At Discovery Dogs, we believe each person who desires the support of a trained assistance dog should determine their own level of involvement in the training process. Some participants elect to receive a fully trained dog, while others enter the program with their own pet and receive individualized instruction in their dog's training.

Our goal is to encourage participation in the training process while remaining flexible and aware of each participant's individual needs.

TRAINING

Our training process involves careful assessment of each dog, basic skills, public access training, and the training of individual assistive skills needed by each handler. All training methods are positive and motivational. Behaviors are shaped using operant and classical conditioning. We use an event marker (clicker) to let the dog know the right move has been made and follow the click with a reinforcement (treats or a toy or play) (Clicker Training). Training usually lasts from one to two years. Each participant works one-on-one with an instructor to reach a level of proficiency and skill that will enable the team to pass a certification test.

Dogs can be trained to do a number of tasks including: picking up dropped items, pushing buttons, turning on switches, opening and closing doors, helping with dressing and undressing, alerting to sounds, and many other everyday tasks that may be difficult for a person with a disability.

FEES & AREA SERVED

Discovery Dogs charges a fee for service, which is determined by each participant's level of involvement in the training process. Discovery Dogs works with clients who live within 2 hours of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Scholarships are occasionally available. Participants may choose to secure sponsorships from service groups, family, friends and other organizations to help defray training costs.