Prerequisites: None
Purpose: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities who are considering getting a Service Dog. It is also THE guide for someone who already has a dog and is considering using that dog for service work.
Course cost and length:
8 sessions
Introductory Price
Live or OnDemand=$252.00
(Currently only available OnDemand-Register above)
Course Info: This course is an exploration to help you be sure that your Hopes and Dreams about a Service Dog match up with the Reality of actually getting and having a Service Dog. A great investment in time and money is usually involved in the process of 
obtaining a Service Dog. Some approaches are more successful than others. The many avenues and factors involved are discussed.
Many questions can be explored before contacting a service dog provider or determining if you can/should train your own service dog. With preparation, a great deal of time can be saved in locating a provider, a trainer, and/or a potential Service Dog candidate. The process of obtaining a Service Dog is very time-consuming, detailed, and often frustrating. Participation in this course will guide you through much of the process, and help you to answer many of the questions that you will have.
Student Feedback: Overall I was WAY more impressed with this course than I thought I would be when I started. When I started the course, I thought that if you were disabled and wanted a dog you just got on a list somewhere or trained your own if you could. This is a very informative course that I would recommend to anyone who is considering getting a service dog.
What you can expect to learn in this Course:
- What is a Service Dog andwhat can a Service Dog do?
- Qualifications for a Person with disabilities to get a Service Dog
- What makes a dog legally a Service Dog for public access?
- Where do you get a Service Dog?
- Questions to ask when looking for a Service Dog.
- Step-by-step instructions in assembling information if applying to a provider organization.
- The process of selecting a potential Service Dog candidate.
- Questions to ask in interviewing a Service Dog trainer.
- Which techniques and methods of training are effective for Service Dogs?
Instructor, Myra Fourwinds: Myra has trained dogs professionally for 30 years, and has been involved in obedience, protection, agility, herding, search-and-rescue, drug detection, therapy and service dog training. Her personal experience with disability led her deeply into the training of service dogs, and in 1987 she graduated from Dr. Bonnie Bergin's Assistant Dog Institute Instructor Course. Myra prefers to teach handlers to train their own service dogs. She believes that when handlers understand the methods and principles of the training, they can better adapt exercises to meet their specific needs. As a result, 
handlers and dogs develop better working relationships.
Myra has worked with persons with a variety of disabilities that include cerebral palsy, closed-head injuries, visual impairment, hearing impairment, learning disorders, spina-bifida, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes and mobility problems.
Myra's commitment is to empower individuals to gain increased control and independence in their lives. These courses are offered in the hope of making the journey as efficient as possible, and broadening the options for obtaining a successful working service dog partner. Myra currently conducts classes in St. Paul, Minnesota for owner-trainers of service dogs and for “reactive” dogs. She studies competition agility with Annelise Allan of Agile Canines, and trials her dogs in agility.
Student Information
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You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click here to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.
Service Dog Training; Assistance Dog Training
