these with you! 

This may include follow-up training in the home to work on specific tasks or dog behavior, set up by phone, email, or video chat. 

Once you are our client, you are our client for life! This means whatever questions, concerns, or comments you may have, feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help and the best way we can!

Prospective Owner Trainers must complete a consultation

• 1-hour Consultation at Autumglo Pet Lodge -  $50

* Virtual consultations are only available to those living outside of Wisconsin or further than 1 hour away from Autumglo Pet Lodge. 

Once a consultation and application are completed and you are admitted into the program, the following fees will apply: 

• Owner Training Program Tuition - $6,000

Upon admission to our program, you will be asked to make a non-refundable down payment of $600. This may be done over a 2-month period, and will be deducted from the overall cost of your program, 

Payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis upon request.