Service Dogs That Change Lives
From selecting the right prospect to structured milestone training and ongoing support, our program is designed for sustainable success and meaningful independence.
About Our Service Dog Program
Our Service Dog Program is a structured developmental training pathway that guides you and your dog from early socialization as a puppy through advanced public access, task training, and final team readiness.
This program blends:
- Owner-led raising
- Milestone immersion training months
- Weekly coaching
- Public access proofing
- Task shaping support
Our approach is built for real-world reliability and long-term partnership — not just obedience.
What This Program Includes
Your dog will join you from the start, allowing you to build a deep relationship while receiving guided, evidence-based training.
1. Foundational Puppy Raising
Weekly coaching (in-person and/or virtual) focused on obedience, structured socialization, and handler education to build a strong developmental foundation.
2. Milestone Immersion Month I (5–6 Months)
4-week structured board & train focused on reliability, impulse control, and professional public exposure.
3. Owner Reinforcement Phase
Continued coaching and feedback to maintain progress and prevent regression.
4. Milestone Immersion Month II (12–15 Months)
4-week advanced board & train emphasizing public access proofing, distraction layering, and early task shaping.
5. Task Finalization & Graduation Prep
Refinement of trained tasks, public access standards, and formal readiness evaluation.
6. Ongoing Support
Post-graduation access to group classes, meet-ups, and continued guidance to support long-term team success.
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 — we guide you step-by-step.
What is the process to apply or be considered for receiving a service dog?
To apply for a Service Dog through Dinah & The Dogs, scroll down and fill out the Initial Interest Form. We will contact you to arrange an interview to determine if you're a good fit for our program.
How much does a service dog from you cost?
Service Dog Training Program: $20,000
(This includes all training elements described above — milestone immersions, coaching, evaluations, and ongoing support.)
Please Note:
The cost of the service dog prospect (puppy or adolescent dog) is separate and is paid directly to the breeder of your choice. The price of the dog typically ranges based on breeder and bloodlines, and we help guide you through selecting a responsible source.
To reduce surprises and help with planning, we recommend families consider the total investment — training plus dog — when budgeting for this journey.
We offer flexible payment plans on the training portion, including 12–24 month options.
How Long Does Training Take?
This program is expected to take approximately 1.5–2 years from start to graduation, though every team progresses at their own pace. Our structured training schedule and milestone immersions help keep progress consistent and measurable
Client Expectations & Requirements
To ensure the best outcomes:
- You actively participate in weekly lessons and homework
- You attend milestone immersion pickups & dropoffs
- You complete assigned practice sessions between immersions
- You maintain consistency and follow trainer guidance
Training success depends on teamwork — ours and yours.
Where We Work
While based in Memphis, TN, we work with clients from across the U.S. Weekly sessions may be a mix of:
- In-person training
- Live virtual coaching
- Immersion months on-site
If you’re outside the local area, we’ll walk you through the options for travel, lodging, and session planning.
What breeders do you work with?
Each breeder that we recommend has been heavily vetted, and we have built a relationship of trust with them. Right now we place Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, and Standard Poodles.
Why is the dog cost separate?
Because service dog prospect prices vary by breeder and bloodline, we leave that decision in your hands while supporting you through selection and temperament assessment.
Looking for a Service Dog?
Please fill out the form below if you are interested in a program dog from Dinah & The Dogs. A program service dog is a dog that has been professionally trained through our program to perform specific tasks that help a person with a disability. These dogs are carefully selected, trained to meet high standards of behavior and obedience, and matched with individuals whose needs they can best support. Unlike pet dogs or emotional support animals, service dogs are trained to perform life-changing tasks and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).