Started Service Dog
A Started Service Dog is a young dog that has already completed foundational training and early public access preparation before coming home to you. This option is ideal for handlers who want to skip the intense puppy stage while still being involved in the dog’s development and long-term training journey.
Our Started Dogs are raised in a structured home environment and trained daily with a focus on confidence, neutrality, engagement, and stability. Each dog’s training plan is customized based on the future handler’s needs, lifestyle, and disability-related tasks.
How the Program Works
Step 1 — Application & Consultation
We begin with a consultation to discuss your lifestyle, disability-related needs, goals, and what you are looking for in a future service dog team. Once approved, a deposit is placed to reserve your spot in the program.
Step 2 — Puppy Selection
A puppy is carefully selected from health-tested, temperament-focused lines based on your individual needs and goals.
Step 3 — Raising & Foundation Training
Your puppy is raised and trained in a structured environment where they begin socialization, obedience, confidence-building, public exposure, and early service-dog foundations before transitioning home.
Going Home
Most Started Dogs go home between 7 and 8 months old*, depending on the dog’s development and the handler’s needs.
At go-home, your dog will already have:
- Solid foundational obedience
- Crate and potty training
- Public access foundations
- Basic neutrality skills
- Basic task foundations
- Confidence in a variety of environments
- Household manners and structure
The dog is NOT considered fully trained at this stage. You are required to continue working with Dinah & The Dogs to complete your dog's training. Service Dogs take an average of 2 years to be fully trained.
*Training can be extended beyond the initial program timeline based on your goals and your dog’s progress. Ask about additional training options!
Payment Plans
We understand that obtaining and training a service dog is a significant financial investment. To help make our programs more accessible, we offer flexible payment plan options for all of our service dog programs.
Payment schedules are customized based on the structure and timeline of your selected program. Most clients make payments in installments throughout the course of training rather than one large upfront payment.
Because training timelines vary by dog and program, payment structures may differ between Started Dogs, Hybrid Programs, and Fully Trained Dogs.
Please note:
- A deposit is required to reserve your spot in the program.
- All payment plans must remain current throughout training.
- Final payment must be completed before placement/graduation.
- Additional training, extended stays, or specialized task work may involve additional costs.
We are happy to discuss payment plan options during your consultation to help find a structure that works best for your needs.