HOW CAN THE DOG HELP ME?

There are many different triggers that are set backs for people and create challenges and hurdles. These dogs act as a bridge that allow many people to function in situations that would otherwise be very difficult and stressful. It has been proven that dogs lower our stress, calm us and in many cases assist us with self confidence, self regard and self esteem

BENEFITS OF BALANCED SUPPORT DOGS INCLUDE:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Encouraged social interaction and acceptance
Naturally increased responsibility skills for child/handler
Supported daily living skills
Improved quality of life for families by spending more time in the community and participating in various activities

The definition of a working balanced dog or a support dog is a very full definition. The dogs are basically expected to be bomb proof in all situations.

The Great Canadian Dog Academy has been training balanced dogs for many years.

They are expected to be:

Psychologically Calm and under control in all situations
Quiet and well behaved
Confident in their abilities
Nurturing as a companion
Discrete in public
House broken
Solid on recall, heel, sit & down in all and any situation
Confident walking on various surfaces and in all weather
Well mannered in crowds, with other dogs & in traffic
No barking, pulling on leash, never over excited or nervous
No jumping up on people or dogs, no aggression

AM I INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING?

The family & handler will be encouraged to attend The Great Canadian Dog Academy Dog Psychology & Behaviour Modification Seminar & Workshop where you will learn the detailed dog psychology, theory and language of the dog, as well as practical application working with a dog on the end of the leash in many situations.

The information that you will learn in this seminar will better equip you to be a very positive support to the handler and the dog and also the two of them as a team.

This is critical learning and is the solid foundation to everything else that you will accomplish and encounter with your dog.

Specifically to the Support work You will also learn what your dog has learned and how the dog has learned to encounter the following provincial government standards:

#1 Obedience inside vehicle before unloading

#2 Obedience outside the vehicle after unloading

#3 Heel position when approaching the building or through parking lot

#4 Calmness around traffic

#5 Obedient stop before entering doorway

#6 Obedience before entering doorway

#7 Obedience going through doorway

#8 Obedience after entering doorway

#9 Heeling inside building

#10 No soliciting public attention

#11 Adjusting to speed changes

#12 Adjusting to changes in direction

#13 Obedience through narrow/ tight areas

#14 Obedience through crowds

#15 Six-foot recall on-leash: Command

#16 Six-foot recall on-leash: Control

#17 Six-foot recall on-leash: Distance

#18 Six-foot recall on-leash: Direction

#19 Sit command

#20 Sit command next to plate of food

#21 Sit command while shopping cart passes

#22 Sit command while being petted by stranger

#23 Down command

#24 Down command with food dropped on floor

#25 Down command while child approaches

#26 Noise distraction (drop various and loud objects around dog)

#27 Behaviour in restaurant

#28 Ignoring food in restaurant

#29 Off-leash obedience

#30 Human aggression test

#31 Obedience before exiting doorway

#32 Obedience going through doorway during exit of building

#33 Obedience after exiting the building

#34 Calm around traffic after exiting building

#35 Obedient stop after exiting building

#36 Dog aggression test

#37 Public transit test

#38 Obedient load into vehicle

#39 Team relationship & knowledge of access rights

#40 How to care for your Dog

Future training & support

This is very individual. If you have any questions, challenges or concerns feel free to contact us at any time. If you require any refresher lessons or updating in any area, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to assist you.

Your own dog

If you already have a dog that you want to be trained to be a service dog, please contact us and we can discuss your needs.

What Breed of dog?

The Great Canadian Dog Academy utilizes their vast knowledge of dog psychology and energy to match each client with a dog that is best suited for them. In all cases the breed is an English Labrador Retriever. These dogs are best suited for this work. The Great Canadian Dog Academy contracts out to Luckyshoes Retrievers as they breed these dogs specifically for this purpose. They are specifically bred for the purpose of being calm and steady and trained up to very high expectations.

Cost of dog

Dog & handler training may include outings to as many varied environments as possible.

Especially key environments such as home, neighborhood & school. ( Also may include, dentist, hair salon, retail, grocery store, restaurant, etc.) $24,000

	Payment Plan
	2 years	$1,050 per month
	2.5 years	$840 per month
	3 years	$840 per month
	3.5 years	$840 per month

	Labrador Retriever Puppy to 8 – 12 weeks old
1	Vet Checked
2	1st set of shots
3	Dewormed
4	Micro Chipped
5	Socialized With Children
6	CKC Registration Certificate	$4000

Training

House breaking / Obedience / Balance & Service dog training to meet the requirements of the Provincial government standards

Total working/training time is 24-36 months
Average 8 hours / day
Scheduled work with handler/owner and family
Dog Psychology & Behaviour Modification workshop & seminar for all family members over 12 years of age