--- title: Dinah & The Dogs - Dog Trainer, Memphis, TN description: Dinah & the Dogs is a dog training company. From basic obedience to service dog training, I'm here to guide you and your pup through training tips, tricks, and techniques that will make your dog happy, well-adjusted, and obedient --- [Skip to content](https://dinahandthedogs.com#main-content) [Apply Here](https://ru6h6.share.hsforms.com/2IO6LoFuVR3ueOQGSqk3DHA) [![1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM.png?width=250&height=250&name=1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM.png)](https://dinahandthedogs.com/?hsLang=en) - [Reviews](https://dinahandthedogs.com/reviews) - Service Dogs Show submenu for Service Dogs - [Service Dog Program](https://dinahandthedogs.com/servicedogprogram) - [Sponsor a Service Dog](https://dinahandthedogs.com/support-a-future-service-dog-team) - [Fully Trained Service Dog](https://dinahandthedogs.com/fullytrainedservicedog) - [Started Service Dogs](https://dinahandthedogs.com/started-service-dogs) - [Hybrid Service Dog Program](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hybrid-service-dog-page) - [Education](https://dinahandthedogs.com/educational-opportunities) - [About Us](https://dinahandthedogs.com/about-dinah-the-dogs) - Pet Training Show submenu for Pet Training - [Day Train](https://dinahandthedogs.com/daytrainprogram) - [Board & Train](https://dinahandthedogs.com/boardandtrain) - [Virtual Lessons](https://dinahandthedogs.com/virtual-lessons) - [Private Lessons](https://dinahandthedogs.com/private-lessons) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Reviews](https://dinahandthedogs.com/reviews) - Service Dogs Show submenu for Service Dogs - [Service Dog Program](https://dinahandthedogs.com/servicedogprogram) - [Sponsor a Service Dog](https://dinahandthedogs.com/support-a-future-service-dog-team) - [Fully Trained Service Dog](https://dinahandthedogs.com/fullytrainedservicedog) - [Started Service Dogs](https://dinahandthedogs.com/started-service-dogs) - [Hybrid Service Dog Program](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hybrid-service-dog-page) - [Education](https://dinahandthedogs.com/educational-opportunities) - [About Us](https://dinahandthedogs.com/about-dinah-the-dogs) - Pet Training Show submenu for Pet Training - [Day Train](https://dinahandthedogs.com/daytrainprogram) - [Board & Train](https://dinahandthedogs.com/boardandtrain) - [Virtual Lessons](https://dinahandthedogs.com/virtual-lessons) - [Private Lessons](https://dinahandthedogs.com/private-lessons) - [Apply Here](https://ru6h6.share.hsforms.com/2IO6LoFuVR3ueOQGSqk3DHA) ### Service Dogs That Change Lives Thoughtfully developed. Professionally trained. Built for real life. [Apply Here](https://ru6h6.share.hsforms.com/2IO6LoFuVR3ueOQGSqk3DHA) ### Train   ### Empower ### Support ![2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM.png?width=500&height=300&name=2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM.png "2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM") ## Support A Future Service Dog Your support helps raise, train, and prepare future service dogs while reducing the cost for the handlers who need them most. [Learn More](https://dinahandthedogs.com/support-a-future-service-dog-team?hsLang=en) ![IMG\_5942](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_5942.jpeg?width=1511&height=2015&name=IMG_5942.jpeg "IMG_5942") ## WHY DINAH & THE DOGS ### More Than Task Training A service dog is more than obedience and disability-related tasks. We develop confident, reliable dogs prepared to navigate real life alongside the people who depend on them. **INDIVIDUALIZED** Every service dog is trained around their future handler's unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. **REAL-LIFE READY** Training focuses on confidence, neutrality, public access, and reliability in the environments that matter most. **DOG-FIRST TRAINING** Not every dog is meant for service work. We prioritize each dog's health, temperament, confidence, and well-being throughout training.   ## It's Easy To Get Started! - ### Consultation Schedule a call to learn if Dinah & The Dogs is the right fit for you and your pup. - ### Train Participate in Private Training or bring your dog to their Board-&-Train. - ### Enjoy Enjoy life with your well-adjusted, well-behaved dog! [Schedule A Call](https://dinahandthedogs.com/bookaconsultation?hsLang=en) # Program Options We offer 3 different program structures so that every client can find the right fit based on their needs, lifestyle, and level of involvement. ![4-May-06-2026-01-03-16-3148-AM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hubfs/4-May-06-2026-01-03-16-3148-AM.png "4-May-06-2026-01-03-16-3148-AM") ### **Started Dog** Begin with a carefully selected, professionally raised young dog who has completed critical early development and foundational training. Ideal for clients who want to be hands-on while starting with a strong foundation for success. [Learn More](https://dinahandthedogs.com/started-service-dogs?hsLang=en) ![1-May-06-2026-01-03-16-1947-AM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hubfs/1-May-06-2026-01-03-16-1947-AM.png "1-May-06-2026-01-03-16-1947-AM") ### **Fully Trained Dog** Receive a highly trained service dog that has been developed to an advanced level prior to placement. This option is designed for clients who