Selecting the Right Service Dog
Aligning Handler Needs with Service Dog Traits
Course Summary
In this course, you'll learn how to evaluate and select the perfect service dog breed to align with your unique needs. From understanding the key traits that service dogs must have to match those traits with specific tasks and your lifestyle, you’ll gain valuable insights into institutional training, board and train programs, and owner training options. Additionally, the course will guide you in selecting the best breeds for gluten and allergy detection, identifying developmental milestones, and understanding the legal protections of service dogs under the ADA.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to start your journey in finding a service dog that fits your needs, whether you live in the city or countryside, and whether you're looking for a gluten detection dog or one trained for other specialized tasks. This course is the first step in building a successful partnership with your future service dog.
This course covers
- the difference between service dogs, emotional support animals (ESA), and therapy dogs.
- the legalities and rights or the handler
- service dog registration.
- the cost of training a service dog.
- how to set yourself up for success in training a service dog.
In this course, you will
- understand the different service dog training methods
- understand the service dog training progression
- learn how to match those traits with the handler's needs
- identify the best breeds and optimal age for gluten & allergen detection
This course also includes a course handbook with additional resources including a trainer interview guide that will help you interview service dog trainers. Plus information on dog breeds, standards for service dogs, and legal requirements.
The full series of courses will help you find the right trainer, get the right dog, and begin the process correctly. However, they are not designed to teach you how to train a gluten detection dog on your own. That requires extensive one-on-one training with a gluten detection dog trainer.
Course Curriculum
Kendra Williams
Kendra is a gluten-detection dog handler. She trained her dog, Suki, through Willow Service Dogs under Dawn Scheu. As a blogger and social media content creator, Kendra discovered the hunger for more information regarding training service dogs, specifically gluten-detection dogs. Kendra also hears tragic stories almost weekly from people who tried to train a dog either on their own or through a trainer, and ended up with a sad story of a dog that was completely untrained.
Professionally, she designs education and training programs for corporations. She decided to take her knowledge of training and develop some courses to answer the questions she had prior to training a gluten-detection dog. She also wanted to help others not make the same mistakes she made on her journey.
Because of the lack of information regarding training a service dog, and the expense of training, Kendra decided to partner with her good friend and fellow service dog trainer, Kari Bastyr, to design a series of courses to educate potential handlers on what they need to know prior to making the full commitment of training a service dog.
Kari Bastyr
Education and Credentials
- B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Masters Degree in Animal Behavior and Applied Behavior Analysis
- Gluten Detection Service Dog Trainer, completed an internship with Dawn Scheu of Willow Service Dogs
- Certified by International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist from the Feed Real Institute
- A licensed VSPDT trainer with Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training
- Member of the Animal Behavior Society & the Pet Professional Guild
- Certified Pet Nutrition Specialist, and completed a Masters Class in Canine Nutrition
I am the founder of Wag & Train Dog Behavior & Nutrition and co-founder of Celiac Service Dogs. I am certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist from the Feed Real Institute, a licensed VSPDT dog behavior consultant with Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training, a member of the Animal Behavior Society, a member of the Pet Professional Guild, and a professional member of O.D.O.R Service Dogs. My chocolate Labrador, Birdie, is a gluten detection dog who trained with Willow Service Dogs. I also completed an internship in gluten detection with Dawn Scheu, of Willow Service Dogs. I am a certified Pet Nutrition Specialist, and have completed a Masters Class in Canine Nutrition.
This course is essential for anyone considering getting and/or training a gluten detection service dog. This course provides a wealth of information on the entire process from determining if a gluten detection dog might be right for you, to choosing the right breed and breeder, to embarking on the training process, and everything in between. Kari and Kendra share key insights to help you avoid common mistakes and set you up for success. I feel so much more confident embarking on this journey thanks to this amazing course.
Course Pricing
Selecting the Right Service Dog
$29 USD
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Learn how to evaluate the right service dog breed and align with your unique needs.
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- Understand the different service dog training methods
- Understand the service dog training progression
- Learn how to match traits with the handler's needs
- Identify the best breeds and the right age for gluten & allergen detection
- Video Instruction plus course handbook and links to valuable resources
- This course is designed to use with a gluten detection trainer
