Bridging the Gap between Animal Shelters and Human Services
Making A Difference Intern Program
Through the Intern Program, young people can learn what it truly means to care for animals. The training they recieve at our facility can last them a lifetime and even help them as they choose a career in the animal welfare sector. Your Donation to the Intern Program will help a young person get off on the right foot. Help Today!
The SPCA can and does assist in training owned dogs to be Service Dogs on occasion. The ADA specifies that a disabled person may train their own dog, even though most people have no idea where to start and how to successfully train their own dog.
It must be understood that not all dogs can have what it takes to be a Service Dog.
We do not take your dog, train it for you, and hand you back a fully certified Service Dog. Our program assists you to teach your own dog. In other words we teach you to teach your dog.
We understand that if you already have a dog that has been with you for awhile, and that has become a part of your family, that bringing in another dog can be an extra burden. Jealousy issues can make having a working dog, one that now is by your side all the time and that gets the majority of your attention very serious problem for your "old" dog. Too, you have already developed a good bond between you and your dog so in fact, you're already most of the way there! Again, not all dogs have what it takes to be a Service Dog, but with the right training and work, most do. If your dog already has some basic obedience training then making a working team between you and the dog can in most cases happen for you too. What is needed is just more training. Training in advanced skills. The fact that you already have a dog willing to listen and do what you ask is the most important thing.
How does the program work? First,
you need to schedule an appointment with our trainer to test your dog to see if he/she has what it takes to work for you as well as be able to be a Public Access assistant to you. Testing is done at our facility, cost is covered below. Please note that the following dogs cannot make it in the Service Dog community. dogs with issues such as not liking cats, other dogs, or even other animals, those that show any type of aggression to other animals or people, those who show excessive fear of storms, cars or large vehicles, those that show fear or get anxious in crowds, or with loud noises, fireworks, etc, those that do not like children. This is not a complete list by any means, but is meant to give you an idea of the things that may keep your dog from qualifying. During our initial testing of your dog, we will ask you questions that relate to the things above. We understand that you truly want your dog to pass the test, however, being dishonest at this point in answering these questions can easily result in a situation later which can, and very well may, place you and your dog in serious jeopardy physically, financially, and possibly even legally. Please be honest with yourself and with us during the initial testing of your dog. Let's all be sure we are doing the right thing for you and for your dog. Second,
If your dog does not pass the test, we will suggest other options such as, using one of our dogs to be trained to assist you.
If your dog does pass the test, we will develop a training plan for you which will consist of weekly training sessions for both you and your dog. Training sessions are initially held at our facility. As you and your dog advance, sessions will be held in your home and in public access areas.
Training sessions held at the facility are many times group sessions under the supervision of our Training Director and may include other trainers who are themselves being taught how to train.
During home and public access training sessions, as much as possible, you will work with a trainer who shares somewhat the same challenges you do. In this way we can better understand what it is you need and what you need your dog to do for you.
We only train your dog in the tasks you specify as ones needed by you to mitigate your personal disabilities.
Cost for training your dog is "by session" and will be determined by how many sessions are required before the dog can be certified.
We can give you no true basic statement on how long training your dog will take. Training any dog depends on the dog, how much basic training your dog has already had and is proficient in, and on how well you and your dog do your "homework" each week. A dog can be trained to be public access qualified in as little as 3 months although again, this is not guaranteed.
Dogs are trained and certified in accordance with the guidelines set down by the Delta Society and IAADP.
The COSTS INVOLVED:
Testing of your dog to see if it can be trained to work as a Service Dog: $35
Each training session: $30 (for those held at the facility), $35 for those held in your home and in public access areas. A pre-payment equal to ten sessions ($300) is required before we will begin training you and your dog. After the initial 10 weeks, payment is due at each session.
Discount: After the initial 10 weeks, you may, if you wish, pay $100 per month rather than $30 per session for sessions held at the facility, or $120 for in home and public access sessions which saves you $20 per month. Payment is due at the beginning of each month rather than at each session.
Final testing and Certification of your dog once training is complete: $50
Re-Certification (every two years) $35.
Call the office to discuss the possibilities and to schedule a test for your dog. The sooner you make the call and take the test, the sooner you will be on the way to having your dog working for you and assisting you in your everyday chores and errands. 870-453-7249
Note: Colton was donated with the reservation that he go to a Disabled Veteran. Expected "Ready" Date: August 1st, 2010.
We are not qualified to train Seeing Eye (Guide) Dogs
|| Shelter Dogs Now Available for Advanced Training ||
These are dogs that are Basic Trained & waiting to be placed with a disabled individual now.
None at this time Next expected date: August 1st, 2010
|| Recently Placed Dogs: || Fundraisers for Service Dogs are special events held by our organization to assist local disabled individuals to be able to pay for their Service Dog.
Please check the Upcoming Events to know when we will be your area and make it a point to stop by! REGGIE West Plains, Missouri ODIE Huntsville, Arkansas
|| Dogs currently needing a foster home: ||
None at this time.
LOOKING FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE FOR SPECIAL DOGS! Foster Homes are needed for Service Dogs in Training immediately to give them a temporary home and continue with their training until they are matched with a disabled person who needs them.
Please call the shelter if you would be interested in fostering a dog. (870)453-7249
Carrie / J.D. & Beth / Reggie during a training session. Many times one dog can help to teach another.
For more info or to ask any questions you may have, contact Jenny at (870) 453-7249, or e-mail
The SPCA can and does assist in training owned dogs to be Service Dogs on occasion. The ADA specifies that a disabled person may train their own dog, even though most people have no idea where to start and how to successfully train their own dog.
dogs with issues such as not liking cats, other dogs, or even other animals,