need a more hands-off experience while still receiving structured support during the transition. [Learn more](https://dinahandthedogs.com/fullytrainedservicedog?hsLang=en) ![8-Apr-02-2026-05-15-51-3086-PM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hubfs/8-Apr-02-2026-05-15-51-3086-PM.png "8-Apr-02-2026-05-15-51-3086-PM") ### **Hybrid Program** We work with you throughout the entire process, developing your dog while guiding you every step of the way. Your dog will rotate between training with us and time at home, ensuring real-life integration and long-term success. [Learn more](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hybrid-service-dog-page?hsLang=en) # Meet The Program Dogs ![8-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9499-PM](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/8-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9499-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=8-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9499-PM.png) **Gustavo (Gus Gus)** Gus is Dinah's Medical Alert and Mobility Service Dog. He is trained to perform heart rate, blood pressure, and migraine alerts, as well as mobility tasks like picking up dropped objects. ![2-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-5102-PM](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/2-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-5102-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-5102-PM.png) **Sven**  Sven is a young poodle in the program being trained for psychiatric work. Sven is matched to a handler and enrolled in the hybrid program. He will learn tasks like DPT, Behavior Interruptions, and more! ![3-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-6819-PM](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/3-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-6819-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=3-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-6819-PM.png) **Moira** Moira is a young golden retriever being trained in Medical Alert, Mobility, and Psych tasks! She is matched with a handler and enrolled in the hybrid program. ![](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/9-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9665-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=9-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9665-PM.png) **Ricky** Ricky is a fully trained Labrador Retriever. He helps his handler by performing psych tasks like DPT and behavior interruptions. ![](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/6-Sep-01-2026-07-25-14-1004-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=6-Sep-01-2026-07-25-14-1004-PM.png) **Gibson** Gibby is a fully trained golden retriever who helps his handler by performing mobility and medical alert tasks. ![2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2-Oct-15-2026-05-34-29-5926-PM.png) **Georgia** Georgia is a young Labrador Retriever who is being trained as an allergen detection dog. She is enrolled in the hybrid service dog program!  ![](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/7-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9387-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=7-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9387-PM.png) **Dublin** Dublin joined our Hybrid Program for task training. During training, both her handler and our trainers recognized that she wasn’t enjoying service work, so she was happily retired. **The well-being of our dogs will always come first.** ![](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/4-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-7444-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=4-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-7444-PM.png) **Tacoma** Tacoma is a fully trained Labrador Retriever who performs medical alert and mobility tasks for his handler.  ![](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/10-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9676-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=10-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-9676-PM.png) **Millie** Millie was Dinah's first service dog, trained in 2020 for psychiatric work. She did tasks like DPT, Behavior Interruptions, and more! She is medically retired and lives at home, enjoying treats and naps. ![](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/5-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-5109-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=5-Sep-01-2026-07-25-13-5109-PM.png) **Nova** Nova is a young Labrador Retriever who is being trained through the hybrid program. She is learning medical alert and mobility tasks! ![3-Oct-15-2026-05-34-26-1091-PM](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/3-Oct-15-2026-05-34-26-1091-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=3-Oct-15-2026-05-34-26-1091-PM.png) **Atlas** Atlas is our newest edition. He enrolled in the Fully Trained Program and will be learning medical alert, response, and mobility tasks. ![17-3](https://46757706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/46757706/hubfs/17-3.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=17-3.png) **Theodore** Theodore is training to be Dinah's next medical alert and mobility service dog. He is a Newfoundland who loves cuddles and tennis balls.   # Program Q & A What kind of service dogs do you train? Our Service Dog training supports individuals with: - Psychiatric service needs - Medical alert tasks - Mobility assistance - Other disability-related task requirements While we do not train formal guide (vision) tasks, we support other types of service work. You do *not* need extensive prior dog training experience! What is the process to apply for a service dog? To apply for a Service Dog through Dinah & The Dogs, click any "Apply Here" button and complete the Initial Interest Form. We'll reach out to schedule an interview to see if you're a good fit for our program.   How Long Does Training Take? Training timelines vary depending on which program you choose and where your dog is starting in the process. - **Started Service Dog:** Dogs are typically placed at 12 **months of age** with a strong foundation already in place. From there, clients should expect an additional **12 months of continued training** to reach full service dog reliability. - **Hybrid Trained Program:** This program typically takes about **24 months**, as your dog rotates between training with us and time at home. This allows for both professional development and real-life integration. - **Fully Trained Service Dog:** Dogs are trained over the course of approximately **24 months prior to placement**. After going home, there is still a transition period where the handler learns to work with the dog and maintain training. Regardless of the program, service dog training is not something that can be rushed. Our goal is to develop a **stable, confident, and reliable working dog**, and that takes time, consistency, and proper development at each stage. Client Expectations & Requirements Successful service dog training is a collaborative process. While we provide professional guidance and structured training, the long-term success of the dog depends heavily on the client’s consistency and follow-through. All clients are expected to: - **Commit to the training process** and understand that developing a service dog takes time, patience, and consistency - **Follow all training plans and recommendations** provided by Dinah & The Dogs - **Practice regularly outside of sessions** to reinforce skills and maintain progress - **Provide proper care,** including veterinary care, nutrition, exercise, and a stable home environment - **Maintain structure and boundaries** in the home to support the dog’s training - **Communicate openly** and stay engaged throughout the program Expectations will vary slightly depending on the program selected: - **Started Service Dog:** Clients should be prepared to take on a high level of responsibility, continuing daily training, and building upon the foundation provided. - **Guided Fully Trained Program:** Clients are expected to stay actively involved, attend scheduled sessions, and apply what is taught as the dog transitions between training and home life. - **Fully Trained Service Dog:** While training is completed prior to placement, clients must still be committed to learning how to handle, maintain, and reinforce training to ensure long-term success. Service dogs require ongoing work throughout their lifetime. This program is best suited for individuals who are ready to invest the time, effort, and consistency needed to build a reliable working partnership.   Where are the dogs raised and trained? Dinah & the Dogs is intentionally a small, home-based service dog program located in Memphis, TN. Our home has been converted into a dedicated training facility so that the dogs in our program can grow up in a **real home environment rather than a traditional kennel facility.** Service dogs eventually live alongside their handlers, so we believe their upbringing should reflect that. Our dogs experience everyday household routines, noises, visitors, downtime, other animals, and the expectations that come with living in a home while still having a structured environment for professional training. Keeping our program small also allows us to know each dog individually and be closely involved in their development. We get to see how they behave not only during structured training sessions, but during the ordinary moments of everyday life. And on a personal level, we love having our dogs close. They are being raised to become working service dogs, but while they are with us, **they are also part of our home.** What breeders do you work with? We are extremely selective about where our dogs come from. Every breeder we work with is carefully vetted, and we take the time to build trusted relationships with breeders who prioritize health, temperament, structure, and responsible breeding practices. Our program currently places **Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Standard Poodles**. The puppies we select are a significant investment because we seek out well-bred dogs from proven lines. Our breeders complete appropriate genetic and health testing, including OFA evaluations, and their breeding dogs are proven through conformation, performance sports, and other titles. Choosing a puppy with the potential for service work starts long before training begins. Genetics cannot guarantee that a puppy will become a successful service dog, but we believe starting with thoughtfully bred, health-tested dogs from proven lines gives our candidates the strongest possible foundation. We do not choose breeders