Our Training:
At Patriot Service Dogs, we always follow positive reenforcement methods, but do not have one set training plan. We believe that each dog is an individual has different training needs.
The Process at a Glance:
Puppies are evaluated and handpicked for service dog work from our trusted breeders.
Puppies begin training at eight weeks old.
Dogs are evaluated at six months, 9/10 months, and one year.
If the dog is determined to be a good fit for service dog work, they are put on a track for PTSD/MST work or mobility/retrieval work. Dogs that might do better with a career change are put on different tracks.
Between 14 and 18 months, PSD begins to look for a strong veteran match.
Dogs must pass medical clearances on their eyes, hips, and heart to be matched.
Dogs undergo advanced training with their veteran when they are between 18 months and two years old.
PSD breaks service dog training into three categories:
Skills/Commands
PSD service dogs learn between 65-75 commands during their training. This begins with basics, like “come” and “sit” and becomes more challenging as dogs mature. Our WOOF Prison Program teaches new commands and skills before the dogs practice in the wider world.
Enrichment
Service dogs need to be confident and resilient to do their job. To build these traits, all PSD dogs undergo enrichment training. This can take the form of agility practice, hikes in nature, and more. Enrichment compliments command and public access training.
Public Access
Working in the human world is challenging for a dog, so PSD dogs are exposed to public places from a young age. As dogs grow older, they go to busier and more challenging locations until they are ready to work anywhere. Our volunteer puppy raisers are key to this type of training.
Not all dogs are born to be service dogs:
If a dog is better suited to a different job, Patriot Service Dogs does our best to find alternative placements. We never force a dog to become a service dog.
PSD dogs have gone on to work with search and rescue organizations, US Customs, fire departments, and sheriff departments. More info here.
Where do PSD Recruits Come From?
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Country Goldens
Country Goldens is among PSD’s first and most constant supporters. From our first dog, Libby, to now, we have always had Country Goldens dogs in our program.
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Ironhill Retrievers
Sinco 2021, most of PSD’s Labradors have come from Ironhill Retrievers in Delmar, Iowa. Their sweet, confident dogs have proven to make great service dogs.
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The Service Dog Connection
The Service Dog Connection breeds dogs specifically for service dog work PSD is honored to be trusted with their puppies.
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Whitman's Warrior Project
PSD reserves one training spot for a rescue puppy. This puppy’s training is funded by our Whitman’s Warrior Project. Anyone can support his project by purchasing items from our small business partners.
Commonly asked questions:
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Most PSD recruits are Labrador Retrievers, and a smaller number are Golden Retrievers. PSD has also successfully placed mixed breeds, Bernese Moutain Dogs, and Rottweilers.
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PSD holds one training spot open for a rescue puppy. The puppy is sponsored by Whitman’s Warrior Project. You can learn more about th project, here.
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PSD works with a small number of trusted breeders. See the “Donor FAQ” for more details.
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If a dog does not meet PSD’s requirements for service dog work, we first try to find a suitable career change. For dogs that are best suited as pets, we look for veteran families that do not need a service dog. We call these Battle Buddies. If you are interested in adopting a Battle Buddy or represent an organization that would benefit from a facility dog, you can find more information here.
