Owner-Trained Service Dog Coaching Programs
Building Confidence, Independence and Real-World Reliability in Your Team
A well-trained service dog can be life-changing - offering support, safety, and increased independence in daily life. But training a service dog for public access and reliable task work is a long-term process that typically takes 18-24 months, and doing it alone can feel overwhelming.
That's where we come in.
At Pawsitive Purpose, we specialize in coaching-based service dog training, empowering you to train your own service dog with expert guidance every step of the way. You'll never be left guessing what to do next - we work as a team to support both you and your dog throughout the journey.
We work with service dogs for mobility, autism support, medical alert, psychiatric service work, and other disabilities. We also take a collaborative, ethical approach - working alongside your family, medical providers, therapists, and support team when appropriate - to ensure that a service dog is truly the right and most effective support for you.
Our Coaching-Based Approach
Unlike traditional board-and-train or residential programs, your dog lives with you from day one. This ensures:
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Stong bonding between you and your dog
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Skills that transfer reliably into your real life
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Clear handling, communication, and confidence from the handler
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Ethical, welfare-focused training using positive reinforcement only
Training is customized, paced appropriately, and centered around your specific disability-related needs.
Service Dog Coaching Options
Flexible Programs Designed Around You
We offer coaching programs for clients who already have a dog as well as those who need help selecting an appropriate service dog candidate.
Already Have a Dog?
If you already have a dog you'd like to train as a service dog, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether your dog is a suitable candidate.
Evaluations assess factors such as:
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Physical health and structure
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Temperament and emotional stability
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Confidence and resilience
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Biddability and motivation to work
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Neutality around people, dogs and environments
Some service dog roles - particularly mobility work - require additional orthopedic and health screenings to ensure your dog's long-term safety and wellbeing.
Not every good dog is the right fit for service work, and our priority is always setting both you and your dog up for success.
Need a Dog?
If you do not yet have a dog, we offer professional service dog candidate selection as a separate service.
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We help you select a puppy or dog with the temperament, structure, and potential needed for service work
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You are responsible for purchasing the dog
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The dog lives with you from the start
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We guide you through early socialization, foundations, and skill development
If you are seeking a specific breed or have unique needs, we will help you evaluate ethical breeders or suitable candidates to find the best possible match.
Service Dog Coaching Program
Owner-Trained, Expert Guided
This program is ideal for individuals who want to train their own service dog with professional support and accountability.
What's included?
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Weekly in-home training sessions (1-2 hours each)
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2-3 new skills or training goals introduced per week
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Positive reinforcement training only
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Task training customized to your disability-related needs
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Public access skill development and real-world proofing
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Regular Zoom check-ins between sessions
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Ongoing support via phone, email or text during business hours (9-5pm, Monday -Friday)
Training progresses in clear phases, allowing you to build strong foundations before advancing to complex tasks and public access work.
For teams training multiple task categories or more advanced service work, additional training time may be recommended.
Ongoing Support
Service dog training doesn't stop once skills are learned- real life changes, and training must adapt.
All Pawsitive Purpose Service Dog teams have access to:
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Continued coaching options
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Skill refreshers and troubleshooting
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Guidance as your needs evolve over time.
Our goal is long-term success, not rushed results.
Ready to train your own service dog with professional guidance?
Apply to our owner-trained service dog coaching program to get started.
"Tracey knows just what our dog needs to become a service dog. She is very clear with teaching both owner and dog. She is very dedicated to the process and meets the owner and dog at the level of training they need. We started training with her the day after we brought home our dog at 8 weeks old. It's remarkable what our dog can do now. Can't say enough good things about Tracey and her training methods!!"
-Steve M.
"Tracey is amazing! She did the service dog training for our son's service dog and he is awesome. She is all positive reinforcement and it works. She even checks in periodically on him even after his training has been completed."
- Brooke B.
