Our Services
Our Service Dogs
We provide custom trained service dogs for disabled veterans and first responders at no cost.
Dogs receive around 300 hours of training before being matched up with the veteran/first responder. They learn basic obedience commands (sit, down, stay/wait/hold, come, heel/pace/let’s go), service dog commands (under, go pee, close, follow, focus) mobility assistance commands (brace, lean, touch), PTSD commands (get my six, night terror mitigation, pressure therapy, alert, block) and many more. Once the match has been made, any additional commands needed by the veteran/first responder will be taught to the dog.
Training with the veteran/first responder begins with creating a bond. We have all the appropriate dogs meet-and-greet with the person and allow the dog to pick the person. Much of the early training consists of spending time together to make/strengthen the human-dog bond. Group training occurs in large areas, then one-on-one training smooths out the rough spots. Eventually, the pair do “field trips”, where they practice together without the immediate supervision of the trainer, then return, and debrief. As the pair become comfortable with each other, the dog will do several overnights at the veteran/first responder’s home, and finally reside with the veteran/first responder. Training continues until the pair pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban (Public Access Test). At that point, their training is complete and the dog is formally presented to the veteran/first responder.
Recertification occurs annually after that.
Owner-Trained Service Dogs
We provide individualized training classes to owner-trained service dogs of veterans and first responders at no cost.
After an initial handler/dog evaluation, we work with the veteran/first responder to create an individual training plan. The training sessions are supported by phone/video check-ins until the next phase of training is needed. There is no standard timetable as both humans and canines learn at their own pace. This continues until all training goals have been met and the pair are able to pass the AKC CGC Urban certification (Public Access Test). Recertification occurs annually after that.
Maintenance Training
We provide maintenance training, free of charge, to all of our service dogs
Occasionally, a dog may need a refresher on a certain aspect of their training…or,
circumstances may change with the veteran/first responder requiring additional training
tasks. Maintenance training affords the dog any additional or remedial training necessary
to allow them to perform their job. This may occur remotely or in-person.
Family Integration Program
We teach veterans/first responders, and their families, how to establish their needs;
building a stronger and healthier relationship.
The veteran/first responder is not the only family member affected by the disability; the family is an integral part of the environment, and as such, are included in the training program as well. Integration of the family is necessary for a normal functioning life. We work with immediate family members, as well as any other people that affect the veteran/first responder (coworkers/management at jobs, physical therapists, etc.) to teach them the correct ways to interact with the dog, when to provide support, and when to allow the pair space.
Community Outreach Education
Our program educates people about service dogs, their ability to mitigate disabilities, and the impact they have on our veterans/first responders.
We are currently working with a local CTE charter high school that has a Veterinary Assisting Academy. The students are learning veterinary skills as well as training and grooming dogs. One of our trainers teaches there and brings the dogs in for “hands-on training” with the students.
Education Program
Presented at schools, civic organizations, churches, businesses, and government agencies.
Educating the community about our program, and service dogs in general, fosters good-will. This in turn allows us to help more veterans/first responders, and allows people within the community a chance to volunteer with us. We support many veteran programs and cohort with them to benefit both organizations.
If you or your group is interested in having our team come to your event or meeting, please email us at info@captainscaninesforheroes.org or call 561-374-1142. There is no charge for the education program; however, we do gratefully accept donations of any size.
