Service Dog Training

Zauberberg K9 Academy is proud to offer Service Dog Training to a selected clientele. As in Zauberberg’s other personal training programs, we match both the dog and the training to individual client needs, goals, and personality. The process begins with a completed application and inventory of client needs.

We are often able to identify more than one potential service dog candidate for our clients to meet. Once a client picks the dog, training begins.

Training

The first phase of training is done by our trainers at our facility. An individual training plan is developed for the dog to precisely meet the client’s requirements. Since most of our dog-candidates are already trained in basic obedience, we begin by adapting this foundation to specific task objectives outlined in the training plan. Task areas may include:

- Retrieving needed items

- Alerting

- Wheelchair assistance

- Security

- Household assistance

- Companionship

Since service dogs must be comfortable in any environment, we continue training by conditioning and training in multiple environments.

- Stores

- Around crowds

- Around other animals

- Around children

- Restaurants

- City streets

- Offices

- Any locations where the client will typically be accompanied by the dog

During training the dog is continually evaluated to ensure that it meets ability and temperament requirements as an assistance or service animal.

Team training

After basic training, client and dog begin their training together. At first the focus is on the client’s basic handling skills, animal behavioral learning theory and application, and if appropriate, the use of the clicker.  When the team is working comfortably and well, environmental training begins. Team training usually involves a two-week session.

Graduation involves passing of the AKC CGC test and specific assistance dog certification requirements.

Follow-up

Zauberberg tailors follow-up programs to the client’s needs. These involve ongoing training, workshops, phone and e-mail consultations over the service-life of the dog.

If you want more information about our service-dog program and how we can assist you, please send us the completed application. Or if you’d rather talk to us, call1-877-885-3864.

Story of Daisy vom Zauberberg

This 2 year old Malinois female with the cute looks and solid, lovely temperament has been trained by us as a Therapy dog for Hopsital patients and as passive alert Narcotic Detection dog. Thanks to the Health Foundation providing the funds for the purchase this dog can work two jobs! The dog will stay with the police officer at all times, working the streets and visiting the hospital.

Story of Lipstick vom Zauberberg

Rebekah's parents contacted us to find a dog suitable and trained to full fill  her needs. Contacting local service dog organizations had not been very successful, as they had long waiting periods for a dog...and some times pretty unreasonable requirements in the contracts. Listening to what Rebekah needed, we found a perfect match in Lipstick vom Zauberberg. She was born and raised at Zauberberg and had perfect temperament to perform the tasks she needed to be trained for.
After fitting Rebekah and Lipstick together, they as a team passed the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) - test. After being the first Zauberberg dog ever being trained and shown for this AKC originated test, the team went on to pass the service dog public access test. This test is formulated by the Psychiatric Service Dog Society

Story of Iris vom Zauberberg

At the age of twelve months, Linden purchased Iris vom Zauberberg as a service dog prospect. Iris was obedience trained at teh time of purchase. Linden, we like the way you keep us updated about Iris' developements

Linden wrote:
An update on how Iris is getting along.  I've starting back to work part time and Iris went with me today in her red Service Dog in Training (SDiT) vest.   She was very curious going inside the building, but she settled quickly in a sit while we waited for a private elevator.   We've done minimal elevator work, so she was a little unsteady going up to the 5th floor, but she recovered immediately.

I have obtained a collapsible crate to put in my cubical and Iris stayed in it during my short shift.  Absolutely silent, and most of the time sleeping.  This despite the fact that she is full of energy because she hasn't had a good run since she was spayed last Tuesday!  Impressive.  She isn't ready to go down a long flight of steps yet--we'll work on one day after work--so we took the elevator down.  She was more comfortable that time.

One slip that she made was to touch her nose to someone's hand who was walking the opposite direction in a sort of narrow hallway.  We'll work on that, too.  All in all, a very successful day as my SDiT.

Iris has completed blowing her coat, thank goodness!  If I had lost the amount of hair that she lost in just one day, I would be bald. 

One thing I have been so very pleased about Iris is her excellent good nature toward children, especially the little ones.  I don't go out of my way to have her meet up with toddlers and small children, but they seem to love her and sometimes come running when I do not expect it.   Iris and I have made progress together and will soon be participating in group obedience classes as well as private lessons with a private trainer. 


I could not be happier with her, Linda.  She has expanded my life. 


Very best,

Linden
and Iris
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1001734