based on convenience, availability, or price. Every breeder, litter, and individual puppy is carefully considered before we bring a dog into our program. Do you offer payment plans? Yes, we offer structured payment plans to make our programs more accessible. Most programs can be divided into **monthly payments**, with options typically ranging from **6 to 24 months** depending on the program and timeline. All payments are set up through an automated system and are charged on the same date each month. Please note: - A deposit or initial payment may be required to secure your spot - All payment plans must be completed according to the agreed schedule - Services may be paused if payments fall behind - Program fees are non-refundable once training has begun We’re happy to walk through payment options during your consultation and find a structure that works best for you. What happens if a dog doesn't make it through service dog training? Not every dog is ultimately suited for service work, even when they come from carefully selected breeders and receive professional training. If at any point we determine that a dog is no longer appropriate for service work, the dog will be career changed. If a dog is career changed during the estimated training timeline, **the client is only responsible for the training that has been completed up to that point.** The client will not be required to pay for the remaining training that the dog did not complete. Depending on the individual dog and circumstances, the client may have the option to bring the dog home as a pet. The dog may also transition into another role better suited to them, such as therapy work. The breeder will always be notified and, depending on the breeder's contract, may choose to take the dog back and place them with an appropriate pet home. In some cases, Dinah & the Dogs may choose to keep the dog. **A dog that has been career-changed from service work through our program will never be sold or placed with another individual as a service dog.** Our priority is always making the decision that is best for the dog's health, temperament, and overall well-being. What is included in the cost of a service dog/program? The cost of a service dog goes far beyond the training itself. Our program fees reflect the **years of time, professional training, care, and resources** that go into preparing a dog to safely and reliably assist their future handler. Depending on the program, the cost may include the carefully selected dog, professional training, raising and socialization, public access training, individualized task training, veterinary care, food and daily care while the dog is with us, training outings, equipment, evaluations, client education, placement and transition training, and continued support after the dog goes home. Our dogs are also intentionally sourced from reputable, health-focused breeders. We invest significantly in well-bred prospects with appropriate genetic and health testing and proven pedigrees to give each candidate the strongest foundation possible. Ultimately, clients are not simply purchasing a dog. They are investing in the extensive process required to develop a carefully selected prospect into an individually trained service dog and prepare both the dog **and handler** to work successfully as a team for the next decade of their life. ## About Dinah & The Dogs #### Hi, my name is Dinah. #### I’m the owner and lead trainer behind Dinah & The Dogs. I founded this program with one goal in mind: to help disabled individuals build reliable, confident service dog partnerships that create greater independence in everyday life. #### My approach to training goes far beyond obedience and task work. I focus on developing dogs who are confident, clear-headed, adaptable, and prepared for the realities of service work—while teaching handlers how to understand, communicate with, and advocate for their dogs. #### I am currently studying Psychology at the University of Memphis and have been training dogs since 2017. My experience includes service dog training, public access, task development, obedience, behavior modification, confidence-building, and real-world training. #### As a service dog handler myself, I understand that a service dog is more than a well-trained dog. It is a partnership that can fundamentally change the way someone moves through the world. That perspective shapes how I train, how I support our teams, and how Dinah & The Dogs has grown into the service dog program it is today.   [Meet The Team](https://dinahandthedogs.com/about-dinah-the-dogs?hsLang=en) ![10-Jun-07-2026-11-05-56-5374-PM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/10-Jun-07-2026-11-05-56-5374-PM.png?width=1080&height=1080&name=10-Jun-07-2026-11-05-56-5374-PM.png "10-Jun-07-2026-11-05-56-5374-PM") [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570770890144) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/dinah.and.dogs/) --- [![1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM](https://dinahandthedogs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM.png?width=200&height=200&name=1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM.png "1-Aug-14-2024-12-10-38-7426-AM")](http://dinah-the-dog-hubspot-freecmstools.com) Dinah & The Dogs LLC [Training@dinahandthedogs.com](mailto:Training@dinahandthedogs.com) (901)618-4260 Licensed & Insured Copyright © 2026